2020 BMW 3 Series

The engine has been redesigned and now the turbocharged cylinder puts out 255 mated to 8-speed automatic transmission. The 3 series sedan has dominated the segment because it is balanced in terms of driving refinement, engagement, luxury, and style.

Competition is healthy, it breeds diversity. Rivals started to exploit the balanced approach of the 3 series and outdid in one particular area. The Mercedes-Benz became the most luxurious from the inside, Audi has class leading technology and the Jaguar XE is now better to drive.

The redesigned 330i sedan starts at $40,250 and comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged engine, 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, a moon roof, an 8.8-inch infotainment display, and 10 speakers. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available for $2,000.

Standard features across the 330i lineup includes Sensatec upholstery (which is BMW's synthetic leather), power-adjustable front seats, HD Radio, ambient lighting, LED headlights, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror and driver's side exterior mirror.

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The standard 330i hits the sweet spot as it comes loaded with all the features you will require. You can add the high performance track package which adds variable sport steering and M-Sport brakes. The all-wheel-drive variant also has lower fuel economy rating. The Driving Assistance Package is a notable available extra and includes frontal collision and pedestrian warning, lane departure warning and automated braking systems.

The new 3 series gets an improved variant of the previous 2.0 liter turbocharged engine and it puts out 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Every iteration of the 3 series is mated to 8-speed automatic transmission. The 6-speed manual is no more available for 2020. There is ample amount of torque in between 1,550 to 4,400 rpm and the 330i moves eagerly towards redline.

The ZF sourced automatic transmission shifts smoothly and makes most of the powertrain.

The BME 330i and the Jaguar XE closely matches in terms of power output but the bimmer is faster. The Audi A3 produces the lowest amount of horses while the Merc takes the second spot.

Acceleration

The turbocharged engine can get you from 0 to 62 mph in 5.8 seconds and topping out at 130 mph. The quarter mile flag is decimated in under 15 seconds which is above average performance for this segment.

Competitors like the 2020 Mercedes Benz C Class and the 2018 Jaguar XE take 6.1. Seconds and 6.3 seconds respectively to reach 60 mph.The BMW 330 I is the fastest among the lot and the Audi A3 also stays behind it.

Ride and Handling

The redesigned 3 series benefits significantly from the enhanced powertrain, extensive refinements to its premium ambience and trailblazing driver assistance, control & operation and connectivity technology. The upgraded chassis and new damper technology helps in sharper driving dynamics. These changes help you to reduce body control without increase in the ride harshness. Low center of gravity and 50:50 weight distribution helps you attain best level of handing.

BMW has given a center stage for driving dynamics and it features a Macpherson strut in the front and multilink in the rear but there are now novel dampers with integrated hydraulic bump stops as standard on all 3 Series. The CLAR platform is in now 120 lighter and more rigid over the previous-generation model. Four drive modes come standard: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+. The steering is more responsive and handling is livelier.

Braking

The BMW 3 series sedan is equipped with 12.3 inch disk in the front and 11.8 inches disk in the rear. Pedal travel is large and the braking performance is up to the mark. The brakes doesn't fade after repetitive use and it comes to standstill in a respective 123 feet's. BMW's optional M sport brakes are good upgrade for few more dollars.

The only car in this segment with a better braking is the 2020 Audi A3 which takes 105 ft before coming to a stop from 60mph, extremely good figures regardless of price or segment. Mercedes disappoints with below average performance.

The BMW 3 series sedan is able to return 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway with the RWD variant. The All-wheel-drive 330ixDrive returns 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. These are above average ratings for this segment.

The 3 series is similar to the Jaguar XE and CLA 250 in terms of fuel economy which returns 28 mpg combined. Audi surprises here, with best efficiency figures because of lower power output.

Like the exterior, the cabin has been revamped with great emphasis on driver focused controls and refined ambience. The high-quality material used and elegant surfaces conveys dynamism and exclusivity. Newly designed sports leather sets inspired from the M model are supportive and provide all-day comfort. There is a significant increase in comfort because of the elongated length. The rear seats have more room to stretch out than before, and even tall passengers can sit there without feeling cramped. Moon roof is also wider compared to the variant.

Mercedes C-class gives the 3-series a run for its money in this category. Both cars are closely matched, and occupantsof both will appreciate the space inside. Jaguar and Audi aren't far behind though, and front seats offer plenty of space in both.

Interior Features

• SensaTec upholstery
• 40/20/40 split fold-down through-load rear seats
• Fine line Anthracite Wood trim with Pearl Gloss Chrome highlight
• Anthracite headliner
• Floor mats
• Advanced Vehicle & Key Memory
• Automatic climate control
• Panoramic moon roof
• Front-seat center armrest
• Rear-seat center armrest with cup holders
• Tilt/telescopic steering wheel column
• Park Distance Control, front and rear
• Automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror and driver's-side exterior mirror
• Power front and rear windows with "one-touch" up/down operation

Infotainment

The most noticeable upgrade is the availability of the iDrive 6.0 in all trims of the car. The infotainment system on the BMW 3-Series is highly responsive and has a simple and easy-to-use interface.

• 4G LTE
• Apple CarPlay
• Aux Input
• Bluetooth audio
• Hands-free Bluetooth phone
• Mobile Wi-Fi
• Navigation with real-time traffic
• Real-time weather
• Voice input

Cargo Capacity

Trunk space in the new 3 Series generation is an estimated 16.9 cubic feet, which is generous for a sedan this size. Each body style comes with a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat. A power trunk lid and a hands-free trunk lid are available.

The Jaguar XE because of its longer dimension have more space for your cargo and all the German rivals stay behind it.

The new design which is grown substantially, both inside out, is a leap forward in this sports sedan look. Clear lines and taut surfaces showcase the car's modern aesthetic, sportiness and emotion-packed presence. The wider kidney grille with a single surround for two elements and the new interpretation of the LED twin headlights is inspired from the 5 and 7 series models. The body is nearly three inches longer compared to the outgoing model, and the wheel base is also increased.

The T shaped air intakes neatly houses the M performance inspired front splitter. Drag coefficient (Cd) reduced from 0.26 to 0.23 because of active air flap control, air Curtains and an almost completely sealed underbody. You will see precise body lines form the sides with a new interpretation of the iconic Hofmeister kink. In the rear you get slim L-shaped three dimensional light with a twin exhaust tailpipes.

The Jaguar XE has the longest wheelbase in this rivalry and also the heaviest .The Audi A3 has the lowest curb weight so it feels nimble around corners closely followed by the CLA 250. The BMW 3 series is the shortest in this competition.

Exterior Features

• Double Spoke light alloy wheels (Style 634), 18 x 8.0; and 245/45 run-flat all-season tires
• Adaptive LED Headlights
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Chrome-line exterior trim
• Black Chrome exhaust tips
• Non-metallic paint

The BMW 3 series sedan is a comfortable and luxurious ride. But on the other hand it also offers many features to keep you safe while driving. So lets have a look at what these safety features are:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Adaptive Brakelights
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
• Front-passenger-seat-occupation recognition with Passenger's Airbag Off indicator
• Coded Driveaway Protection
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery; automatically unlocks doors; and turns on hazard and interior lights
• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Active Driving Assistant
• BMW Assist eCal

Audi A3

The Audi has been always known for being understated yet elegant, but it isn't quite as exciting to drive as the 3 series. Driving enthusiast may want to stick with the bimmer still A3 is sporty. The Audi on other hand is well equipped with more standard features and advanced safety features. Apple Car Play is standard in the Audi, while it's only available with a subscription service in the BMW.In terms of engine output and overall performance the BMW 330i is a clear winner here.

Jaguar XE

The Jaguar XE is the iconic British sedan with superior design and aesthetics. The performance of the turbocharged engine is similar to the Bimmer .The XE is also equipped with a slightly more economical engine 25/34/28 mpg, but the BMW is faster in 0 to 60 run. The pricing is perfect at $34,900 as it lands right in the middle of the C-Class and the A4 but and lower the the 3 series. IT all on depends on your personal preference.

Mercedes Benz CLA 250

The BMW 3 series and the Mercedes-Benz C class are the most natural rivals. The bimmer is brash with its bold looks and sporty performance while the Benz is the most luxurious on the inside. Top-shelf materials, excellent craftsmanship, and lots of standard features are among its highlights. There is certain numbness when it comes to the driving feel of the C-Class which makes it less fun to drive than the 320i but is engaging enough for a car of its size.Your choice depends on your personal preferences.

The BMW 3 series a very competitive sedan and can be called jack of all trades. If you want the most premium car in the class, buy a C-Class. You want the smartest tech, it has to be the Audi A4. The most engaging driver remains the three series if you are willing to live with some poor tech. The turbocharged powertrain is better than the previous generation and the handling is on point. If anyone is looking for a great family sedan then he should take the 3 series for a spin.