The BMW 3 Series sedan has finally been revealed, with the G20-generation making its debut at the Paris Motor Show.

The Munich-based brand claims that the seventh generation of its sports sedan “moves the game on once again” in terms of “driving dynamics, premium quality and innovation”.

It measures 76 mm longer than its predecessor (at 4 709 mm), some 16 mm wider (at 1 827 mm) and a single millimetre taller (at 1 442 mm). The wheelbase has grown 41 mm to 2 851 mm while the track widths have increased 43 mm fore and 21 mm aft.

Overall, the new BMW 3 Series sedan weighs up to 55 kg less than the corresponding predecessor model (depending on the model variant and equipment fitted, of course), while the stiffness of the body structure and suspension mountings have been “significantly increased”, according to BMW. The standard-fit suspension and optional M Sport suspension both include lift-related dampers.

At launch, five engines will be available (although local options have yet to be revealed). The line-up comprises a pair of turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines with 135 kW in the 320i and 190 kW in the 330i, plus two 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels with 110 kW in the 318d and 140 kW in the 320d. A 195 kW 3,0-litre six-cylinder in-line diesel engine powers the 330d.

Full-LED headlamps will come standard, while LED headlights with “extended features” and adaptive LED headlights with “BMW Laserlight” high beam will be available as an option.

Inside, you’ll find a new screen grouping of the Control Display and instrument cluster, along with a tall centre console. BMW says the controls are clustered into “clearly structured function panels”. The light functions are operated from a panel of buttons next to the sports leather steering wheel, while the start/stop button is now positioned in a newly designed control panel in the centre console.

You’ll also find the new BMW Operating System 7.0 in the new 3 Series, using a digital 12,3-inch instrument cluster and 10,25-inch Control Display. This system also debuts the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The new 3 Series is scheduled to launch in South Africa in March 2019.

*From the October 2018 issue of CAR magazine