3 To The Fore

BMW’s best-selling junior executive sedan is classier, more advanced, and more importantly, an even better drive.

- Lionel Seah

THE 3 Series is BMW’s bestselling model, with over 15.5 million units sold since the model was launched in 1975.

You could say it’s the iconic brand ambassador for the Bavarian automaker’s mantra as the “Ultimate Driving Machine”.

But these days, is being a good drive good enough?

Recently, the 3 Series’ rivals in the junior executive segment have been gaining ground.

For example, the MercedesBenz C-Class is like a posh little S-Class, Audi’s A4 offers the feel of the larger A6 at an attractive price point, and Jaguar’s XE has established a new benchmark for ride-handling finesse.

Against such competitors, can the 3 Series still retain its crown?

BMW didn’t want to mess too much with a winning formula. Not surprisingly, the latest G20 3 Series’ styling is more evolutionary than revolutionary.

The car has grown bigger. Its overall length of 4709mm is 76mm longer than before.

Its wider front and rear tracks also give it a more planted stance. The M Sport variant I drove, with pronounced front bumper intakes, rear apron vents and blue M brake callipers, all add to the 3 Series’ athletic looks.

Viewed from the front, BMW’s signature twin-kidney grille is more prominent, and now has active air-flaps and a single-frame design, similar to the grilles on the latest X5 and 8 Series models.

The full-LED headlamps, with lower-edge styling curvatures, pay homage to the fourth-generation 3 Series.

For better driving dynamics, the G20’s front and rear tracks are wider (by 58mm and 32mm respectively).

The 2851mm wheelbase, which is 41mm longer than its predecessor’s, helps improve stability, too.

However, despite the car’s larger size and lengthier wheelbase, the interior has not grown noticeably more spacious.