The new BMW 3 Series is scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2019, but we’ve already unearthed local pricing for the initial range.
According to BMW SA’s online configurator, the G20-generation line-up – which is being imported rather than built locally – will comprise just two derivatives at launch.
The first is the 330i, which employs a turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 190 kW and 400 N.m to the rear axle via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Priced from R652 415 (or R3 000 more for the Sport gearbox), the Munich-based brand says the 330i will hit 100 km/h from standstill in 5,8 seconds before topping out at 250 km/h.
The BMW 320d, meanwhile, will start at R649 253 (also with the option of a Sport transmission for an extra R3 000), with its 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel churning out 140 kW and 400 N.m. The result is a claimed 6,8-second sprint to three figures and a top speed of 240 km/h.
Various packages – from a Sport Line launch edition (R15 000) to the popular M Sport arrangement (R47 400) – will be offered locally, along with numerous paint colours and alloy wheel designs. The options list also contains all manner of extras, from a glass sunroof (R14 300) to adaptive M suspension (R15 400).
While the outgoing F80-generation M3 was recently removed from BMW SA’s official price list, the new 275 kW M340i xDrive derivative is scheduled to touch down locally in September 2019. No word yet on whether BMW SA has plans to bring in the 320i, 318d or 330d at a later stage.
The new 3 Series measures 76 mm longer than its predecessor (at 4 709 mm), some 16 mm wider (at 1 827 mm) and a single millimetre taller (at 1 442 mm). The wheelbase has grown 41 mm to 2 851 mm while the track widths have increased 43 mm fore and 21 mm aft.
Overall, the new BMW 3 Series sedan weighs up to 55 kg less than the corresponding predecessor model (depending on the model variant and equipment fitted, of course), while the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings have been “significantly increased”, according to BMW. Inside, you’ll find a new screen grouping of the Control Display and instrument cluster, along with a tall centre console.
