BMW Unveils Next-Gen 2019 3 Series

BMW has provided full details about its seventh-generation 2019 3 Series that arrives in a more crowded field of entry luxury sedans with a modest power boost, eight-speed automatic transmission, and an array of advanced driver-assisting systems. BMW showed the sedan at the Paris Auto Show.

BMW will offer its 2019 3 Series in 330i and 330 xDrive models in the beginning. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivers 255 horsepower (a gain of 7 hp) and 295 pound-feet of torque (a gain of 37 lb.-ft.) over the outgoing model. BMW will offer the M340i and M340i xDrive performance variants in the spring that will be powered by a new six-cylinder inline gasoline engine. BMW will also eventually offer an iPerformance 330e plug-in hybrid in 2020.

New available driver-assisting features include adaptive cruise control with a stop-and-go feature, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, rear collision prevention, and cross-traffic alert. BMW's Driving Assistant Professional bundles adaptive cruise control, steering assist, and lane-keeping technology.

The 2019 3 Series grows 2.9 inches in length, but the other dimensions remain similar to the model it replaces. Cargo space increases to 17 cubic feet from 15.8 cubic feet. The vehicle also introduces BMW's Personal Assistant that allows drivers to activate vehicle functions with the phrase, "Hey BMW."

The 330i retails for at least $41,195, which includes a $995 delivery charge. The price has fallen $50 from the 2018 model. BMW is offering a $4,500 fleet incentive with the vehicle.