New BMW 3 Series REVEALED – it’s a bigger, lighter new 3 Series

The new BMW 3 Series is revealed in Paris as BMW update their best-selling car with a new platform, more technology and less weight.

In a world of SUVs and Crossovers there’s still a healthy appetite for a premium compact saloon, and none more so than the BMW 3 Series. So a new 3 Series is a big deal – for BMW and its competitors.

The success of the BMW 3 Series explains why BMW has made sure this new 3 Series – revealed today at the Paris Motor Show – still looks like a BMW 3 Series, just a 3 Series after a decent workout, a bit of cosmetic surgery and a good diet.

Belying its familiar looks, the new 3 Series sits on the same new CLAR platform as the 5 Series, gets a bit longer and a bit wider – despite which it’s lighter too – has more space in the boot, wider track front and back, stiffer suspension and a more rigid body.

Inside is a simpler, better looking offering with buttons round the centre screen and by the gear stick, with BMW’s latest iDrive paired to a 12.3″ digital dash, operated by the iDrive wheel, voice or gesture.

At launch there is just a single petrol engine on offer, with the 330i getting a 2.0 litre with 255bhp, eight-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive – good for a 5.8 second 0-62mph and, officially, 48.7mpg.

There are effectively two diesel options, with the 320d getting a 187bhp 2.0 litre with six-speed manual and RWD – with 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and 67.3mpg – and the 320d xDrive adding 4WD and an eight-speed automatic.

Following on from what is just a single petrol and diesel option, the new 3 Series will also get a six-cylinder 330d option with 263bhp, and a 330e plug-in hybrid. That will be followed by performance M40i and M40d models and, in a couple of years, a new M3.

UK buyers will be able to buy a new BMW 3 Series in SE, Sport and M Sport trim, with price starting from £33,600 for the diesel and £37,660 for the 330i. Sales start in March 2019.

New BMW 3 Series Photo Gallery