BMW 3 Series 2019 pricing and spec confirmed

BMW Australia has detailed the launch line-up of its crucial new-generation 3 Series mid-sizer that will land in local showrooms in March priced at $67,900 before on-road costs for the oil-burning 320d and $70,900 for the petrol-powered 330i.

Available only in sedan form for now, pricing for the 320d moves up $2100 compared with its predecessor, while the cost of the 330i remains static.

Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, the entry-level 320d produces 140kW of power at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque from 1750-2500rpm.

Sending drive to the rear wheels via an eight-speed sports automatic transmission, the 320d will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds, while fuel economy is pegged at 4.5 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions at 119g/km.

Meanwhile, the 330i – which also sends drive to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic – will hit the landmark triple digit speed in 5.8 seconds thanks to its 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four.

Outputting 5kW/50Nm more than before, peak power in the 330i is available from 5000-6000rpm, while maximum torque is on tap from 1550-4400rpm.

Fuel economy in the petrol-powered 3 Series is rated at 6.4L/100km, while CO2 emissions are 147g/km.

Engines won’t be the only choice for prospective customers, though, as buyers will also be able to specify either the 'M Sport Package' or 'Luxury Line Package' at no cost.

The former bundles darkened window frames, a sports bodykit, an Anthracite headliner, an M leather steering wheel and interior trims finished in 'Aluminium Tetragon', while the latter includes fine-wood and high-gloss ‘ash grey’ wood interior finishers, a sports steering wheel, and front sports seats.

As standard, the 320d is fitted with M Sport suspension, 18-inch wheels and seats that are finished in Alcantara and Sensatec (leatherette).

Options on the new 3 Series include the M Sport Plus Package, Visibility Package, and Comfort Package.

All 3 Series variants are also equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, the brand’s latest multimedia system displayed on a 10.25-inch touchscreen and the 'BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant' that can be voice activated by the customisable phrase ‘Hey BMW’.

A head-up display is also fitted as standard, which features a 70 percent larger projection area compared with the outgoing 3 Series.

The new 3 Series also benefits from advanced safety systems such as lane departure warning, front collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, speed limit information, reversing camera and adaptive LED headlights.

Meanwhile, the 330i gains Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport brakes with four-piston front and single-piston rear blue calipers, 19-inch wheels, leather seats available in five colours, front cross-traffic alert and steering and lane control assist.

Options on the new-generation 3 Series include the M Sport Plus Package ($2990 on the 320d, $2600 on 330i), Visibility Package ($5070) and Comfort Package ($2600 on 320d and $1820 on 330i).

The top-spec 330i also features an M Sport limited-slip differential as an option.

As previously reported, the new seventh-generation 3 Series is larger in all dimensions than the outgoing model, measuring 4709mm long (+76mm), 1827mm wide (+16mm) and 1442mm tall (+1mm) with a 2851mm wheelbase (+41mm).

However, BMW has targeted driver engagement with a perfect 50/50 weight distribution and up to 55kg less overall weight.

Other changes in the move to a new-generation model include a wider front and rear track, 20 percent stiffer spring rates and 10mm-lower ride height.

BMW is expected to bolster its 3 Series range with more engines, grades and body styles including a flagship M3 down the line, but the next variant on offer will be the all-wheel drive M340i M Performance available later this year.

Will the new BMW 3 Series still be the benchmark for the sporty, premium sedan? Tell us what you think in the comments below.