It’s the German saloon we have all been waiting for, BMW’s latest 3 series, the G20 has hit our shores officially in the form of the 330i M Sport variant. So what’s hot with the latest iteration of the iconic 3 series saloon? Here’s 5 first impression highlights we noticed during the launch event.
8 Series interior for 1/3 of the price
When we say the interior of the 8 series, we mean the 10.25 inch centre display, the 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster and THAT gearknob. No doubt the 8 series is a different proposition altogether but the fact that the 330i M Sport, a car priced at about 30% of what the M850i shares similar architecture and center console features are high praise indeed. That’s like having an apartment that looks similar to that of Starrk Tower. Not the same but not too bad either.
Most powerful 2.0 mid-sized executive saloon in Malaysia.
As far as mid-sized 2 liter executive sedan’s go, the 3 series is currently the king of the hill. The C300 AMG line we recently reviewed was putting out a respective 258bhp and 370Nm of torque to a 9 speed gearbox. The current G20 3 series in 330i M Sport form however now puts out the same 258bhp as the Mercedes Benz, but now with 400Nm of torque. That’s right, just 20Nm shy of what an Evo 9 was putting out when it went for sale back in 2005. In a car that supposedly prioritizes refinement rather than outright performance.
That output coupled to the 8 speed gearbox propels this 1500-odd kg car from 0-100kph in just 5.8 seconds. That’s as fast as the Civic Type R, which is supposed to be the fastest front-drive vehicle to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife. That is fast, properly fast.
Still the driving enthusiasts choice
The hallmark of what makes the BMW 3 series such a darling amongst enthusiasts is the fact that it’s an amazing rear wheel drive sedan with amazing balance. This tradition is continued on faithfully with the current generation.
The G20 BMW 330i M Sport may have a whole load of refinement and luxury, but it has not forsaken its core appeal, its handling prowess. The car is now wider with a longer wheelbase giving it a better footprint, yet lighter than the outgoing model. The 330i M Sport still boasts a 50:50 weight distribution and its still gloriously rear wheel drive.
M Performance kit
Along with the well balanced and proportioned chassis, the G20 330i M Sport car is now furnished with even more lovely bits from the M Division compared to its predecessor. From the blue colored M Sport brakes, to the 18 inch M Sport wheels that look like the previous gen’s M4 GTS rims, and M Sport suspension that alters wheel travel of the springs to aid traction during high intensity cornering. Which is nice handy when your commute to the business seminar out of town involves a mountain road.
Technical Tour de Force
Here’s where the G20 3 series truly comes alive. BMW Connected Package Professional means that your Samsung smartphone can function as the key of the car and thanks to BMW Live Cockpit Professional, you get to enjoy connectivity features seen in the 8 series and the 7 series cars like BMW Concierge Service, Control Touch display and of course the I-drive controller.
This is a gross simplification of what type of user tech the new 3 series has in the 330i M Sport variant. However a full report on it will have to wait until we actually get our hands on the actual car.
Conclusion
The G20 BMW 330i M Sport looks the part on the outside and inside, it’s no doubt a great car to drive , even more so than its immediate rivals despite sporting the highest price tag. No doubt there’s the hype of it being the newest kid on the block. But that aside, the G20 BMW 330i comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 2 year coverage for your run flat tyres, and all the online connectivity services for RM328,800 does seem like one of the best Performance / luxury combo you can get for in Malaysia. What do you think about the G20 3 series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
