Hey guys, today we're diving deep into the 2019 BMW 3 Series! This car has been a legend for ages, and the 2019 model really shook things up. Carwow gave it a thorough once-over, and let me tell you, it's a pretty impressive machine. We're talking about a car that balances sportiness with everyday usability, and that's a tough act to pull off. BMW has always been about the 'Ultimate Driving Machine,' and the 3 Series is the heart and soul of that promise. The 2019 model, codenamed G20, was a significant redesign, bringing a host of updates in technology, design, and performance.

First Impressions and Exterior

When you first lay eyes on the 2019 BMW 3 Series, you'll notice it's grown a bit. It's longer, wider, and has a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This isn't just about making it look more imposing; it translates directly into more interior space and a more stable ride. The design language is typical BMW – sharp, athletic, and purposeful. The kidney grilles are more prominent, the headlights are sleeker with distinct LED daytime running lights, and the overall silhouette is more aerodynamic. Carwow reviewers often point out the muscular haunches over the rear wheels, giving it that classic rear-wheel-drive sports sedan stance. Even in its base trims, the 3 Series looks sophisticated and sporty, but opting for M Sport packages really amps up the aggression with sportier bumpers, side skirts, and larger wheels. The build quality is, as you'd expect from BMW, top-notch. Panel gaps are tight, the paint finish is deep and lustrous, and every element feels precisely engineered. It’s a car that looks good from every angle, whether it’s parked on the street or carving up a winding road. It manages to be both modern and timeless, a tricky balance that BMW seems to have mastered.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2019 BMW 3 Series is where you really feel the premium treatment. The cabin is a significant upgrade from the previous generation. BMW focused on creating a driver-centric environment that’s also incredibly comfortable for passengers. The materials used are fantastic – soft-touch plastics, high-quality leather, and real wood or aluminum trim options abound. The seats are supportive and comfortable, especially for longer journeys, and the driving position is spot-on, offering excellent visibility. But what really stands out is the tech. The 2019 model came standard with a pretty decent infotainment system, but the real star is the optional BMW iDrive system, which features a large, crisp touchscreen display. It’s intuitive to use, either via touch, the rotary dial, or voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, making smartphone integration seamless. For those who love gadgets, the digital instrument cluster is a fantastic piece of kit, customizable to show different information like navigation, media, or driver assistance systems. Wireless charging, a head-up display, and advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist are all available to make your driving experience safer and more convenient. The cabin is also remarkably quiet, thanks to improved sound deadening, making it a serene place to be, even at highway speeds. It’s a blend of luxury, technology, and practicality that makes it a compelling choice for a premium sedan.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

This is where the 2019 BMW 3 Series truly shines, and Carwow's reviews always highlight this aspect. BMW's reputation as the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' isn't just marketing fluff, especially with the 3 Series. The G20 platform is significantly stiffer than before, and BMW has refined the suspension and steering to deliver a driving experience that's both engaging and refined. The steering is precise and communicative, giving you confidence as you tackle corners. The suspension strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and a comfortable ride, soaking up bumps without feeling floaty. Even the base 320i models offer peppy performance, but the real sweet spot for many is the 330i, with its potent turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration and impressive fuel economy. For those who crave more power, the M340i, introduced later, offers a formidable straight-six engine that’s both thrilling and surprisingly smooth. BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on most models, providing enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. The brakes are strong and progressive, offering reassuring stopping power. Whether you're navigating city streets, cruising on the highway, or enjoying a spirited drive on a winding road, the 3 Series feels planted, responsive, and utterly enjoyable. It’s a car that inspires confidence and makes you want to drive, which is the highest compliment you can give it. The chassis is so well-sorted that it can handle more power, which is why enthusiasts eagerly await performance variants.

Engine Options and Fuel Efficiency

When it comes to powering the 2019 BMW 3 Series, you've got a few excellent choices, catering to different needs and preferences. The most common engine you'll find is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, offered in different states of tune. In the 320i, it provides a respectable 184 horsepower, which is perfectly adequate for most daily driving scenarios. Step up to the 330i, and you get a more powerful version of the same engine, pumping out 258 horsepower. This is the engine that many reviewers, including those at Carwow, consider the sweet spot. It offers a fantastic blend of brisk acceleration – hitting 60 mph in under 6 seconds – and impressive fuel efficiency. For those seeking even more power and refinement, BMW offered the 330e plug-in hybrid. This combines the 2.0-liter turbo-four with an electric motor, delivering a combined output of around 292 horsepower and offering the ability to travel on electric power alone for shorter distances. Later in the model year, the M340i arrived, packing a glorious 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that churns out a whopping 382 horsepower. This turns the 3 Series into a serious performance machine, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds. Despite the performance gains, BMW engineers have worked hard to maintain respectable fuel economy across the range. The four-cylinder models typically achieve over 30 mpg on the highway, while even the potent M340i can surprise you with its efficiency when driven gently. The plug-in hybrid variant offers the potential for very low running costs if you can utilize its electric range effectively. This wide array of powertrain options ensures that there’s a 3 Series to suit almost everyone, from the eco-conscious commuter to the driving enthusiast.

Practicality and Space

While the 2019 BMW 3 Series is undeniably a sporty sedan, practicality hasn't been forgotten. Thanks to its increased dimensions over the previous generation, the interior space is noticeably improved. Rear-seat passengers will appreciate the extra legroom and headroom, making it a genuinely comfortable car for carrying adults or older children. Getting in and out is also easier, thanks to the wider door openings. The boot space is also competitive for its class, offering ample room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The boot lid opens wide, and the space is well-shaped, although the rear-wheel-drive architecture means there's a slight intrusion from the wheel arches. Split-folding rear seats are standard, further enhancing versatility, allowing you to carry longer items if needed. For families, the rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchors, making installation straightforward. Small item storage within the cabin is also well-considered, with decent-sized door bins, a glovebox, and a center console storage area. Cupholders are present, although perhaps not as numerous as in some rivals. Overall, the 3 Series manages to be a practical car for everyday life without compromising its premium feel or sporty character. It’s a car that can easily handle the weekly shop, a weekend getaway, or a commute to work, proving that you don't always have to sacrifice practicality for driving pleasure. It strikes a good balance that many buyers are looking for in a compact luxury sedan, making it a strong contender against rivals that might be larger but less engaging to drive.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is paramount, and the 2019 BMW 3 Series is packed with advanced features to protect its occupants. It’s no surprise that it earned excellent safety ratings from major testing organizations. Both the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) typically award the 3 Series top marks, reflecting its robust construction and comprehensive safety systems. Standard safety equipment often includes a suite of airbags, stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. However, BMW really pushes the envelope with its optional driver-assistance technologies. These can include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The adaptive cruise control system is particularly impressive, capable of not only maintaining a set speed but also keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, even coming to a complete stop and then resuming. Many models also offer parking assistance systems, including a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors, making maneuvering in tight spaces much less stressful. Some advanced systems even offer a 'reverse assistant' that can retrace the car's path for the last 50 meters, which is a neat trick. The chassis is designed to absorb and dissipate impact energy effectively, contributing to its high crash test scores. These features collectively make the 3 Series one of the safest cars in its class, providing peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. The attention to detail in safety engineering is evident throughout the vehicle, reinforcing BMW's commitment to occupant protection.

Conclusion: Is the 2019 3 Series Worth It?

So, after all is said and done, is the 2019 BMW 3 Series a car worth your hard-earned cash? Based on the consensus from reviews, including those from Carwow, the answer is a resounding yes. It represents a significant leap forward for the model, excelling in almost every area. It delivers that signature BMW driving engagement that enthusiasts crave, wrapped in a more comfortable, technologically advanced, and practical package than ever before. The interior is a lovely place to be, the engines offer a great mix of performance and efficiency, and the ride and handling are superb. Whether you choose a more sensible 320i or 330i, or perhaps the potent M340i, you're getting a car that feels special. It faces stiff competition, sure, but the 3 Series continues to set the benchmark for premium sports sedans. It's a car that successfully blends sportiness with everyday usability, luxury with technology, and style with substance. If you're in the market for a compact executive car that truly satisfies behind the wheel, the 2019 BMW 3 Series should be very high on your list. It’s a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess and its understanding of what makes a great driver’ driver’s car’ truly great.