2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) 330d 8AT RWD (265 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The German automaker BMW introduced the seventh generation of the 3 Series in 2018, continuing its streak of successful models in the compact executive sedan segment.

BMW has produced over 15 million units of the 3 Series since the model’s launch in 1975, and it was the family’s money-maker. As a result, the carmaker had to meet its customers’ high expectations for the G20, and they did it. It was a completely new vehicle that carried over just a few elements from its predecessor, the E90, and more from its bigger sibling, the 5 Series (G30), with which it shared its CLAR platform.

With a design that followed the idea of its predecessor, the 3 Series G20 featured narrow headlights and a slightly larger kidney grille. Besides the base models that featured bi-xenon headlights, the automaker offered a full-LED package with high-beam assist. Depending on the options and packages, the 2018 3 Series featured an elegant bumper with slim and horizontal air intake flanked by small scoops. Those who opted for the sports package got the car with a more aggressive stance featuring triangular-shaped air intakes that cooled the front brakes. From its profile, the long hood was followed by the greenhouse, which was extended towards the back of the vehicle in a cab-rearward design. Thanks to its short deck at the back, the 3 Series G20 offered a sporty look for its customers. The taillights were full-LEDs and were extended from the quarter panels to the trunk lid, thus improving the car’s visibility from the rear. Under the bumper, the carmaker installed either one or two exhausts, depending on the engine version and options.

Inside, the automaker offered options for either a digital or an analog instrument cluster complemented by a screen for the infotainment system placed atop the center stack in a free-floating position. On the center tunnel that separated the front occupants, BMW installed the gear stick or the selector for the automatic transmission, several buttons for driving modes (ECO, comfort, sport), parking sensors, and an electric handbrake. In addition, the iDrive infotainment’s system rotary dial was also housed there. Customers had the option to buy the car with either bucket seats or high-bolstered ones that provided better support during high-speed cornering. There was plenty of legroom for two passengers in the back on the split-folding bench seat, although the tall transmission tunnel limited comfort for a middle-seated one.

Under the hood, there was a wide range of diesel and gasoline powerplants mated with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Like in the previous generation, most versions could’ve been bought with either a rear- or an all-wheel-drive system. In addition, a plug-in hybrid system was on offer.