2020 BMW 3 Series

Forty years of mechanical and design refinements have led us to this all-new 2019 BMW 330i. So, we’re off to Portugal for the 7th generation of BMW’s iconic sports sedan. 

The new 2-liter I-4 turbo boasts 255 horsepower with your choice of rear or X-drive. Weight loss, new suspension and tuned steering, provides a refined feel. Sport setting is tight and firm but not overbearing, while comfort mode is indeed that. The chassis is playful while gear changes from the 8-speed Sport Steptronic are flawless.

The made-over interior is accommodating for long trips. And, in an attempt to free up room in the instrument cluster, the novel “counter-clockwise” tachometer looks right at home.

Technology advances beyond mere voice control. BMW’s recently introduced Intelligent Personal Assistant is ready to respond.

The 2020 BMW M340i is the expected M performance model upgrade. It’s revised 3-liter I-6 turbo has the power we crave. 382-horsepower with rear or X-drive. The quick shifting 8-speed Sport Steptronic is standard, this time around there's no 3 Series manual option.

"The all new 3 series, I've got to tell you this car is refreshing. It goes back to the BMW 3 series roots. It's longer, it's wider, the front and rear track is wider. Now on paper you might be thinking 'that's not really what I want.' But on the road and racetrack, this thing is so tossable. It feels smaller than it is."

Our X-drive testers kept us dialed in and on the course no problem. Sport mode directs most power to the rear allowing for entertaining oversteer.

The 2019 BMW 330i arrives in dealers in March starting at about $40,000. The 2020 BMW M340i arrives in summer for about $54,000.