[teaston]

The Auto Express video review of the production G20 3 Series goes live at 11pm UK time tonight!

And Autocar one, I actually think the SE is very close to the M Sport in the looks department!

Also includes M340i prototype track drive:

[NotGotABimmer23]

Not going to be the m340i though, so a bit meh.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by kylemacca01

Not going to be the m340i though, so a bit meh.

Looks like written review of the prototype M340i will be released too, so maybe it will feature in the video:

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/3-...ototype-review

[ukbeemerboy]

I’ll wait for the LCI. They might of sorted the Mercedes door handles by then, let alone the Audi arse end!

[too hot]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

I’ll wait for the LCI. They might of sorted the Mercedes door handles by then, let alone the Audi arse end!

And those hideous humongous grilles

[Goneinsixtyseconds]

Nice editing autoexpress.

Inside he says he's driving a 320d, which he obviously is. All the outside shots are of a 330i. Must just be press release shots for all the exterior swooping drive shots.

Would it have been that hard for BMW to give people the same model?

No view given on the looks either. I'm not that keen. Didn't like the 5, and it didn't grow in me, doubt this will either.

[Maxwell_RS]

Originally Posted by ukbeemerboy

I'll wait for the LCI. They might of sorted the Mercedes door handles by then, let alone the Audi arse end!

You forgot about the Peugeot 3008 headlights

[teaston]

Originally Posted by kylemacca01

Not going to be the m340i though, so a bit meh.

Autocar video review does include M340i drive review on track!

[speedski]

That autoexpress video is horrendous - he can't string sentences together with any form of fluidity.

In saying that, saying the steering is less than direct more than once in 6 mins is not exactly a good sign...especially as he's clearly driving a fully loaded car.

And yes, those Peugeot headlights are still fugly.

[gr4z]

Just posted on the Telegraph site https://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/bmw...-munichs-core/

Read that, came away disappointed. Even though it got 4* it doesn't exactly sing it's praises in places. Let's hope the M340 improves the situation.

[blueislander]

I'm feeling like the 0% run out offers on the current 3er and the 4 are the way to go, and then circle back to this in a few years post-LCI. It just looks too gaudy and overstyled. technically capable but meh

[gr4z]

Indeed, I am not feeling it at the moment. Aldi (R)S5 anyone?

[teaston]

Yep I'm definitely not regretting my decision to move away from the 3 series, I'm still not keen on the looks and sounds like they've aimed it more as being a smaller 5 Series rather than trying to compete with the driving dynamics of the Giulia and XE!

Plus what on earth happened to the 48v mild hybrid all models were supposed to have!? :

[speedski]

https://www.motor1.com/reviews/29724...s-first-drive/

Has the C Class as the recommended buy

[ByTheSea]

Based on a reading of the actual reviews across the press I reckon BMW will have trouble keeping up with demand.

[JD6]

Originally Posted by teaston

Yep I'm definitely not regretting my decision to move away from the 3 series, I'm still not keen on the looks and sounds like they've aimed it more as being a smaller 5 Series rather than trying to compete with the driving dynamics of the Giulia and XE!

The reviews I have watched talk about a significant increase in quality (much needed in the F3x), reduction in noise, better ride, handling and technology. If this is in effect a smaller 5 Series, but dynamically sharper, that sounds to me like BMW have got this about right.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by JD6

The reviews I have watched talk about a significant increase in quality (much needed in the F3x), reduction in noise, better ride, handling and technology. If this is in effect a smaller 5 Series, but dynamically sharper, that sounds to me like BMW have got this about right.

+1 agree. Dynamically it sounds much improved over the F30.

You have to compromise between handling and comfort. Yes the Alfa and XE maybe handle better but they are badly let down in most other areas.

[E60525d]

Originally Posted by teaston

Plus what on earth happened to the 48v mild hybrid all models were supposed to have!? :

That was never confirmed. I believe BMW said last year they were working on them but didnt say when they would be ready for production.

[RobUK]

Carwow have just put up their G20 video and it includes a section at the end on the M340i. He compared it to the M3CS they tested a short while ago and the M340i did the standing quarter in just 0.4s more than the M3 plus it did 0-60 in 4.2s. BUT... he was in the 382hp US version of the car and said the European version gets less power because heaven forbid we should have as much fun.

Also had an interesting section on the 'Reversing Memory' which didn't work in his car.

Last thing I spotted was a view of the rear quarter from behind. Sorry BMW but that's not a good look.

[teaston]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Carwow have just put up their G20 video and it includes a section at the end on the M340i. He compared it to the M3CS they tested a short while ago and the M340i did the standing quarter in just 0.4s more than the M3 plus it did 0-60 in 4.2s. BUT... he was in the 382hp US version of the car and said the European version gets less power because heaven forbid we should have as much fun.

Also had an interesting section on the 'Reversing Memory' which didn't work in his car.

Last thing I spotted was a view of the rear quarter from behind. Sorry BMW but that's not a good look.

Bulbous!

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Carwow have just put up their G20 video and it includes a section at the end on the M340i. He compared it to the M3CS they tested a short while ago and the M340i did the standing quarter in just 0.4s more than the M3 plus it did 0-60 in 4.2s. BUT... he was in the 382hp US version of the car and said the European version gets less power because heaven forbid we should have as much fun.

Also had an interesting section on the 'Reversing Memory' which didn't work in his car.

Last thing I spotted was a view of the rear quarter from behind. Sorry BMW but that's not a good look.

Good spot!
Best review so far and well worth a watch! (not that there are many reviews yet!)

[dopper99]

Anyone interested in figures he timed the US version M340i as:

0-60 - 4.2s
0-100 - 9.9s
Quarter - 12.6s

About one and a half seconds short to 100 against an M3, but pretty good for a non-M car. However, with xdrive it'll do that all day long regardless of the road conditions.

Note this is the US version that will have more bhp than the European model.