BMW Reveals the All-New 3 Series

We have finally seen the 2019 BMW 3 Series, which launches the seventh generation of the iconic car. It wears the updated design language we’ve seen with other new Bimmers, making it appear to be more athletic and less bloated.

First, BMW dumped manual transmission for the 3 Series altogether for North America. Mistake? Absolutely. Instead, everyone here must use an 8-speed automatic. We have yet to learn if the new M3, which comes out in a year or so, will also ditch the stick. At least the automatic has a GPS feature that helps optimize shifting for different roads.

For this market, the 330i and M340i will be the two available models. They will use a 255-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four-banger and a straight-six with 382 horsepower, respectively. Launch control comes standard on both.

BMW promises quicker acceleration, tighter handling, and a more performance-oriented experience with the new 3 Series. Considering how blunted the car enthusiasts used to love has become, hopefully that’s all true. But, you should know the new 3 Series is 2.9 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.5 inches taller. Even the wheelbase grew by 1.6 inches. Sure, that’s more interior space, but the 3 Series keeps ballooning in size with each passing generation.

Tech has improved for the 3 Series. BMW’s updated xDrive system is supposed to be lighter, more efficient, and prevent understeer/oversteer better than ever. More driver assistance systems, an upgraded head-up display, voice-activated AI, and near-field communication key for your smartphone are all new additions.