It's 14 September 2018 today, and that's a good two weeks before you can see this video.
And we're in Ede of all places, to have a look at the brand new BMW 3-series,
which was presented just now in Paris. This is the new G20.
Every new BMW is important for the brand, but the 3-series is especially important.
This is the heart of BMW. A car which has gotten a lot of competition in the past years.
A Volvo S60 for example, or a Jaguar XE, or an Alfa Romeo Giulia...
That's why they went back to basics with this 3-series, more than ever.
Back to basics means that they've focused on driving dynamics, because that was the 3-series' unique selling point.
But because of the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia, they've positioned it a little sportier than before.
That means they've paid a lot of attention to the chassis, and not even the adaptive version with sixteen different modes,
even though it's available. Mostly, it's the two passive versions.
There'll be two. A normal one and a sporty one.
Both have lift-related dampers, which are shocks which react to imperfections on the road.
If the road is smooth or if it has small imperfections, the spring is able to move freely.
If the imperfections are bigger and the springs have to work harder, the dampers become more resistant.
In other words, the car is comfortable when possible, but it's dynamic whenever you need it to be.
That said, the car is 55 kg lighter than its predecessor, whilst retaining a 50-50 weight distribution.
That means it's optimal. Then there are the options.
I already mentioned the adaptive chassis, but you can now get the optional LSD which, orignally meant for the M3.
As long as your 3-series has four or more cylinders.
I said '4-cylinder', and that's because there are a lot of 4-cylinders available at the launch.
Two petrol versions. A 320i or a 330i, producing 184 or 258 horsepower.
Then there are two diesel 4-cylinders, the 318d and 320d. The latter is available with optional xDrive.
There's a 6-cylinder available as well, the 330d.
We know those engines from the current 3-series, because they introduced presented a new modular engine range.
What stands out however, is that there aren't any 3-cylinders available. Those will be available later.
They also didn't include alternative drivetrains. No 48V-mild hybrid system, no plug-in hybrid,
no electric version... They have thought about it,
and it will become available in time for sure, but for now, it's a rather conventional system.
I just mentioned a 50-50 weight distribution, which is very nice when it comes to driving dynamics,
but it's always been one of the weaker points as well when it comes to space in the back.
The new one is a lot more spacious than its predecessor. The wheelbase is four centimetres longer,
and you'll notice. As you can see, my knees don't even touch the seat which is set to my preference.
I wouldn't call it a limousine however. I can barely fit my feet beneath the seat,
but despite a stretched roofline, my head still touches the ceiling.
This will always remain the weak point, a conscious choice by BMW. But, if you're just 1,80 m, it's pretty decent.
Let's move to the front. That hasn't been BMW's strong suit either.
So, what stands out? Well, they've made a pretty big step.
We saw the same thing happening with the 5-series, which is better than its predecessor, qualitatively speaking.
They're continuing this line here. I have to say, now I'm in here,
I still think the current C-Class has better finishing, with better materials as well. Warmer, really.
This is the most modern BMW has ever been. It's very nice as well, and instead of moving with the trend,
they've kept the BMW i-Drive controllers. That way, you're still able to control the multimedia with a physical button.
Of course, it has a touchscreen. Depending on what trim you've selected,
you get a smaller touchscreen, a bigger touchscreen, you can control it with gestures,
and you can get an optional digital instrument cluster as well. So they're following the trend a little.
Also, it's even more connected. ConnectedDrive comes as standard on this car,
but you can upgrade that system. You can even give it voice commands.
That isn't operational in Dutch, yet. In time, you should be able to ask the car where the nearest...
supermarket is, but you should be able to have a conversation with it as well.
If you say 'Hey BMW, I'm cold', the car should be able to understand your command and...
it'll turn on the heater. That isn't new or anything,
because Mercedes does the same thing, only you'll say 'Hey Mercedes' instead of 'Hey BMW'.
BMW says they want to develop it even further. They want to integrate it with speakers in your house,
or other connected devices. In time, it should be able to talk back to you.
That means you can ask your car about the meaning of life. Of course, that's an optional extra.
You'll get a subscription for three years when you purchase the car, after that you'll have to pay.
Paying extra is kind of a thing with the 3-series, because the options list is huge.
All kinds of adaptive driving aids, an assist which can get out of a parking spot you got in,
traffic jam assist, laser lights as seen on the 7-series... Everything you've seen in bigger cars, is now available on the new 3-series.
That means it's completely up to date in this segment, and you'll be able to have a conversation with your car.
Everything seems alright, but maybe we should ask the car...
Hey BMW, how many 3-series are you going to sell?
I'm sure it'll know the answer in seven years.