Bucket Seat: BMW 3 Series LCI Official Launch

BMW's much loved model, the 3 Series has gotten a cosmetic enhancement with some extra tech goodies to add to its charm. It's the most popular model in the world globally from the brand and for decades it was made right here in our own country until a few years ago when the last F30 LCI model rolled out the factory in Rosslyn outside Pretoria. Now the plant assembles the new popular kid on the block, the X3 but we won't delve into that as I am here to tell you about the brilliant new 3 Series LCI, yes I said its brilliant and some of you must be wondering what is "LCI"? Well, it stands for Life Cycle Impulse which is a pretty name for face-lift but I get why BMW go for the elaborate name because its more than just a face-lift, it feels like a brand new car. 

The design is more sportier, with the stance lower and wider than the original G80, the iconic kidney grilles are narrower, with vertical slats and the new headlights have a reverse L daytime running LED design that add so much more character to an already menacing face. The front bumper has been reconfigured with the side air intakes now in a an narrow angular deep shape and the main grille larger and prominent following the same lines as the sides. The 3 Series LCI comes in two style packages, this was decided by BMW SA since the two most popular were the Sport and M Sport package. These packages I feel accentuate the cars flow and make the modifications to the design stand out more. Moving to the back, the tail lights receive a minor design upgrade with the rear diffuser getting a more angular design and all models coming with twin big tailpipes. There is a variety of colours to choose from but Brooklyn Grey being my standout. 

On the inside, the major talking point is the new display, which see's BMW do away with its conventional dual screen set up and opt for a large curved screen display, it still is split into two, this is to allow a separation from the drivers instrument cluster to the cars infotainment touch screen display. It doesn't feature BMW's latest iOS but it still works pretty well with quick phone connectivity, easy to use menu and great graphics. Another thing you will notice that is different on the interior is the gear selector which is changed to the smaller minimal type, that allows more room in the center console area of the cabin. As always, the textures and trims in the BMW is second to none with a range of colours and fabrics to choose from. 

On launch I got to drive two engine variants, the 320d and the range topping M340i, both offering their own charm and uniqueness but both being thoroughly enjoyable to drive. First up we went for the big boy, the M340i, offering so much power and performance, every time I drive it, I wonder if it really is worth dropping all that more money for an M3, but that is a conversation for another day when I actually get to go behind the wheel of an M3. The 3.0L, 6 Cylinder beast churns out 285kW and 500Nm of torque, combined with its xDrive system which can dictate how much power gets transferred to the front and back wheels, makes it all the more exciting to drive. Launching this car sees it race from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds but I've done it a few times and I'm pretty sure its quicker than that. Handling is just superb, with that xDrive system along with the adaptive suspension and M Performance braking, makes it easy to tame this beast around corners. 

The 320d, while not boasting the same crazy figures as the M340i, still delivers a decent 140kW and 400Nm of torque from its 2.0L TwinPower Turbo Diesel engine. On the launch I tweeted that this still remains my favourite car from the model line up, it offers the perfect balance between performance and practicality. The Diesel motor from BMW is extremely efficient and when dialed in the various driving modes it can certainly deliver the power when required. With the new concept of offering more as standard in the BMW line up, one will find that the usual options list has dried up dramatically, with again BMW SA opting to choose the popular options that were purchased in previous generations of the car. This is certainly putting BMW in good steed with the market as the purchase price is more attractive with so much included in the base models. The model has been available since December last year and with the amount I've been seeing on the roads already, its already looking like a winner in its segment. 

Bucket Seat: BMW 320d

Having attended the launch of the new BMW 3 Series, I already had an understanding of what the car is about and what it's main characteristics are. But spending a full week with the car, gives you more insight about what BMW have done to make this car more than just your average mid-range family sedan. For long has the 3 Series been BMW's best selling car and even with market trends changing more to cross-over/ SUV variants I think the 3 Series will still remain a very important car for the brand, and they knew this as well, which is why with the G20 model, we've seen a major step up in the game from BMW. Laying down the gauntlet if you might say to their competitors. They've certainly set the benchmark  with this car as you will come to discover why exactly I think that BMW have left their competition with a lot of work to do. 

DESIGN

The design of the new BMW Series is in line with it's new design language, futuristic, elegant and sleek. The car has this agile look to it with the elimination of curves and added sharp lines and edges. Some said it was drastic at first but over time they've learnt to grow with it, I thought it was brilliant and the kind of shake up that was needed for this line. It's not as conservative as we're used to with BMW but at the same time it works and is easy on the eye. The front features those trademark kidney grilles which are not active like the other models in the BMW range where they close and open to allow air in when needed. The lights have been upgraded to the new laser light technology, and are in a dual hexagonal shape, the overall length of the car has increased as well as the width. The rear of the car has been a major talking point since it was first shown but it ties in with most of the other new models from BMW like the 8 Series, Z4 and the X4 so I honestly don't see what all the fuss was about. The interior of the new 3 Series looks sublime, very classy touches and an interior that could be worthy of a 5 Series with the Technology you'd expect in a 7 Series! Such is the lengths BMW have gone to make this 3 Series so much more than what we've expected. 

PERFORMANCE

Under the hood, we find an all new 4 cylinder Twin-Power Turbo engine which delivers 140kW which equates to 190bhp and 400Nm of torque. That torque factor is a major plus on your urban driving as the car is much heavier than before so with the high torque to propel the car, the less fuel you use. Touch on the fuel economy of the 320d, I always felt this engine was the best suited to the 3 Series, simply because it offered the best of both worlds, your high torque made it punchy off the line but the diesel engine balanced that economy factor giving you longer road times before filling up. With this new engine its much of the same, with BMW claiming a combined fuel consumption of 4.8L to the 100km, I managed to get it down to 6.2L/ 100km which is decent in my books, range was looking like 750km on a tank which again is bang on with what I expected but bearing in mind on this one tank I did a lot of mixed driving. A normal driving style will push that range above 800km, closer to 900km on urban driving and bring that average way below 6L/100km. Top speed, as always is electronically limited but with the 320d its not about hitting 250kph, and that torque does die down after 100kph. 

COMFORT

With the overall size of the car being bigger than the outgoing F30 model, this new G20 has gotten more spacious as well. The redesigned interior makes a very pleasant place to be for the driver and his occupants. The new designed dash is aesthetically pleasing using a mixture of high quality materials. The drivers instrument cluster has the option to be fully digital which was added into this model. It features BMW's new speedometer layout which keeps that info on the sides leaving room for other information in the middle. You can display a map from the navigation, driving info, media info etc. The car also had BMW's revised heads up display, which gives all the relevant information displayed on the windscreen. The car has 3 zone climate control, dual for the front and a single zone for the rear passengers. The package that car came in was the Sport package, not the M Sport, it offers subtle sport features like the extensive use of brush aluminum and chrome, the ride quality was quite decent, not too hard and very comfortable. The cars 50/50 weight distribution helps keep the occupants planted in their seats rather than fling them about. 

TECHNOLOGY

The options list does tend to go on in a BMW but they're just so damn good! We've already covered a few of them like the digital instrument cluster and heads-up display, those we're used to and already come to terms with in previous generations of 3 Series, so is the self park system,  camera package which gives you an overall view of your car, the Harman Kardon sound system, etc. Taking nothing away from those that were mentioned I just feel its more pertinent to concentrate on the new stuff that BMW has to offer. Firstly, reverse assist, it's so simple but so flipping clever! The car remembers up to 50M of how you drove in, so if you in a tight spot and have no idea how to get out, simply pop the car into reverse, select the reverse assist option from the menu and the car will navigate itself out exactly the same way it came in. Bare in mind that if conditions have changed the car will not take this into consideration so there is some human element that is required. I have a tight entrance to a garage at my place which driving into isn't so bad but getting out can be tricky, the car did it time after time to perfection! Next big tech talking point is the cruise control! Yes, I know cruise control has been around since the 80s but what different about this one is that BMW have included their semi-autonomous driving system to this. So apart from the usual adaptive cruise control which keeps a safe following distance with the car in front of you and slows down if required, the car also steers itself! Now while it does all this with relative ease, it still is semi- which means you have to have your hands on the wheel most of the time. It does help when you are in a pickle and need to reach out to grab something or have a quick sip on your coffee. There are other cool options like gesture control, sunroof but BMW have their own AI assistant now which has a trigger word or phrase which you can change, to instruct it what you want it to do, whether it navigate you to a certain place, change the radio station, etc.

VERDICT

Overall the new G20 3 Series accedes expectations in almost every box in terms of practicality, luxury, comfort, performance and general appeal. The car does what its meant to do and so much more, price wise it is a bit steep but given what you are getting in the product some might say it is a steal. I'll go out on a limb to say that this is even better than the current 5 Series on the market, just because of the technology gap between the two models. So while you're considering the price difference between the two models, just know that you're getting more in this 3 Series. There will be an update in the 5 Series probably next year which will bring the cars back into their rightful slots but for me, if I had the money, I would buy the 320d in a heart beat. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine	2.0L Diesel Twin Power Turbo
Gear Box	8 Speed Automatic Steptronic
Torque	400Nm
Power	140kW
Consumption	4.8L/100km
Price	R 672,600

Bucket Seat: 2018 BMW 3 Series - First Impressions

The love affair between South Africa and the BMW 3 Series still continues even if the now G20 model isn't being produced at Plant Rosslyn. It's not only an important car for South Africa but the world and the German manufacturer knows that pretty well, which is why they invested so much time and energy into perfecting the product that hits the roads. Over 15,000,000 BMW 3 Series have been sold world over since it's introduction in 1982 and while it's probably the most common BMW on our countries roads, South Africa doesn't even feature on their major markets buying map of the car. That is how impressive the sales of the car is world over, with Europe, China and USA making up the top thrree. I was lucky enough to attend the local launch of the new BMW 3 Series last week in the picturesque Cape, where I got the opportunity to put the two launch model engines to the test along some of the countries most beautiful and challenging passes as well as the dreaded Cape Town city traffic. 

As mentioned before, the new BMW 3 Series is being launched in only two engine variants for now the 320d and the 330i, with others due to land on our shores during the course of the year including the mighty M340i xDrive. When it comes to design a car that's so important to the brand, very little risks are taken as to not upset the majority but BMW were less conservative and rather bold with the design on the G20. A remarkable change from its predecessor and once you see it in the metal, it's fair to say they've knocked this one out the park. There have been various comments online about the rear bearing a resemblance to another German brand let me assure you it is far from it and ties in well with the new BMW design language which we see on the new X4 and soon to be launched 8 Series.

It's visually striking and no doubt turned many heads while driving around. I love the new face of the 3, it has power and presence but most importantly it has it's own identity and not just a "baby 5 series" which consumers will value as it is a brand new product. BMW have designed the car on three pillars, which was mentioned in the press conference but the wind distracted me a bit but its primarily driving dynamics, premium quality and innovation. All which BMW have gone into great detail to get right for the 7th generation 3 Series. Once you're in the car, the new interior design style immediately has you in love with the car. While BMW continues with their minimalistic approach  to their interiors, it has enough to wow anyone. The trimmings, finishes are of high quality and with the various textures and trims to chose from in the range, designing your ultimate car would be as fun as driving it. 

On the road, the 320d was pretty much what a 320d is meant to do, a no fuss, fuel sipping gem with that added extra kick to get you places a bit faster if needed. I wanted to drive this engine first as I would feel its the one the market would tend to go for, seeing how well it done in the previous generation. The car is extremely well balanced, so going through the twistys proved to be quite fun, with the high toque in the diesel, you did feel the front end go in at the corners but the car was always beautifully poised to exit. On a straight, the 320d's acceleration is standard another nothing to write home about, given the car is much heavier than the out going model, you would feel that the car is slightly held back by the extra weight. Overall, the 320d's performance on the road ticked all the right boxes for me, its comfortable, a delight to drive and that fuel efficiency is unrivaled with  you being able to get over a 1000km on a tank when driving long distance. 

The 330i is a different beast altogether, just by the tone of the dual exhausts on the back you know this one isn't here to pussy-foot around. With the 4 cylinder petrol engine, it just purrs as you fire it up, engage sport mode and floor, it will have the hairs on the back of your neck standing in astonishment. The 330i can be brutal when the need arises and couple this with the M Sport gearbox with the paddle shift and it will take the enjoyment of driving it up several notches. The car just feels more lighter and nimble than the 320d but I support with the lack of the lag on this one, the petrol engine was always going to feel more nippy. Navigating through traffic with the 330i was seamless, as it even though its a rather big sedan, it manages to slip into the gaps with ease. 

Technology wise, this new 3 Series has all the bells and whistles, so you don't have to own one and look at the 7 to see all the fancy toys. It's also one of the first models BMW have added their autonomous tech too, I didn't get a chance to test it out as the cars I drove didn't come with the option but I'm hoping the test car will have it. The BMW 3 Series also has a digital instrument panel, a key change in the BMW design going forward. It does away with the round ones and mimics the styling ques of the kidney grille. It also displays other information like sat-nav, media and other info that might be needed to see. The new 3 Series also has laser lights, which is something to see in itself. Extended luminance range to up to 4x to that of LED! BMW have also launched a personal assistant with the new 3, which combines AI and user preferences to assist you where it can. So for example if you need it to set reminders for you, navigate you to a specific destination or just keep you entertained on the drive, it will, just have to ask! It's prompted by saying "Hey BMW," but you can change the trigger word to whatever name you would like. 

BMW needed to up their game with this new 3 Series and I think they did, not only did they up their game but surpassed peoples expectations. The new 3 Series is certainly worth all the hype and even if any of the launch engines are not for you, I'd recommend you keep an eye on when the one you'd like is due to be launched.  I know there is a lot expected from the M340i xDrive which has gotten loads of attention across our shores but for what we have now, these have already left a lasting impression on me, I can only imagine how good that is. BMW also listens to market trends which is good, so in terms of packages for the new 3, you get Standard, Sport and M Sport to chose from. BMW have some great launch deals on both the 320d and 330i with M Sport packages, so I suggest prospective buyers take advantage of these great prices before the predicted price increase in April.

Recommended Retail Price

Engine	Standard	Sport Line	M Sport	Sport Launch Edition	M Sport Launch Edition
330i	649 000	672 600	694 400	664 000	684 000
320d	649 000	672 600	694 000	664 000	684 000

Bucket Seat: BMW 320d & 318i

Late last year BMW released their face lift to their 3 Series, it was an important milestone for the company as it marked the 40th year of production for the popular sedan as explained in my review of the 320i. Although not much was revised in terms of styling of the cars, 90% of the range received brand new engines and of this I spoke very highly about the 320i, I fell in love with that over the 7 days I had it, it honestly seemed like the perfect fit for my life and driving style. This year however I was given two other variants that got me thinking and could eventually sway may decision.

I got a call in the second week of the year, the BMW 320d and 318i were both available for test, of course I said yes to both. On one had you got the intro level diesel engine and the other, the much talked about 1,5ltr engine that had everyone raving about. The 3 Series is BMW's money maker, it's the most sold in volume and iconic in it's very own right as it was for most part of it's 40 years the entry level range to the German Motor manufacturers stable, so it was good to see that the latest variant was living up to the values of its predecessors.

Style

320d - First up, the 320d rolled in for a week, the colour, Jatoba Metallic which was a brownish, charcoal colour with a full creme interior that matched it to perfection. The car sporting the Luxury package with high gloss wood finishes, chrome edges and elegant  smoked 17" rims made it look like a proper luxury saloon. That's the thing with BMW, yes the optional extra list can go a bit but you can customise your car so well with it. Making your own unique and to your taste.

318i - In what was almost a spitting image of the 320d I had the week before, the 318i was almost exactly the same. The differences came with the rims and of course, single exhaust pipe as the diesel model had twin. The rims being the standard alloy colour didn't suit the colour as well as the smoked rims did, so that took me a while to get used to. Other than that, the car looked immaculate.

Comfort

Going inside the car, the colour combinations of dark wood and creme leather and carpets was pleasing on the eye. The ride quality on the 320d and 318i were no different to that of the 320i I had last year. For a sedan aimed at the working class market, buyers of the car are getting premium finishes that one can also find in the 6 or 7 series. That's what I like about BMW, no matter the model, there is a consistency in quality that you won't find in other manufacturers. Same goes for ride quality, as it's unparalleled to its competitors but maintained throughout the range.

Performance

320d - the 2ltr 140kw diesel engine was impressive in terms of power and performance, plenty of torque with minimal turbo lag from the Twin Power turbo plant. Improved fuel economy which saw it's average consumption dropped to 4.0 ltr per 100km in ideal conditions, I managed 6.3ltr per 100km and I'm sure I could get it down to 5 if I drove it diligently but with all that torque, it would have seemed a waste to do so.

318i - While engine used in this car is shared with a Mini Cooper, don't be fooled by what it can do. Yes it is a bit sluggish on take off but it more than makes up for it when you on the road as it picks up paces quite quickly after passing 60kph. I was very impressed with the pulling power and the way it managed to carry the heavy body of the car even with a full load of passengers. I had the standard automatic gear box with this one and normally I do feel the ratio's and timings are poor with it but they seemed to have fixed that issue, so no unnecessary high revving and wasting fuel, which ultimately does wonders for its consumption.

Driving

320d - Honestly, driving both cars was a pleasure but with obvious reasoning the 320d did offer the better drive. It was more responsive on acceleration thanks to the torque, more faster but even though the engine has been refined, the sound is unmistakably diesel. It doesn't bother me at all but for many this hinders their choice in purchasing diesel. For me the cost savings speak for itself. Diesel is many places is cheaper than petrol and it doubles your range than what you would get in a petrol engine of the same capacity.

318i - While it did lack power at times, I can't fault the driving experience in the 318i. I was really impressed by by this car. As said before, the engine is more than capable to haul this big sedan around with ease and without using more fuel which is an added bonus. I was told that due to the coastal conditions that this car will perform even better than it would in higher altitude, so you have to take that into consideration as well. 

Extras

Both cars came loaded with the best that the 3 series range had to offer, the lighting package really makes the car look stunning at night with welcome lights below the door handles. The camera package is becoming more and more essential to my needs with the car, not that it makes you lazy when it comes to parking but it provides you with a view of things you wouldn't normally see from your mirrors. If you want to be lazy you can always opt for the park assist feature which firstly scans for an appropriate parking spot then parks your car for you! Other extra's included the Harman Kardon hifi sound system with stereo 7 logic and one extra which I love, the adaptive LED headlights. 

Verdict

Overall after driving both engines, I can't say which one is better as they both have that charm about them and of course their use for a driver. the 318i is perfect for your daily run around, whether its to work or picking up the kids from school and running errands whilst the 320d is great for that was well but on long distance travels it really shows it's class with great speed and even better fuel consumption. If I had to choose, it would be the 320d, it suits my driving style and lifestyle. It's a cruise but packs that punch should you want to open it up a bit every now and then. 

Specifications

	318i	320d
Engine	1.5 Twin Power Turbo	2.0 Twin Power Turbo
Gear box	8 Speed Automatic Steptronic	8 Speed Automatic Sports Steptronic
Power	100kW	140kW
Torque	220Nm	400Nm
Fuel consumption	5.1l per 100km	4.0l per 100km
Top Speed	210kph	235kph
0-100kph	8.9 seconds	7.3 seconds
Price	R464 100	R519 200

Bucket Seat: BMW 3 Series Face-lift - First Impressions

BMW are calling this "the most advanced 3 series yet" and they're right, its the latest installment to a model range that turned 40th this year and it's amazing to see how it's grown into the car that it is today. Last week I attended the launch of the face-lift 3 Series which kicked off at the Rosslyn Plant, the birth place for a car that's accountable for 25% of BMW's sales. Since the plant's inception in 1974 it's played a pivotal role for the company, apart from producing the 3 series sedan, it also manufacturers parts that get sent to other BMW plants around the world. It's a state of the art place, with it receiving the Platinum Plant Quality Award in the J.D Power Initial Quality Study, thus making it the best plant in the world! Quite an accolade for the guys in Rosslyn, it's great to know that such high standards of quality is maintained by the brand even beyond it's borders. The plant reached another significant millstone this year with it producing it's One millionth car, there was a special ceremony with the big chiefs of BMW SA present to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff at the plant. 

Right, now that the history lesson is over, time to get down to business of the reason I was there, the new 3 series! Yes it is new, but it''s just a face-lift version of the F30 sedan and very minor at that. To the untrained person they might not even make out the difference as they're very minimal. There have been changes to both the front and rear lights with optional full-LED. This emphasises the sporting credentials of the car, so says BMW. For me it does look cool, with the front lights having a distinct horizontal profile that line up with the kidney grille and the rear lights having that flowing LED cut to it. 

The main change to the car though is the engines, the entire range receives new engines apart from the 330d. Four new 4 cylinder and a new a 6 cylinder petrol engine are added to the line up with the the 328i and 335i making way for the 330i and 340i respectively. The 330i engine packs quite a punch with it pushing out 135kW and a lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions rating than it's predecessor. This is all thanks to a new cooling system that's developed for the modular BMW Efficient Dynamics engine family, which all feature the BMW Twin Power Turbo's. 

At the launch I had the opportunity to drive the range topping 340i, just like the 335i it is a force to be reckon with. The new engine is extremely responsive to the driver, allowing them to access all of the power when needed. The figures are astounding for the car with it producing 240kW and a combined fuel consumption of 7.7-6.5l/100km. It was a breeze to navigate it to the windy mountain passes of the Magaliesberg. On the way back I opted to jump in the new 320d, which also receives a new engine and  now standard with twin tail pipes, as is the 320i. This car was the one that intrigued me the most, being a top seller for the range it was nice to see what improvements BMW had made to the car. The engine is outstanding, apart from improved fuel consumption which was already quite good, it's performance levels have been tweaked, with it having less turbo lag than the old model. 

As per normal, there will be a host of packages the cars will be available in, for a broad scope of customization and for the enthusiast, BMW will be launching a 40th Year Limited Edition model which will feature exclusive details only available for it. 400 of these will be made in the various engine types, and market dependent. 

Overall, BMW have upped the game with their new 3 Series, yes while it might not look that much different from the previous shape, it's ticking all the right boxes in terms of being more efficient and more powerful which makes a big difference in driving enjoyment. BMW will also bring out a 330e plug-in hybrid early next year, proving their on going research into the plug in technology. After driving the old 3 Series Hybrid, Im keen to see how that one performs. The range kicks off with the now 318i at R409,000 up to the 340i which starts at R656,000. Not that badly priced if you have to compare it to its German rvials but with this one you can say it's being produced locally at the best plant in the world.