Millions of drivers around the world demand large SUVs. How reasonable is it to produce a classic four-door sedan? Very reasonable, says BMW, as it revives the 3 Series by releasing the BMW 3 Series sedan. Now you can interact with your car like a personal assistant.
BMW 3 Series Sedan with a Conversational Assistant
The talking central computer in the science fiction classic «2001: A Space Odyssey» was initially the product of a writer's imagination. Fifty years after appearing on screen, car owners converse with their BMW 3 Series sedans as if it were a matter of course.
The personal assistant feature is called an optional extension, costing around 2600 euros. In addition to executing voice commands for the navigation system, which has long been standard, the system can now detect messages like «I'm cold» and accordingly improve the car's climate control system or activate seat heating.
A feminine, warm, and soft voice responds with exquisite politeness. Operating with buttons or gestures is by no means outdated; if needed, the arrow for the desired direction of travel can be displayed in three instances simultaneously: on the upper display, between the speedometer markings resembling tongs, and the tachometer rotating in the opposite direction, and on the main monitor above the central console.
Learn more about the new BMW X2 and read our reviews of BMW innovations.
The Progenitor of All Sports Sedans
With such a wide range of car choices, the question of the importance of pure driving seems justified. The joy of driving a BMW, especially in 3 Series sedans, project manager Thomas Baumer called the «heart and soul» of the brand. Each of the six previous generations averaged over 2.5 million cars.
The third generation is BMW's most successful product worldwide. The base four-door sedan, characterized by the 318d with 150 hp, provided the basis for creating a huge variety of models according to the preferences of different markets.
While, for example, in Germany, preference is given to the touring combined model with a two-thirds share, Chinese customers drive the three series with an extended wheelbase.
The impressive longitudinal and lateral dynamics are promised by the M versions, with the series offering all-wheel drive («xDrive»). With the M340i xDrive, starting at 374 hp and a six-cylinder engine, there will be no issue.
Multiple Assistance Systems
Finally, the three-liter engine has a maximum torque of 500 Newton-meters and a specially developed hub-dependent damping system to better meet the needs of sports drivers. The internal service life of the damping bushes on the front and rear axles with different constructions meets load and pressure requirements.
In terms of maneuverability of the BMW 3 Series sedan, on one hand, maximum traction force should be an advantage of this design, which goes hand in hand with an extended chain (43 mm in front, 21 mm in the rear). At the same time, the M sport suspension and adjustable sport steering should help drivers behave confidently behind the wheel.
The «assistance» is also reflected in the Personal Assistant. If you want to establish a personal relationship with your BMW 3 Series, you can also give the electronic entity a name to which it will respond. Phonetic representation of responses is initially limited to a female voice, although an extension with other voices may soon be available.
Many Innovations in the BMW 3 Series Sedan
The car «remembers» the last 50 meters of a parking maneuver and can autonomously follow it in reverse without manual intervention. After forward parking from corner gaps, automated parking can also help if, for some reason, the gap needs to be completely altered.
Of course, despite all the new solutions, there are familiar things like an extensive list of options that can transform the car into a luxurious and high-tech vehicle, thereby making it extremely expensive. Laser light, which can illuminate the road over 500 meters ahead of the front bumper, or the narrow-space assistant, which should warn of passing trucks on narrow roads.
Even a Personal Assistant Has Its Limits
The M 340i xDrive model was officially presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The version 3 model, also planned for 2019, will be able to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in six seconds thanks to «Xtra-Boost» and have a range of up to 60 km without refueling. Speeds of up to 140 km/h are possible on pure electricity.
«Is the oil level okay?» This is a question to which the personal assistant can respond promptly and accurately. The fact that it also independently ensures lubricant refills does not exceed its capabilities.
