Thursday, February 14, 2019

New BMW 3 Series Teased Before The Big Debut

Can BMW reclaim the crown in the competitive sports sedan segment? We’ll find out next week.

We’re now less than a week away from the world debut of one of BMW’s most important upcoming models: the new G20-generation 3 Series. The Bavarian automaker has officially confirmed the next generation version of its sports sedan will break cover next week at the Paris Motor Show 9.00 am CET on Tuesday, 2 October.

Ahead of its world debut, BMW has released some obligatory teaser images giving us a glimpse at some of the 3 Series’ design details. One noticeable change shown in the photos can be found at the rear, as the signature Hofmeister kink on the C-pillar has a more angular design that may not please BMW purists.

At the front, we get to see the car’s wheel, front fender, and some sections of the side and front fascia. Judging from the M badges, black window trim and M Sport brakes, the car shown in the photos appears to be the BMW M340i, which will act as the range-topping 3 Series until the new M3 arrives next year.

Sources suggest the M340i will use a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder delivering around 360 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. Both rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission should come as standard, while BMW’s xDrive AWD system is likely to be optional. What hasn’t been confirmed yet is whether or not the M340i will come with a manual transmission.

Despite being larger than its predecessor, the next-generation 3 Series will be 121-pounds lighter thanks to BMW’s CLAR architecture, which uses aluminium, magnesium and high-strength steel. The new BMW 3 Series will need to be something special to stand out from its rivals like the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Audi A4.

We’ll find out next week if BMW can reclaim the crown in the competitive sports sedan segment.

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