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 appeared on the previous generations—from the E21 to the F30. The E30 (second era) and the E46 (fourth era) stay the fanatics’ favorites, however the E90 and the F30 made nice strides in direction of digitalization, sustainability and luxurious.
That stated, as we speak we’ll evaluate 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 kinds. Much like its predecessor, the coupe and convertible fashions are marketed underneath the 4 Collection nameplate (G22).
Fixing the F30’s Defects
Keep in mind that essentially the most vital change with the F30 was the elevated emphasis on luxurious, with extra refined interiors, higher personalization choices and mechanical enhancements resembling journey refinement. Nonetheless, some BMW followers argued that these ‘upgrades’ diluted the three Collection’ efficiency DNA.
For sure, the Bavarian automaker addressed these issues with the G20. Primarily based 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 higher responsiveness. In actual fact, some say the G20’s fun-to-drive issue is corresponding to earlier 3 Collection generations such because the E46.
In fact, the F30 was certainly not an unappealing automotive—in any case, it achieved 2.6 million gross sales. As but, its softer dealing with did damage BMW’s model fairness, particularly contemplating the advances made by the Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the arrival of latest opponents just like the Alfa Romeo Giulia (which received the 2018 MotorTrend Automotive of the 12 months award).
Efficiency Specs
Shifting on to specs, in the USA, 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 enough for each day driving. Alternatively, the M340i generates 386 horsepower and may 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 corresponding 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 Bundle 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 be obtainable in plug-in hybrid and all-electric configurations. The latter, badged the i3 and supposed completely for the Chinese language market, encompasses a 70 kWh battery that gives 282 horsepower and 327 miles of vary.
In case you’re questioning, for American consumers, BMW has the i4 on this phase. Priced at $57,900, it was the highest-ranked premium automotive in J.D. Energy’s Electrical Car Expertise (EVX) Possession Research and likewise BMW’s best-selling M mannequin (i4 M50).
Moreover, the G20 can 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 techniques.
Finest in Class?
So in conclusion, the G20 offers a superb mix of consolation, efficiency, digitization and effectivity, and regardless of rising competitors, it stays the category chief. Plus, additional enhancements in tech and electrification might be made with the eighth-generation G50/Neue Klasse-based i3 sedan subsequent yr.
