2019 BMW 3 Series full range price and features announced

BMW Australia has announced pricing for the rest of the all-new 3 Series range, with the 320i range opener, 330e plug-in hybrid and performance-oriented M340i xDrive joining the 320d and 330i that have been in local showrooms since March.

Set to begin deliveries in September, the new additions to the 3 Series family will help broaden the appeal of BMW's stalwart midsize sedan.

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The 320i brings the price of entry down lower, retailing at $64,900 and representing a $3000 saving against the similarly-specified (but diesel-powered) 320d that has, up until now, been the cheapest variant in the range. Powered by a 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol, the 320i trades mechanical oomph for a more budget-friendly pricetag when compared to the more muscular 320d.

Its equipment levels are roughly the same as the 320d, though, with features like the M Sport package (which bundles a sportier steering wheel, seats, Alcantara upholstery and a black headlining together), M Sport suspension, advanced driver assist features, parking assistant, a dual-screen infotainment/instrument panel, LED headlamps, wireless phone charger and 18-inch alloy wheels all as standard.

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Meanwhile, the 330e sits in the middle at $75,900. It asks a $5K premium over the turbo petrol 330i's retail sticker, but brings a synchronous electric drive motor and lithium-ion battery to endow it with a useful 60km of emissions-free range. With 185kW (or 215kW for short periods) and 420Nm when both its petrol and electric motors are working in concert, the 330e can zip to 100km/h from rest in a hothatch-like 5.9 seconds.

Its specification builds on that of the 320i/320d, with M Sport brakes, adaptive M suspension, keyless entry, Vernasca leather upholstery, 360-degree parking camera view, additional driver aids and 19-inch alloys as standard.

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However it's the M340i xDrive that's the star performer for now - at least until the next-generation M3 breaks cover. The M340i is the only model in the range to feature an engine bigger than 2.0 litres, with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six generating 285kW and 500Nm - 45kW and 50Nm more than the previous-generation M340i.

With all of that power going to all four wheels via a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, performance is predictably brisk, and the zero-to-hundred sprint is done away with in just 4.4 seconds.

Standard equipment also gets a boost with the M340i, which receives a powered tailgate, leather-trimmed dash, adjustable lumbar support, heated front seats, laser headlamps, a Harman/Kardon 16-speaker premium audio and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

The existing 320d and 330i carry over with no changes

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The 320d starts at $67,900, which is an increase of $2100 over the equivalent last-gen diesel.

With a twin-turbo four-pot, the 320d sends 140kW and 400Nm to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power has not increased during the generational leap as the engine carries over from the sixth-gen model.

However, BMW claims the latest 3 Series is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor depending on specification.

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Stepping up to the more powerful 330i costs $70,900, meaning the cost of the mid-level sedan has not changed between generations.

The same can’t be said for power, with 190kW and 400Nm being sent to the rear wheels (up 5kW/50Nm) via an eight-speed automatic ‘box. The engine is a modified version of that fitted to the outgoing 330i.

Australian customers will be treated to the latest-generation of BMW’s adaptive M suspension as standard on the 330i, lowering the ride height by 10mm and adding electronically controlled dampers. The 320d has M sport suspension as standard, which lowers the ride height, but misses out on the adaptive dampers.

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Customers can also option an M Sport limited-slip differential for their 330i, with the electronically controlled system aiding the car’s dynamic ability.

Competing against the all-new 3 Series are its classic rivals, the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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The latter’s C220d starts at $64,900, undercutting the BMW, while the C300 wears a sticker price of $71,400, making it the most expensive of the German trio in equivalent spec. The older C300 has the same 190kW output as the BMW 330i, but is down 30Nm.

Meanwhile, the A4 2.0-litre TDI starts at $67,300, making it line-ball with the diesel BMW. Both have a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 140kW and 400Nm, with the most significant difference being where power is sent – the Audi diverting grunt to the front treads, while BMW preferences the rear.

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Audi’s A4 2.0-litre TFSI is priced at $70,300, making it the cheapest of the Germans, however it is the least powerful with outputs of 185kW and 370Nm.

PRICING

The full BMW 3 Series range is available for order now, though the 320i, 330e and M340i xDrive aren't due to begin deliveries until September 2019.

• BMW 320i - $64,900
• BMW 320d - $67,900
• BMW 330i - $70,900
• BMW 330e - $75,900
• BMW M340i xDrive - $99,900