BMW is celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the three Collection this yr, 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 technology) and the E46 (fourth technology) stay the fans’ favorites, however the E90 and the F30 made nice strides in direction of digitalization, sustainability and luxurious.
That stated, at the moment we’ll overview the present-generation 3 Collection, designated the G20. The latter has been in manufacturing since 2019 and is obtainable in sedan (together with long-wheelbase) and property physique types. Much like its predecessor, the coupe and convertible fashions are marketed beneath the 4 Collection nameplate (G22).
Fixing the F30’s Defects
Do not forget that probably the most important change with the F30 was the elevated emphasis on luxurious, with extra refined interiors, better personalization choices and mechanical enhancements equivalent to experience refinement. Nevertheless, some BMW followers argued that these ‘upgrades’ diluted the three Collection’ efficiency DNA.
For sure, the Bavarian automaker addressed these considerations with the G20. Based mostly on the CLAR structure, the seventh-generation 3 Collection’ chassis is extra dynamic than its predecessor. In the meantime, the steering response, suspension, and powertrain have additionally been revised for better responsiveness. Actually, some say the G20’s fun-to-drive issue is similar to earlier 3 Collection generations such because the E46.
In fact, the F30 was in no way an unappealing automobile—in spite of everything, 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 opponents just like the Alfa Romeo Giulia (which gained the 2018 MotorTrend Automobile of the Yr award).
Efficiency Specs
Transferring 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 ample for each 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 obtainable 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 similar 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 Package deal 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 meant completely for the Chinese language market, includes a 70 kWh battery that gives 282 horsepower and 327 miles of vary.
In case you’re questioning, for American patrons, BMW has the i4 on this phase. Priced at $57,900, it was the highest-ranked premium automobile in J.D. Energy’s Electrical Car Expertise (EVX) Possession Research 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 methods.
Finest in Class?
So in conclusion, the G20 supplies a wonderful mix of consolation, efficiency, digitization and effectivity, and regardless of rising competitors, it stays the category chief. Plus, additional enhancements in tech and electrification will likely be made with the eighth-generation G50/Neue Klasse-based i3 sedan subsequent yr.
