The BMW G20 (sedan version) and BMW G21 (wagon variant, branded as “Touring”) compact executive automobiles are part of the BMW 3 Series range’s seventh generation. The G20/G21, also referred to as the G20, has been in operation since mid-October 2018 and will undergo a renovation in July 2022.
The 330e plug-in hybrid vehicle is expected to go on sale in 2020, with the M340i, one of the first models in the lineup, going on sale in the spring of 2019. For the G20 generation, the 3 Series Gran Turismo fastback body type was dropped.
BMW has started manufacturing the G20 generation in Mexico for a number of international markets, including the US, in place of the Rosslyn factory in South Africa where the F30 generation vehicles were put together.
In This Article...
The BMW G20 Has a Wide Range of Powertrain Choices
The BMW G20 not only dazzled the panel with its stylish new features but also with its performance. The CLAR platform (Cluster Architecture) in the BMW G20 was created by BMW particularly for this model. This combines carbon fiber, steel, and aluminum to produce a body that is incredibly light. Both all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles can be built on the CLAR chassis.
The MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension of the rear-wheel-drive G20 provide the vehicle’s propulsion. The strut front and these suspension components enable the car to be responsive and firm. The G20 also has a hydraulic dampening mechanism to cushion any unexpected impacts.
The G20 has a flat underbody thanks to its CLAR platform, which lowers drag and improves ride quality. The G20 is 120 lbs lighter and boasts a 50:50 weight distribution than its predecessor, which improves the rigidity, smoothness, and driving capabilities of its body.
The G20 provides a range of engine choices. The 1.6-liter N20 I4 Turbo gasoline engine is the base model, while the largest gasoline engine is the 3-liter L S58I6 Turbo. A diesel or petrol plug-in hybrid are further options. Customers who care about the environment will be pleased to learn that the G20 is offered with a 2-liter Turbo engine and a 50kW electric motor.
The G20 comes in four different equipment packages: Advantage, Sport Line, Luxury Line, and M Sport. All models come included with automated headlights, temperature control, and wipers with rain sensors. For added convenience, all variations include folding back seats and driving assistance.
The plug-in model is the only one without a 6.6-inch LED touchscreen. With the Drive 7.0 model, which comes with the plug-in hybrid engine, this may be upgraded to a 10.25 or 12.3-inch display.
There is a fee for extra features. BMW can outfit your G20 with a welcome light, BMW display key, and a wireless charging tray for added elegance and flair.
The BMW 3 Series Sedan’s plug-in hybrid system.
The 3 Series Sedan plug-in hybrid BMW 330e blends a potent BMW combustion engine with the BMW eDrive electric drive technology in perfect harmony. Together, the two drive units create a driving sensation that combines maximum efficiency with unparalleled driving pleasure. Depending on the drive mode, this driving sensation can be either thrillingly high torque and enough reserves for longer trips, or it can be locally emission-free and nearly silent.
What has changed for 2023?
For 2023, BMW’s iconic sports sedan receives a tech-heavy redesign that includes new exterior style and a striking all-digital dashboard. Sharp eyes will observe that the monolithic display that occupies the middle third of the dashboard of the 3-series shares the same design as the electric iX SUV and the 7-series, the brand’s flagship vehicle. The wall of screens is controlled by BMW’s iDrive 8 interface, which has speech recognition, basic navigation, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
The M340i, is it a G20?
In the past year or two, we’ve written a lot about the BMW G20 M340i, and for good cause. It’s one of the best sports cars available at a fair price, in our opinion. A thing of beauty, the powerful 382-horsepower B58 has an 8-speed ZF transmission. Since this particular G20 M340i is a MY20, the original B58 with pops and burbles is housed inside. B58s that used to pop have been revised for MY21 and MY22. The new B58 performs better, claims BMW. The initial version is preferred by BMW purists, though, therefore the 2020 M340i is in high demand.
Putting technical details aside, that is not the focus of this post. We have been conducting some R&D in the background and have clearly heard the community. We realized we had to get to work as there weren’t many suppliers of the perfect fitments for this car.
What does BMW’s F Series mean?
The BMW F series is a line of parallel-twin engine dual sport motorcycles produced by BMW Motorrad in Berlin, Germany. The line, which debuted in 2008, consists of the F650GS, F700GS, F800GS, and F800GSA. The F650GS was superseded by the F700GS in 2012, while the F800GSA, which had a larger front fairing and screen and a 24-litre (5.3 imp gal; 6.3 US gal) fuel tank, was introduced the following year. Both the F800S and the F800GT use belt drives.
Describe G20 and F30.
The G20 appears substantial, but in a positive manner. The former, notably the facelifted F30, appears to be more proportional than the new model. From some perspectives, its front end no longer appears ungainly (nitpicking), and the profile is slightly more imposing as a result of a clearly higher shoulder line.
Describe BMW F30.
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. BMW’s naming practices can be a little perplexing with so many titles that seem similar, such as BMW 3 Series, BMW 320i, and BMW F30. F30 is the one you’re probably least likely to hear out of the three. Instead of using the term “F30,” people typically refer to their vehicles as BMW 325i or 335i.
When you break something down, you can see how it functions. The BMW 3 Series is a line of small executive vehicles that sits below the larger 5 Series. Since it began to be produced in 1975, the 3 Series has undergone numerous iterations.
BMW’s internal model code for the sixth-generation 3 Series sedan, which was built between 2011 and 2019, is F30. With this model code, it can be distinguished from 3 Series cars from earlier BMW generations, such as the E90, E46, and E36.
What do the BMW’s numbers mean?
How do you crack the model names in the BMW code? The three-digit combination’s first digit denotes the series (in ascending order based on size: 1, 2, 3, etc.). The next two digits used to represent the engine size, but now they represent performance.
G20: Is it larger than F30?
We’ve already looked at how the new G20 3 Series compares to the outgoing F30-gen 3 Series when both vehicles are outfitted with M Sport kits. We were able to see that the new automobile has a leaner, sportier, and more upscale appearance in those pictures. However, let’s face it—the majority of consumers won’t be choosing the M Sport models. Instead, the majority of purchasers will simply lease the basic 3er that is included with the stated lease rate. We therefore decided to compare how the old and new 3ers seem in their normal attire.
Even though it might be incorrect to describe the F30 as having a dated appearance because it is relatively old and all of its predecessors have been replaced by newer models, the F30 appears dated in comparison to the current G20, especially on the inside.
I didn’t like the basic G20 3 Series at all when I first viewed it from the front. I found its lower front fascia to be dull, and its strange “T” shaped foglight surrounds to be odd-looking. I find that I actually like the new automobile quite a bit when I compare it to its forerunner, though. The new one appears new, modern, slick, and costly, whereas the old one looks, well, old. Of course, appearances are subjective, so it could just be me. And even if the F30 is older, it doesn’t really feel it now, so it isn’t really fair.
The new G20 3 Series has a sportier-looking rear end thanks to its somewhat integrated decklid spoiler, wider-spaced exhausts, and flared wheel arches. Its updated taillights also have a somewhat more contemporary appearance thanks to their broader design and turn signals integrated into the “L” shape’s gap. This squares them off and gives them an upscale appearance. But at least the new G20 resembles a Lexus IS from the back, but the F30 3 Series has a more distinctive appearance.
In comparison to the previous generation F30, the new G20 has a considerably sportier appearance from the side, making this angle the most obvious place to see the difference between the two. The G20’s shoulder line is rounded until it reaches the rear wheel arch, emphasizing the flared rear wheels and giving the car a more powerful appearance. After that, the body line sweeps upward and toward the back of the vehicle, giving the impression that it is moving quickly even when it is not. Even though the new G20 is really 1mm taller than the F30, it appears lower and has a roofline that appears to be slightly more steeply sloped, giving it a more athletic appearance.
The differences between the two automobiles’ interiors are glaring. With more luxurious materials and superior technology than the vehicle it replaces, the new G20 generation 3 Series is significantly more contemporary. It goes without saying that the new car will be more contemporary and have better technology, but what shocks is the more upmarket appearance. The G20 appears fresher and more expensive than the F30, and that is significant.
Although I personally wasn’t crazy about the non-M Sport G20’s appearance, after viewing the side-by-side comparisons, I’ve really started to like it. On the road, it appears to be a really attractive vehicle, and the interior looks superb even without the M Sport steering wheel and trim accents. We are eager to get behind the wheel and witness it in action.
What BMW model is the fastest?
The BMW M5 Competition variant, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, is now the company’s quickest production vehicle. Even some of the quickest cars under $100,000 are available from BMW, in a variety of styles ranging from coupes to SUV Sport Activity Vehicles(r).
G20 320i is it quick?
The newest automobile fad on YouTube involves top speed runs on the Autobahn, but this one is a little different. This film focuses on a conventional car instead of the supercars, hypercars, or high-performance variations that are the subject of most videos. It is a BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) with the less desirable 320i specification, placing it close to the bottom of the food chain, with the base 318i being the sole vehicle above it.
The 2.0-liter gasoline engine in the 320i produces 181 horsepower (135 kilowatts) and 221 pound-feet (300 Newton-meters) of torque. The 320i is not sold in the United States, where the range begins with the much more powerful 330i. With an eight-speed automatic transmission and a turbocharged four-pot, the premium car can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.1 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph (235 km/h).
The 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan in 320i form was driven aggressively on an unrestricted part of the Autobahn in order to test these numbers. On the German autobahn, you won’t be able to outrun supercars, but it doesn’t imply the vehicle is in any way slow. For most drivers who aren’t really interested in a quick sedan, it offers more than adequate power. Of course, aficionados may always upgrade to more powerful variants, with the M3 Competition xDrive serving as the pinnacle.
The 320i is most definitely not what you want if you’re looking for a sporty sedan with a pleasant engine sound. This is particularly true in Europe, where stronger pollution rules have led to the widespread adoption of gasoline particle filters in recent years. The subdued roar should get more thrilling with a bespoke exhaust, but ultimately it will still be a four-banger.
Despite the fact that in current cars the speedometer typically displays a little faster speed than the actual one, the 320i had no trouble achieving its stated peak speed. However, if it can keep up with traffic on a section of a highway without speed limits, it is fast enough for practically all other public routes. The premium demanded by the xDrive variant, which in Germany costs an additional EUR3,000 over the RWD model, so starting at EUR45,250, might be paid by those who feel more secure knowing the vehicle has AWD for increased traction.