Is Being Iconic Enough?
BMW's 8th generation 3 Series looks competitive but doesn't bring much new to the compact sport-sedan arena...
With the all-electric i3 out, it's time for BMW to follow with the vehicle that many enthusiasts have really been waiting for: the internal-combustion-powered 3 Series. As promised, the new 3 is visually quite similar to the i3 (not unlike the strategy Mercedes is pursuing with their larger EVs and their ICE counterparts). If you look closely, you'll spot the more wheels-in-the-corner proportions and flatter beltline of the i3, and more traditional long dash-to-axle of the 3 Series.
The interiors are equally similar, with the 3 getting the Panoramic iDrive (but not the i3's unique vertically-spoked steering wheel). You probably won't spot the slightly smaller trunk and 900 pounds of extra weight on the i3, but they're there.
The new 3 launches with two mild hybrid gasoline engines: the 3.0-liter, 437hp turbo L6 M350 and 2.0-liter, 208hp turbo L4 320. Diesels, plug-in hybrids, and a true gasoline-powered M3 will follow next year, along with a Touring model for you wagon enthusiasts.
The updated CLAR platform adds a new Drift Moment, which sends power only to the rear-wheels on AWD models and is "designed to extract maximum pleasure from sliding sideways through corners.". It also picks up the Level 2 Symbiotic Drive automated driving system introduced on the iX3.
It's been eight years since the previous 3 Series launched (about three lifecycles for a Chinese automaker), and the new 3 is now facing a more competitive market. Is it new enough (and good enough) to retain its leadership position? It's definitely going to be a challenge...
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