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The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan made its debut at the 2018 Paris motor show, we look at what the G20 model packs in terms of engines, technology and design.
Expect to see the new model in South Africa in March 2019.
The automaker says the new model sees builds above all on the sporting tradition of the best-selling car. New powertrain technology and a body and chassis design geared squarely to maximising agility and dynamics create an ideal platform for an enthralling driving experience.
And yes, the new 3 will have 50:50 weight distribution.
The new 3 Series Sedan comes as standard with a newly developed lift-related damper control system, which plays a significant role in giving the car its successful blend of sporting prowess and ride comfort. Options include an M Sport differential with electronically controlled locking function in the rear differential.
Engines
New powertrain technology with higher output, greater pulling power and optimised efficiency. Six engine variants available from launch: Four-cylinder petrol models, four-cylinder diesels, plus six-cylinder diesel unit – with outputs ranging from 110kW to 195kW.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine in the 320d produces 141kW and 400Nm. BMW claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 240km/h.
The top of the range 330i uses a 3.0-litre turbocharged powertrain producing 195kW and 400Nm, it eclipses the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds and is limited to 250km/h.
Over the course of the year, an ultra-sporty M Performance version and an extremely efficient model with plug-in hybrid drive system will be added to the range.
Local models are yet to be confirmed.
Chassis
A range of chassis options has been expanded to give extra sporting ability says BMW: M Sport suspension with lowered ride height, Adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, M Sport brakes, electronically controlled M Sport differential for fully-variable locking effect in the rear differential.
Image: Newspress
More space
The firms smallest sedan has more shoulder and elbow room in the front seats, rearward visibility has been significantly improved, rear compartment easier to get into and offering greater legroom, boot capacity of 480 litres with better usability than the predecessor model. In the rear, you'll find folding rear seat backrests which can split 40 : 20 : 40.
The most connected 3 Series yet
Other features of the car that highlight its innovative character are the operating system 7.0 and the Intelligent Personal Assistant. Presented here for the first time, the Intelligent Personal Assistant responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The driver and passengers can speak with “him”, he is capable of learning and he gets better at his job all the time.
The Intelligent Personal Assistant opens up a whole new avenue of interaction between the driver and car. It is a digital vehicle expert, knows the most important functions of the car and can explain them; if the driver wants to access navigation, office or entertainment functions, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is there to help.
One unique feature over other digital assistants is that drivers can give him a name, so they can activate him by saying “Hey Charlie”, for example, and therefore give him an even more defined personality. The Intelligent Personal Assistant awaits the driver’s every command and is always there to assist them.
Image: Newspress
