For decades, the BMW 3-series has been regarded as the automotive world’s benchmark for mid-size car drivability. The latest model version goes by the model name G20. Sales and success expectations for this new model are high.

The history of the BMW 3 Series goes back to the mid-1970s. Even then, the two-door, four-cylinder E21 model appealed in particular to the younger generation. The first body model was also available with BMW’s distinctive straight-top hatchback.

“The joy of driving”

the 3 Series is BMW’s best-selling model and therefore one of BMW’s most important models. It is immediately apparent from the car that a great deal of attention and effort has been paid to drivability. The driving dynamics have been tuned to be much more responsive than in the previous model.

In terms of dimensions, the new model has grown by just under 10 centimetres in length and a few centimetres in width compared to the previous model. Stability has been increased by a longer wheelbase. The difference in driving dynamics has been deliberately kept well apart from the larger comfort-oriented 5 Series.

When driving, the car is very precise in its movements, and the steering can be considered one of the most precise in the BMW range. The very precise steering is perfectly suited to the character of the car, and combined with the adaptive M Sport chassis selected from the options list, the car feels like a sporty saloon should.

The chassis is snappy, and in quieter city driving even a touch too surface-harsh. But speed makes up for it – the chassis feels excellent at higher speeds, both on the highway and on poorer minor roads. The tyres chosen for the test drive were 19″, 225/40 in the front and 255/35 in the rear.

The excellent driving experience is crowned by the “mandatory accessory”, the leather M steering wheel, which is by far one of the best on the market in terms of feel.

The interior is well-designed, while the materials have been compromised

The interior design of the new 3 Series is excellent. There are cutting lines and shapes in many directions, but it’s not noticeable when looking at the whole. The lines are clear and the controls are logically arranged with ergonomics at the forefront.

The control knobs for the air conditioning system could be a little more user-friendly. The slippery metal two-way buttons are difficult to use due to their small size. The previous model’s rotary control would have been a much more ergonomic choice.

The small steering wheel control knobs are also awkward to use with larger fingers, not to mention when wearing thick winter gloves.

the iDrive media system display has been brought to the same height as the instrument panel, and there’s a storage compartment for loose items in front of the gear stick. Otherwise, the controls are familiar from the previous model, only the layout has changed.

There are certain points in the cockpit where it feels a little plastic. The opening hatches sometimes need to be pressed several times before opening and the materials used for the buttons could be improved. It’s not a major problem, but this has not been a BMW characteristic.

There are clear differences in the quality of materials between the models, and the difference is quite marked when you jump straight from the 5-series to the 3-series. This is certainly also a conscious decision by BMW to keep the two best-selling models clearly separated in terms of drivability, including materials.

Angular design

The exterior styling of the new 3 Series has really been given a big facelift, or at least a leap forward. The first glance at the new model makes you wonder if it’s even the same body style. The proportions of the car’s side profile have remained close to each other, otherwise it’s hard to find any similarities with the previous model.

The headlamps have undergone a major change, and are lined both front and rear. The traditional BMW headlamp’s rounded design has been given a new, more streamlined direction.

In the new BMW models, the front grille air intakes have a growing trend in size. As with the interior, the exterior design of the new 3 Series features sharp bumps on the body exterior, the latest in BMW’s design language.

The exterior takes a little digesting at first, with the changes in previous models being more restrained. The new styling direction will certainly be reflected in future models, the first of which will be the new 1 Series, which has just been unveiled.

Also available as a plug-in hybrid

In addition to petrol and diesel engines, the car is now also available as a plug-in hybrid. The 330e model offers a total of 292 horsepower from a two-litre displacement petrol engine and an electric motor producing just over 100 horsepower.

Even after paying just under €1,700 in road tax, the starting price of the 330e rises to over €53,000.

The new 3-series is available at the lowest price of just under €40,000, with the 320i A Business with a two-litre 184 hp engine and automatic transmission.

The M340i A xDrive, with 374 hp and a direct injection, is currently at the top of the range. Motorsport power versions of the M3 and M4 are expected to be launched as early as next year.

BMW 320dA xDrive Sedan Business M Sport

Engine: 1995 cm³, 4-cylinder
Peak power: 140 kW, 190 hp @ 4000-4000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 400 Nm. @ 1750-2500 rpm.
Acceleration: 6.9 sec (0-100 km/h)
Curb weight: 1615 kg.
Traction: four-wheel drive
Cargo space: 480 l.
Combined consumption: 5.7-6.0 l/100km.
CO2 emissions: 148-157 g/km.
Starting price: €39,383 (320i A Business), test drive €74,777.