- New 3-Series set for spring debut
- Revamped 4-cylinder engine
- Suspension upgrades
- Current 3-Series priced from $35,895-$41,245
Scooping itself with spy photos, BMW released images of a camouflaged 2019 3 Series sedan undergoing development testing at the famed Nürburgring in Germany. In addition to releasing the images, BMW released some key details about the upcoming sport sedan which is slated to bow at the Paris Motor Show in September and go on sale in the U.S. next spring.
Although it didn’t release specifications, BMW promised the new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the 3 Series to be the most powerful 4-cylinder engine ever fitted to a production model and yet produce fuel economy 5 percent better than the previous generation.
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
Better handling
The German auto maker is also promising better dynamics thanks to a center gravity that is 0.4 inches lower, a 50-50 weight distribution and total weight reduction of as much as 121 pounds. Wider front and rear tracks also improve stability and cornering. In addition to weight savings in the body, BMW also pared mass from its front and rear axles. BMW has also improved the chassis, employing new shocks that react continuously and progressively in reaction to suspension travel. These new dampers help strike a balance between sport handling and ride comfort.
BMW has also made improvements to the optional M Sport suspension, which lowers the vehicle an additional 0.4 inches and features 18-inch light alloy wheels. Damping is 20 percent higher than the standard suspension and models so equipped come with variable sports steering which responds more precisely to the slightest inputs.
We’ll bring you more information about the all-new 2019 BMW 3 Series starting with our Paris Motor Show coverage in early October.
More about the new 3 Series: Learn all about the 2020 BMW M340i
