BMW is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the three Sequence this 12 months, so we at BMWBLOG are delving into the mannequin’s storied historical past and its contribution to the automaker’s success. We’ve already regarded on the previous generations—from the E21 to the F30. The E30 (second era) and the E46 (fourth era) stay the lovers’ favorites, however the E90 and the F30 made nice strides in the direction of digitalization, sustainability and luxurious.
That mentioned, right now we’ll assessment the present-generation 3 Sequence, designated the G20. The latter has been in manufacturing since 2019 and is on the market in sedan (together with long-wheelbase) and property physique kinds. Just like its predecessor, the coupe and convertible fashions are marketed underneath the 4 Sequence nameplate (G22).
Fixing the F30’s Defects
Keep in mind that essentially the most vital change with the F30 was the elevated emphasis on luxurious, with extra subtle interiors, better personalization choices and mechanical enhancements equivalent to journey refinement. Nonetheless, some BMW followers argued that these ‘upgrades’ diluted the three Sequence’ efficiency DNA.
Evidently, the Bavarian automaker addressed these considerations with the G20. Based mostly on the CLAR structure, the seventh-generation 3 Sequence’ chassis is extra dynamic than its predecessor. In the meantime, the steering response, suspension, and powertrain have additionally been revised for better responsiveness. In truth, some say the G20’s fun-to-drive issue is corresponding to earlier 3 Sequence generations such because the E46.
After all, the F30 was not at all an unappealing automotive—in any case, it achieved 2.6 million gross sales. As but, its softer dealing with did harm BMW’s model fairness, particularly contemplating the advances made by the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the arrival of recent rivals just like the Alfa Romeo Giulia (which received the 2018 MotorTrend Automotive of the 12 months award).
Efficiency Specs
Shifting on to specs, in the US, the G20 is obtainable in two variants—the 330i and the M340i. The 330i produces 255 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds, which is greater than sufficient for day by day driving. However, the M340i generates 386 horsepower and might speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
For these wanting much more efficiency, there may be the M3 (G80), which is on the market with all-wheel drive for the primary time. Whereas the bottom M3 produces 473 horsepower, the M3 Competitors xDrive has an output of 523 horsepower and achieves a 0 to 60 mph time of simply 3.4 seconds. For reference, these figures are corresponding to the Porsche 911 Carrera S, which produces 473 horsepower and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.
Concerning pricing, the 330i begins at $45,950, the M340i at $60,200, and the M3 at $76,700. Notably, a well-equipped M3 Competitors xDrive with the Carbon Bundle prices over $100,000, though that’s nonetheless lower than the 911 Carrera ($120,100) or the 911 Carrera S ($146,400).
Electrification and Tech
In abroad markets, the G20 can also be obtainable in plug-in hybrid and all-electric configurations. The latter, badged the i3 and supposed solely for the Chinese language market, contains a 70 kWh battery that gives 282 horsepower and 327 miles of vary.
In case you’re questioning, for American consumers, BMW has the i4 on this phase. Priced at $57,900, it was the highest-ranked premium automotive in J.D. Energy’s Electrical Car Expertise (EVX) Possession Examine and in addition BMW’s best-selling M mannequin (i4 M50).
Moreover, the G20 can also be geared up with superior tech options, together with iDrive 8.5, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, clever private assistant, head-up show, and varied driver help techniques.
Finest in Class?
So in conclusion, the G20 supplies a superb mix of consolation, efficiency, digitization and effectivity, and regardless of rising competitors, it stays the category chief. Plus, additional enhancements in tech and electrification can be made with the eighth-generation G50/Neue Klasse-based i3 sedan subsequent 12 months.
