The 2019 BMW 3 Series was the first model of its seventh (and most current) generation. It brought more power, a slightly revamped exterior, additional technology functions, and improved driver-assist features.

When you’re looking for a new car, you’ll likely want the newest and most advanced model you can lay your hands on. As the first model of the BMW 3 Series’ seventh generation, the 2019 edition features mostly minor changes from its predecessor (a few nips and tucks rather than a full facelift).

Offered with either a sedan or wagon body style, the 2019 3 Series includes the 330i sDrive with rear-wheel drive and the 330i xDrive with all-wheel drive.

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Was the 2019 BMW 3 Series redesigned?

If anything, the first model of the seventh-generation 3 Series sedan was mildly redesigned rather than fully overhauled. The 3 Series wagon was carried over from 2018 with no changes.

Minor design tweaks led to a lighter yet slightly larger body. The engine, suspension, and chassis were all re-tuned to offer better performance, while the interior remained basically unchanged from the 2018 version. BMW added more technology features inside the cabin, but it's not clear that these led to improvements in driver experience.

The biggest change was under the hood. The 2019

BMW 3 Series

comes with a more powerful base engine than the 2018 version: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 2018’s base 2.0-liter engine offered only 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.

The best enhancements on the seventh-generation 3 Series include:

More powerful engine

Improved handling and performance

Quieter cabin

Slightly larger trunk

Beefed up iDrive infotainment system

2019 BMW 3 Series vs. 2018 BMW 3 Series: what changed?

The following are the most prominent of the changes made to the first version of BMW’s seventh-generation 3 Series model in 2019.

Revamped performance

The most telling change brought by the 2019 BMW 3 Series is improved performance, courtesy of its re-tuned turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine boasting 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. This is mated to a quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to BMW, the 2019 330i scoots from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, compared to 5.5 seconds on the 2018 330i.

Along with the more powerful engine, the 2019 330i boasts more driving enhancements, including the following:

Wider, stiffer chassis and re-tuned suspension for better handling and a more refined driving experience

Improved, thick-rimmed steering wheel for better road feel and more responsive feedback

Fog lights for a safer drive through adverse conditions

LED headlights for an improved view while driving at night

New lightweight metals used in body construction for a more pliable ride

The 2019 BMW 3 Series had an original starting price of $40,250 for the rear-wheel drive 330i, while the all-wheel drive 330i xDrive started at $42,250. The newest version of the 3 Series, the upcoming 2023 BMW 3, will have a starting price of $43,295.

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Styling

The 2019 3 Series sedan looked similar to the 2018 version, but subtle changes were made to improve performance and handling beyond just a revamped engine. The 2019 330i body is actually 121 pounds lighter, thanks to the lightweight metals used in construction.

The body of the 2019 330i is also slightly longer, wider, and taller than the 2018 version, adding 1.3 cubic feet of trunk space.

Along with the aforementioned fog lights, the 2019 330i also features a larger kidney grille at the front and fender sculpting behind the front wheels.

Interior

The 2019 330i’s interior was spruced up courtesy of an ambient lighting system along with oak, maple, and metallic details. The 2019 3 Series cabin remains minimalistic yet stylish and pleasing, with supportive and comfortable front seats that are easily adjustable and rear seats that are impressively comfortable.

The 2019 3 Series also has a quieter cabin that cuts down on both road and wind noise, thanks to BMW installing acoustic foam in the pillars, as well as an acoustic windshield.

Technology

BMW aimed to improve the iDrive infotainment system in the 2019 3 Series, but the results are hit or miss. The seventh generation’s first crack at a revamped iDrive system was middling at best, as it is harder to use than the previous generation’s iDrive.

It features a clunky interface and seems to require drivers to go through a maze of menu options before finding what they are looking for. The optional gesture control is finicky as well, especially when using the 2019 330i’s 3D camera parking system.

That said, there are some good aspects of 2019’s tech rewiring. Apple CarPlay is a standard feature, as is a wireless charging pad and a high amp USB-C port inside the center console. Android Auto is not available on the 2019 330i, but it is available on the newest versions of the 3 Series.

Safety

BMW stuffed plenty of driver-assist technology into the 2019 3 Series, but its effectiveness was mixed. Using the adaptive cruise control is a breeze, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, the 2019 330i’s lane-keep assist is surprisingly unrefined, can feel clunky, and has a hard time keeping track of the car on curves.

Pricing

Seeing as the changes brought along with BMW’s seventh-generation 3 Series were minor, there was no jump in price from 2018 to 2019 for the 330i trims. In 2019, the MSRP was $40,250 for the 330i sDrive and $42,250 for the 330i xDrive.

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Should you buy a 2019 BMW 3 Series?

If the 2019 BMW 3 Series catches your eye, nothing should stop you from buying a used one—so long as it's in good condition and there aren’t too many miles on its odometer. That said, the 2023 BMW 3 Series, while still part of the current seventh generation, has a starting price only slightly more expensive ($43,295) than the 2019’s starting price.

Plus, if you pay just $1,000 more, you could land yourself the 330e, a plug-in hybrid that gets up to 23 miles of all-electric range.

For our money, paying nearly the same price for a new 3 Series (and just a tad more for the plug-in) seems like the better idea. As well, plug-in hybrid models built in North America (BMW has a manufacturing facility in Tennessee) are typically eligible for up to $7,500 in federal tax credits, which will take a nice chunk off your final bill.

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How to get a hybrid or electric car tax credit

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