The BMW 3 Series is undoubtedly the most popular model from the German manufacturer and has been around since 1975. The compact sedan made entry into the brand considerably easier for the average Joe and offered just the right blend of driving engagement and luxury to make it the poster child for the connoisseur.
Related: The all-new BMW 3 Series - a return to Sheer Driving Pleasure
The model is now in its seventh generation and goes by the internal code G20. The G20 model makes large strides forward, particularly in the tech department, with features filtering down from the 7 Series and learnings from the most recent 5 Series as well.
It may not be the affordable BMW that it once was, but it still offers an uncompromised blend of class and sophistication, all in a package that drivers will enjoy.
Here are 3 things that you need to know about the G20 BMW 3 Series.
1. No manual option
You read that right, there's no option for a manual gearbox in the current range of G20 offerings locally. Rumours have abounded that there will be a manual option for the G20-based M3, but for the time being, the current range only offers a selection of automatic gearboxes.
All of the gearboxes in the current lineup offer 8 gears in either Sport Automatic or Sport Steptronic. While this may upset some of the purists, the automatic gearbox has come a long way since the first BMW 3 Series and the current range is a joy to drive, even if it is missing a third pedal.
2. Convenience options
The technology that is developed for the flagship 7 Series model range inevitably filters down through the ranks and eventually makes its way into the lower models. The G20 3 Series benefits from the years of development and refinement that has taken place since the technology was introduced.
As such, you can specify that your G20 BMW is fitted with the Intelligent Personal Assistant. This feature allows you to speak naturally to the assistant and have it complete certain tasks, much in the same way that a Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa would. Asking it to give you your range, or select a particular radio station, for instance.
The reverse parking assist will also recall your last 50 metres of travel and will reverse the car along the same path for you, allowing you to get out of tight, complex parking or driveways without having to worry.
3. Several models, but only two displacements.
The G20 range has been thinned out considerably, offering less in the way of model selections. The range starts at the 318i and is rounded off with the M340i xDrive currently. Despite this, there is only a 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre engine displacement available, in diesel and petrol, with carrying power outputs.
Take a look at the table below to see which model makes what power and torque.
| Model | Displacement | Power | Torque |
| 318i | 2.0-litres | 115 kW | 250 Nm |
| 320i | 2.0-litres | 135 kW | 300 Nm |
| 320d | 2.0-litres | 140 kW | 400 Nm |
| 330i | 2.0-litres | 190 kW | 400 Nm |
| 330d | 3.0-litres | 195 kW | 580 Nm |
| M340i | 3.0-litres | 285 kW | 500 Nm |
Most models are available in a Standard, Sport Line, and M Sport trim level, excluding the M Sport-only M340i xDrive. The 330i is also available in iS Edition spec, but retains the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
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