BMW has launched their new 3 Series saloon, the latest version of one of the most decorated saloon cars of all time. The 3 Series is the benchmark of the market. It’s the go-to; the solid choice. Undeniably appealing to look at and unequivocally delightful to own, and now in its seventh generation.
The 2019 model has gone on sale with prices starting from £32,445 and prospective buyers can now build and configure their own models with the new configuration tool on the official BMW website.
So, what spec’s should you look for? Well, as for all BMWs we would always recommend the M Sport trim level, which comes with improved suspension, LED foglights, improved aerodynamics, aluminium interior trim, big shiny alloys, improved seats and a much-improved steering wheel. For the case of the new 3 series though we would recommend going one further and looking at the M Sport Plus package
The M Sport plus package is a £2,200 optional extra and it includes privacy glass for the rear windows, adaptive sports suspension, 19” premium alloys, a rear spoiler, M Sport brakes, M sport seatbelts and ‘Shadowline’ exterior accents which turn the car into a real head turner. This is by far the most aggressive looking non-M powered 3 Series of all time and it looks the business.
The BMW 318d is the most economical of the bunch. This is a diesel unit with 150 horsepower, which isn’t an awful lot but is enough for motorway driving, which is where it should return upward of 56 mpg when driven carefully. Realistically though, it’s difficult to steer diesel buyers away from the 330d model which returns up to 47mpg while also offering a bucket load more performance. It takes just 5.5 seconds for the 330d to get up to 60 mph, which is only half a second slower than it would take a full-blooded M3 from 10 years ago.
Petrol-buyers are best looking at the 320i for low running costs, it’s the most affordable model of the 3 Series and it’s still reasonably frugal for a petrol car, returning up to 42 mpg under real-world driving. It’s not got heart-racing performance, with 184 horsepower on tap, but it certainly has plenty of poke. Of course, the 330i petrol model is where you get some real power. This engine pushes out a nice 260 horsepower which will get you to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, and it doesn't compromise too much on fuel. The 330i can achieve up to 41.5 mpg when driven sensibly.
Configure the 3 Series of your dreams on the configurator above. Then, if you’re seriously considering getting yourself into a brand new model, don’t hesitate to book a test drive.