Even though BMW’s all-new G20 3 Series is only set to debut in South Africa in March 2019, us folks at Auto Advisor have the scoop on pricing for the compact luxury sedan.
As we previously reported, the seventh-generation 3 Series is much larger than its predecessor, measuring 76mm longer, 16 mm wider and boasting a wheelbase that's 41mm longer, yet up to 55kgs lighter depending on the model. The G20 is based on the Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform and features increased use of high-strength steel and aluminium. The car gets a more defined front end, with full-LED headlights as standard and BMW's new one-piece kidney grill, while the most distinctive feature at the rear are the new longer and flatter taillights. The G20 also has a flat and covered underbody, resulting in a reduced drag coefficient from 0.26 Cd to 0.23 Cd for the 320d.
The cabin is one area that has really come under the knife, with it taking styling ques from the X5 and X3. It actually features fewer buttons than the F30, despite being the most technologically advanced 3 Series ever. The standard layout combines a 5.7-inch digital instrument screen and 8.8-inch infotainment display, and runs on BMW Operating System 7.0, while integrating the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant - the Bavarian automakers answer to Mercedes-Benz's MBUX system. As an option, there's an upgrade to a 12.3-inch instrument display and 10.25-inch infotainment screen. Expect the latest tech too, with the new 3 featuring an improved Heads-Up Display, Gesture Control, a semi-autonomous Driving Assistant package, Connected Navigation, a Reversing Assistant with 50 metres of steering memory and BMW’s Digital Key.
For the first time in over 35 years, the 3 Series will not be manufactured locally. This is because BMW’s Rosslyn plant has swapped production of the 3 Series for the new X3. And with this, the G20 will be built in Germany, Mexico and China.
As per BMW South Africa’s online configurator, they will launch the G20 in two derivatives – a single petrol engine and a single diesel engine - the 320d and the 330i. Much like its predecessor, the 320d will use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel motor to produce 140kw and 400nm. According to BMW, this is good enough for a 0-100kph sprint in just 6.8 seconds. The petrol engined model, the 330i, is also powered by a 2.0-litre turbo motor like before, but outputs are up from 185kw and 350nm to 190kw and 400nm. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and 0-100kph is done and dusted in a claimed 5.8 seconds.
The 320d is priced at R649 253, while the 330i is priced at R652 415, while should you opt for the Sport automatic transmission, pricing moves up to R652 253 and R655 415 respectively. For reference, the F30 320d was priced from R591 100, while the F30 330i started from R664 139. The hot M340i is expected to only arrive in September next year, but pricing will be released closer to that time. That will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six to produce 275kw and 500nm, although we aren’t sure if our local model will be paired with a rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive system. Expect a full range of M Performance parts to be available at launch.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW 3 Series cost in South Africa?
The new G20 BMW 3 Series starts from around R580,000 for the base 320i model, with the popular 320d diesel coming in at roughly R620,000, and the range-topping 330i pushing close to R750,000 depending on options and specification levels.
Q: Is the BMW 3 Series worth buying in 2024?
Absolutely, the G20 3 Series remains the benchmark compact luxury sedan with its perfect blend of driving dynamics, tech features, and build quality, though you'll pay a premium compared to rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4.
Q: What's the difference between the new BMW 3 Series and the old one?
The G20 is significantly larger than the F30 it replaces, measuring 76mm longer and 16mm wider with a 41mm longer wheelbase, yet it's up to 55kg lighter thanks to more aluminium construction and improved aerodynamics.
Q: Which BMW 3 Series engine is best for South Africa?
The 320d diesel is the sweet spot for SA conditions, offering excellent fuel economy of around 4.5L/100km, strong torque for altitude, and reasonable running costs compared to the petrol variants.
Q: Does the BMW 3 Series have good safety features?
Yes, the G20 comes loaded with safety tech including autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and BMW's Driving Assistant package as standard across the range.
Should You Buy It?
The BMW 3 Series G20 is absolutely worth buying if you've got R580,000 to R750,000 to spend on a compact luxury sedan. It's still the best all-rounder in the segment, combining sharp handling with genuine luxury and cutting-edge tech. The 320d at around R620,000 is our pick for SA buyers, offering brilliant fuel economy and strong performance. Yes, it's pricey compared to mainstream alternatives, but you're getting the ultimate driving machine that holds its value better than most. If your budget stretches this far, the 3 Series won't disappoint.
