We’re live from Paris this week where in the next couple of days we will bring countless images, videos and information regarding the new BMW 3 Series G20. The car was already leaked ahead of its world debut and you’ve already had the chance to see some of its design details. The technical specs will have to wait a bit longer, but nonetheless, we wanted to give you the opportunity to send some questions in.
Continue Reading Below
The questions will be presented to BMW engineers and project managers, in charge of the new 3 Series, who will be able to address most of them. So if you have any questions regarding the design, drivetrains, suspensions and other tech, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.
The auto shows starts on Tuesday morning, Central European Time, so this gives you about 24 hours before you can get the questions in.
As always, the BMW representatives will focus on the current product and features, and will likely shy away from answering anything related to future products, so please stay on point.
For those of you that would like to follow us on social media, we will have plenty of coverage to satisfy your tastes, so see us on the following channels:
What engines are available?
That will be well known by tomorrow. Let’s ask deeper questions on the ideas behind the car
Automakers are making different developments to counter turbo lag and lag in general – what is BMW’s approach here? I mean, the non-hybrid variants (because there the solution is obvious and very simple). Volvo’s and Mazda’s approach is cool. Audi’s approach is just overly complicated and something they could achieve from a hybrid powertrain…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18AP4R_btKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8-_UrfbRBA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCEarzwakgc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr5mksh68A4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccMg-KzMgU8
They are using a 48-Volt electric system, this can be used to spoil the turbos up as soon as throttle is applied
So basically the same system as Audi, then?
I’ve never noticed lag on a turbo I6, not since it was introduced on 335i, one reason BMW used twin-turbo to cover the whole rev range, I thought.
Why is BMW using Peugeot headlights?
https://drivinglife.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/5.jpeg And Hyundai tail lights.
are you blind?!
If he doesn’t answer, he must be ;-)
Think it’s more a cognitive issue, don’t challenge him, he’ll call you names.
Bmw has been always inspired by Peugeot, more or less.
:’D uhm yea, sure, now that you mention it: Peugeot is known for luxury/sports rwd cars! ..
Design-wise.
So is it a Peugeot, a Lexus, or a Kia? Make up your minds, people! If you can find them.
They’re known for being French. Which, in the North American market, means they are unknown. For decades.
Hah!
Now it’s Kia.
Now it’s Kia. Ha!
Only a victim of Korean marketing would ever compare the two – all this talk of grilles ignores that Kia are not only no competition for BMW, the Stinger is frikkin’ ugly!
The headlights are actually more reminiscent of the E46 LCI which had a kink in the middle of them
The past must only be invoked to disparage the present.
Lol !! Good one.
I’ve tried to keep abreast of the G20, but in the eleventh hour, the only question motivating buy/no-buy is ‘manual transmission’ and ‘US market’ – do those things go together? FuelEconomy.gov isn’t talking. Cutting the manual *right* when I can afford to buy new and contribute to take rates will be the decider.
There’s a whole pile of us coming of age (relative to buying a $35-50,000 car) that couldn’t give a thought to the badge. It’s rear-drive, it’s four-door, it weighs less than a 90’s SUV where the 4000+lbs car is becoming all-too common.
I really think its up to tomorrow’s reveal to answer any remaining relevant questions.
In Europe at least, manual transmissions aren’t available on anything above 320i on the F30 anyway so this isn’t anything new.
This must be one of bmw’s ugliest cars…
And you’ll say that about the next one and the next… It’s not a very creative answer.
The new Volvos look amazing.
Have to agree here. It’s absolutely sad to me that VOLVO of all marques…..makes better “German” looking cars, than MB, BMW, and Audi right now.
All German cars (except for Porsche) look more like Japanese designs now.
Not if you want anything larger than a 4 cyl. & I’m not buying Chinese, they”ll just use it to buy more Daimler, like going to a Tom Cruise movie.
Paul has a point.
I grew up around E30, then E36, then E46….all awesome.
Then E90, WTF?, F30, WTF? G20, WTF?
In the OLD days, a design got increasingly BETTER not WORSE.
What exactly was wormy with the E90 and F30?
335i moved 3 Series to a whole other level of performance, I have never looked back. Ditto 340i, don’t have to buy it for the looks.
The transition from E46 to E90 was visually shocking. To me anyway.
It doesn’t require explanation – just look at the E90 and compare it to the previous E46.
It takes two seconds to pick the better design, unless you’re the pedantic type who has to argue “but it’s NEWER, therefore it’s BETTER!”
Nah.
Hah! Again. The E range was when the Board allowed Bangle to move away from the 1 sausage/3 sizes model Paul Bracq introduced in the ’70’s (& which many still copy today). Simultaneously BMW introduced some of their most hated models in history & took the premium sales crown from Mercedes for the 1st time. So for every hater there is someone with a cheque book who disagrees.
Porsche learned hard after the 996 to not get too adventurous with the 911’s design, and stick to what their core enthusiasts want and expect.
*shrugs*
To each their own I guess.
Porsche tried to kill 911 with 928, market didn’t support them, I wish it had. 928 was the last interesting Porsche, anything since either looks to their past or is rebadged VAG SUV.
The E90 was still ok but the F30 wasn’t that pretty. The G20…..hmmmm looks like a Lexus from the back but will have to see it in the flesh first.
With all due respect my friend if you observe most comments, increasingly, more and more people are thinking this way and majority isn’t finding it exciting.
Either they remain stuck where they are or else they end up doing exaggerated and pointless work on the name of creativity.
Ps – i found the design reasonable but i wont bash anyone who doesn’t like it. the design really is not worth it.
With all due respect my friend (i.e., none) if you observe most comments, increasingly, more and more people are thinking this way and majority isn’t finding it exciting that you are a troll.
More and more people BUY BMW EVERY YEAR. Substantiate your claims. Owning a keyboard is not evidence, opinion is irrelevant. And this page actually asked for questions. Do you have 1?
I respect your view, we mostly agree on things, sometimes not. In this case, I think it is way too early to pass judgment on the design from a couple of leaked horrible studio pics. It’s literally like finding someone guilty without a trial.
Most ppl are unnecessarily harsh on the design without having seen it in person. I think a little bashing back is in order. ;)
Sure ain’t no Isetta, that’s fer sure.
Will the exterior of the M340i be different from a (lower) model with “M sport pack”?
Yes, you can see it in the photos below, the dark colored car with the Z4-like grille
I think it’s actually very beautiful from the sides. But the front and back ends are quite hideous.
All-electric powertrain?
Will it have an audio jack? It makes no sense to remove it…
What towing capacity will it have?
Aluminium chassis and panels? BMW increased the their order from Hydro Aluminium in Norway.
Hybrid electric range? Charging speed? They need to get away from that 3.3. kW rate, it limits the use to home charging.
BMW don’t have Android auto as they don’t like the way information is shared on that platform. Hybrid electric range is 50km
Actually no one should have Android Auto…for that reason alone!
Don’t lke the way informaton is shared on that platform? In terms of what Google collects? That’s something I as a user can control, at least to a certan degree.
Edit: read more about it and I agree the data collection is too much. I mean, that’s not anything new. If you have a device, your privacy will be fucked over. It’s pretty sad, tbh.
I just read the hybrid range is 60 km. I find it a little disappointing considering it won’t be released until summer 2019 in Europe and 2020 in USA and will be in the lineup for several years… These are theoretical numbers too, so not impressive.
Here is my question:
Moving forward with design doesn’t mean to scrap all traditional design philosophies.
Slapping a kidney grille and Hoff kink on should not automatically validate a new design.
What exactly is happening to German design in general? It is so far removed from being Teutonic as it can get at this point.
GLOBAL market, cars haven’t been identifiable by nation for a long time. Plus, EVERY manufacturer has to meet the same safety standards, today much design is dictated by regulation. BMW didn’t begin as a luxury brand, spartan was repeatedly the word used, they competed on engineering. Not in today’s market.
So to summarize:
Globalization is great for car sales.
TERRIBLE for car design.
For most people a car is an appliance, they don’t care what it looks like, partly our aging population, so less sports cars, more SUVs. But since they are selling in record volume, anyone who looks can find something, have you not seen i3? i8? People pay a premium for MINI. One reason vintage cars are so popular is people want choice. BEV will probably change vehicle design again.
As people mentioned, would really like to know details about BMW’s electrification strategy and how it will actually come into the real world.
Speaking of which, where is the plug-in X1 we were promised about 2 years ago?
Why is it that ugly, inside and outside? The front reminds me of some japanese car. And what’s up with that stupid noth in headlights. Strangly the interior of X5 looks much better despite being similar
Did BMW fix what wasn’t broke and broke what was fixed ?
Looks was fine, dynamics were not
Which cars in the segment did BMW use as a benchmark against the G20?
Think it works the other way ’round.
Current Merc C Class. BMW admitted themselves !!
Source?
When & where? Citation?
In terms of dynamics? Guilia of course.
My question is simple, but interesting. I would love to know how BMW evaluates a new design direction. Is it based on buyer input? Broader market research? Solely Design director instinct? or, does the board decide?
If it is all of the above? What percentage would each category have on final design?
Next question would be, does BMW monitor social media outlets like BMWBlog and in particular the comments sections? and does it have any influence on their design directions?
The reason for my asking these questions is simply because most opinions are generally negative. Is there a different group of customer that is generally more pleased with BMWs design direction upon which they base their research on?
Thanks!
I think it was on Bimmerpost where the M2 Performace Parts Manager stated that they read all (or at least a lot of) the comments on pages like that and I believe they really do!
But very often its so negative here and on other pages, I dont know if it makes sense to them. Because what also (and really) matters is sales, and as long as this works there is no reason to give a damn sh*t about online comments :D
They read some. Not all. Don’t be fooled. People are busy :) they read multiple sites. Them. Us. Bimmertoday. Etc.
In the ’70s it was simple, they just hired Mercedes’ designer to do an entire new range. While Mr. Quandt Sr. lived BMW developed their reputation for conservatism because he liked traditional quad round headlights, low hood & beltline, distinct greenhouse, kink, kidneys of course, shark nose (before bumper/impact regs. killed it). When the Board gave Bangle more of a free reign (745i), it coincided with the internet & online hate. So how they do it now – with global markets, gov”t. regs., opinion clinics, more competitive market, internet – realky have no idea – throw dice?
“We’re like from Paris …”
“Like” or actually? There is a very discrete difference.
We’re kinda, like, from Paris.
Will the 3 series have the digital key function?
Yes
For a very long time, BMW has been using Carbon fiber parts on its M models because of its lightness as well as it being as strong or even stronger than steel. It obviously contribute in making M cars drive much better than the series models, mainly because its lighter and the car is more rigid. So after many years of working and manufacturing these fantastic extremely strong and lightweight material.
Will we see these exotic carbon fiber parts on higher end models such as the G20 340i and even the G20 330i.
Maybe with carbon roof or carbon hood etc?
Yes, a carbon fibre roof will be available on the M340i and maybe the M340D
Thanks Fergus, that is good news. Seems like the G20 3 series is gonna advance this segment once more. Cant wait to see the reveal in a few days.
No worries man, I am excited too, I’ll be going to the Motor Show next week! Let me know if you want me to film something in particular as I have a YouTube channel I’ll be uploading footage too
You very lucky, The new 3 series, the new A class and the Mercedes AMG Project One, and just everything really. post the link here and hopefully we can all check it out. Hope you have an awesome time.
Second question, And it has already been asked many times because its probably the most important. We know there will most likely be a hybrid version or versions of the 3 series. However will there be an all electric plug in only 3 series, like the BMW i3. If no, why would such a vehicle not be an option in the European and American Market?
Yes there will be one, it will be known under the name of the I4
Thank you.
Not fully correct is it? Rumours says that the BEV version of the 3 series will be named i3 (and current i3 rebadged to i1 in its next gen). The i4 is more a coupe type car.
I have a couple questons. first of all, who hates the car in certain area(s), and why?
second, what about the electric 3 series?
third, is this at least a step up from the current generation (f30)
And last, (this isn’t a question) write down your favorite generation of the 3 series and please explain why it is your favorite.
The 3 series has faced intense competition from your German counterparts and new entrants over the past couple of years. How does this new 3 Series raise the bar for the segment?
How does BMW plan to differentiate the G20 from the G30?
On the exterior the two vehicles are very different from one another other than the side mirrors. As a whole there are more differences between the 3er and 5er than there are similarities
Is Live Cockpit on the G20 a option?
Looks like it, there’s a lower end cockpit that shares with the G30 which is previous gen tech.
Power output of the M340i?
I know its a bit too early to ask this one, but here it is…
When can we expect the LCI of G20 3 series?
Drop some acid.
My question is: how many ambient lighting colour options are there and where are the lighting strips located in the cabin like in doors dash etc
Drop some acid, they will ALL be yours!
what lol
If you’re stressing about mesh grilles?
I’m too late.
im confused xD
I’m sure you will have the same color options as the other recently released G Chassis vehicles. location of lights should be mix between G05 and G01
my second question is, can the m340i be spec’d without the ugly mesh grill, i prefer the normal kidney grills without that mesh grill like the new z4 has
Same question from me too.
Will the M340i exist without X drive ?
Is it lighter than F30 ?
Yes. Rwd
Why are people asking so many stupid questions? Of a car that hasn’t been released yet? Let alone driven? Good work, BMW!
Why are YOU replying to stupid questions?
Mad magazine tribute: stupid answers to stupid questions.
Next?
can this m3 beat the Tesla M P3DTR ver2 in 0-60, 1/4 mile, and around nurburgring?
It’s not a G20 M3, those won’t launch for another 6months if I had to guess. The Tesla won’t make 1 lap around green hell so that’s an easy one
Yes it will make 1 lap around the green hell and probably more… Check track tests before saying things like that. The power output will stabilize after 3 – 4 minutes and be very similar to the peak power output (a few percent reduction).
However, I still think the M3 will handle better and probably get a better time around the ring.
Why is BMW trying to sell me a Merc C Class. 🙄
Will Bmw produce the all new 3 series in Mexico for all markets or only for USMCA? According to my doctrine, a Bmw 3 series is only original, when it’s made in Germany. Will the new M3 beat next gen Giulia in terms of acceleration?
Does the G20 have a Welcome Light Carpet and if yes: how does it look like?
Yes it has you can check out on CarWow YouTube channel.
Will BMW use 48-Volt electric system on the M330i ?
Thanks for the chance to put forward our questions, here is mine:
Is there anything in the US-bound new 3-series (330i, M340i and future M3 models) that would categorically prevent the installation of a manual gearbox (like a mild-hybrid system, xdrive etc.)? Or can we continue to have hope?
and when will the g20 330e launch ?
also, will it use 48-Volt electric system ?
Will there be a 330d xdrive?
Which watch am I allowed to wear in one of these new 3 series cars?
Can you turn of the stupid artificial engine sounds? And will they stop this nonsense and instead make the engines sound good and leave the motors quiet as should be?