2019 BMW 3-Series

Pros: Outstanding agility and ride/handling balance; availability of wagon body style

Cons: Steep pricing; somewhat stingy on standard features; manual transmission no longer available; limited model lineup for now

CG Says: BMW kicks off the seventh generation of its benchmark 3-Series lineup for 2019. The 3-Series sedan is redesigned on a new platform; the new car is 2.9 inches longer and 0.6 inches wider than the previous generation, yet BMW claims that it is up to 121 pounds lighter. Meanwhile, the 3-Series wagon is carried over unchanged. For the 2019 model year, the sedan comes only as a 330i model with rear- or all-wheel drive, powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 255 horsepower—seven more than the previous turbo four. A higher-performance M340i model with a 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter six launches for 2020 model year. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission; the 6-speed manual is no longer available. The diesel engine and hybrid model have also been dropped, although a plug-in hybrid is expected for the 2020 or 2021 model year. As mentioned, the previous-generation 3-Series wagon continues for 2019 with the 248-hp turbo four and standard all-wheel drive, but is expected to be discontinued without a replacement. Available sedan features include laser-powered headlights, Parking Assistant, Back-Up Assistant, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (which can steer and brake the car on certain highways at speeds up to 37 mph, provided the driver’s attention is on the road). Historically, the BMW 3-Series has dominated the premium compact car segment, thanks to its sport-sedan handling, polished powertrains, and all-around refinement. In recent years, however, improved rivals have challenged the 3-Series and bested it in many ways. Purist driving enthusiasts will bemoan the redesigned 3-Series’s lack of a manual transmission, but the new car is still a marked improvement over its predecessor; it adds welcome new technology features while maintaining the trademark athletic driving moves and upping the overall refinement level.