The sports sedan is not dead. In fact, BMW says, its 3 Series will remain the most important car in its lineup for the foreseeable future. This was the bold message as the Munich-based carmaker rolled out the 7th-generation (G20) of its iconic "3er". How can it be so confident? Ah… that's because the new 3 Series significantly shifts the goalposts in this cut-throat segment.

South Africans love the BMW 3 Series. Though we missed out on the first-generation (E21) car, it's a love affair that started with the E30 and is rooted in performance, motorsport success and, in general, a more youthful appeal than what its main rivals from Audi and Mercedes-Benz have ever been able to offer. This golden thread of dynamism and performance is something BMW is acutely aware of, and while the latest G20-generation car offers more on-board and autonomous tech than any of its current rivals, it is clear that when it came to defining the project direction of the new 3 Series, BMW wanted to make sure that the new car again put clean air between itself and its rivals in terms of being superb to drive.

> ALSO READ: New BMW 3 Series pricing released for South Africa

So, fret not… while the new 3 Series can reverse itself out of trouble, drive you autonomously longer distances and even chit-chat with you after a tough day at the office, BMW promises it remains a blast to drive. And that's why I find myself on the stunning, near empty Algarve roads around Porches in Portugal, to figure out whether it's all just hot air…

Challenge Nr.1 – Best-in-class dynamics

This 330i M-Sport proved a blast to drive on the near-empty Portuguese roads. Excellent body control, yet refined on rough surfaces.

The emphasis on dynamics and very clear and boldroad-holding/refinement targets were set right at the start of the project and significantly impacted decisions around the car's footprint. Consequently, it has grown in some key areas – the front (+43mm) and rear (+21mm) tracks are wider, the wheelbase (+41mm) longer and the weight (up to 55kg) is down. The centre of gravity has come down, too, and the structure is up to 50% stiffer than before (and the previous car was far from flimsy in that regard). Finally, it's worth pointing out that BMW has again achieved the desired 50/50 front to rear weight distribution. All of this sounds like a great base to work from, doesn't it?

But that's not all. There are essentially three different suspension set-ups on offer and, given the above, the standard comfort-oriented suspension should still deliver very crisp handling. The cars we drove in Portugal had the firmer, lower M-Sport set-up, and BMW also offers optional adaptive dampers (R11 400). Whether the latter is even really necessary is difficult to say at this point, seeing as the standard, passive dampers are also very clever. They feature hydraulic bump-stops and theoretically should allow for increased stiffness towards the end of their stroke. Thepièce-de-résistancefor the more hardcore drivers that like to let the rear end hang out will be the optional electronically controlled limited-slip differential that is offered on some of the pricier models. The latter is a R19 500 option in South Africa.

Precise steering and nice, thick-rimmed wheel make the 3 Series a pleasure to pilot.

Very conveniently BMWwheeled out the two derivatives South Africa will be getting from March, the 320d and 330i.I jump into the 320d first. Its engine has the same outputs as before (140kW/400Nm), but efficiency has been improved to meet new (and much tougher) emissions legislation. It's no slouch, either… coupled with the optional 8-speed automatic transmission it can get to 100kph in only 6.8sec. But I take it easy on my first run on the unfamiliar (and very curvy) Algarve roads. First impressions are good… the steering feels very precise and responsive and the car's body stays reassuringly flat in the corners. I'm also impressed by the refinement. BMW says it worked hard to reduce noise levels in the cabin, and resultantly all 3 Series models are fitted with a special "acoustic" windscreen to cut windnoise. You can also have similar front side windows. I'm not sure whether my test unit had these optional windows, but I can vouch for it being very quiet in there, even when the road surface deteriorated.

M-Sport package adds bigger wheels and a lower ride height. Alsolooks the part.

The 330i M-Sport is next. It gets slightly more power than the outgoing car (190kW/400Nm) and is claimed to sprint to 100kph in only 5.8 seconds. On my second run, I find the roads that hug the Algarve hills even emptier. That, combined with greater familiarity, allows me to push significantly harder on the second run. The 330i responds beautifully. To me, the hallmarks of a great driver's car are responsiveness and control harmonisation. The latter is rarely achieved… I want a similar weighting/feel to the major controls (steering, brakes, throttle) and the new 3 Series does seem to get very close to achieving this feat. Back from the drive, I ask the Driving Dynamics Project Manager Albert Maier why the steering in the 330i had more feel than in the 320d, thinking that there must be a spec difference. He suggests that it is down to tyres… And maybe I just pushed a lot harder on the second run…

There's nothing in this segment right now that can match the G20 3 Series for its ability to not only to be superbly agile in the corners, resist body roll and yet also offer suppleness during everyday driving. Oh… and while purists will continue to lament the lack of a 6-cylinder engine underneath the 330i's bonnet, considerable acoustic tuning does give it a nice, throaty sound.

Challenge Nr.2 – More "evocative" design

With its long noseand rear-set cabin, the 3 Series retains the sporty persona of its predecessors. But the beauty is in the details.

Much like Porsche's designers will tell you at the birth of every new generation of 911, designing a new 3 Series is a major challenge. There is a lot of heritage that is valuable, yet there is also a lot of pressure to make more decisive steps than before. Design being a very subjective thing, I'm going to leave it up to you to decide (as you will, anyway) whether you like the look of the new 3 Series or not, but as ever I must caution that seeing it in the metal may change your mind.

Believe it or not… this is a 320d. It's kitted out with M Performance Parts and set our Instagram account on fire.

It retains the sporty, low-slung and cab-to-the-rear stance of its predecessors and although there's nothing particularly radical about its appearance, there has been an awful amount of detail work. These elements come to life when you take the time to study them. It's also a lot more aerodynamically efficient than before (Cd figure 0,23 as opposed to 0,26). The surfaces are cleaner, the lines more abrupt and defined and nods to the past clever. The L-shaped taillamps are particularly attractive, and I do love the nod to the E46 headlamps, though the treatment is far more angular on the G20. Of course, much of a modern car's facial persona is defined by the design of its headlamps and the detailing of what's contained within. The LED signature of the new 3 is particularly menacing… which I like. Furthermore, the M-Sport package really ups the drama and when fitted with items from the M Performance Parts catalogue, then you can turn even your 320d into a head-turner of M3-like proportions.

Clean, crisp and very modern… the new 3 Series cabin may not look that different at first glance, but it is a big step forward.

To me the interior has taken a more significant step forward, though it may not appear that way based on photographs. The "outlines" of almost everything will be familiar to BMW owners, but in terms of detailing and surfacing the G20 has moved forward, alot. I happened to sit across from the man who led the interior design team during lunch, and he mentioned that BMW wanted toachieve a "two generational step" for the cabin. Much of that will come down the tech (see the next point lower down), but in terms of design, he says, this has been achieved by cleaning up the surfaces and even cutting back on the number of different types ofmaterials used, to avoid clashes and unwanted contrasts. A particular favourite of mine are the knurled finish of the ventilation outlet controls, inspired he says, by one of the buildings at BMW HQ in Munich.

It's a modern cabin, in the way it looks and functions, and when I look at the representatives that BMW made available for the launch in Portugal, it's easy to see why. It was created by a young team.

Challenge Nr.3 – Groundbreaking tech

Neatly clustered on the transmission tunnel – BMW's latest iDrive controller has become a very familiar and easy to use item.

There's no space here to go into detail on all the various comfort, safety and connectivity systems offered by the new 3 Series, but there are definite highlights that I'd like to point out. The first is the new BMW Personal Assistant system – essentially a digital "co-driver" that you can interact with. As standard, you call your Assistant's attention by saying "Hey BMW", but you can also rename him/her. And what can your assistant help you with? Well, the list is already long, and courtesy of remote updates, will continue to expand. The system also learns your habits and favourites, so can respond within appropriate context. So, whether you need to find an Italian restaurant nearby, or want to know what the remaining range is, or the weather… the Assistant can provide you with that information. You can also call up certain functions through simple conversation. Say, "Hey BMW, I'm tired" and it will activate a music/lighting/air-conditioning routine to give you some energy. But perhaps most importantly, the Assistant knows how all the functions in the car work, and given that there are so many, it's coolhaving "someone" in the car with you to explain how High Beam Assist works, for example.

Find yourself in a tight spot? Don't worry, the new 3 Series can reverse out of trouble (almost) all by itself.

The new 3 Series is fitted with a raft of monitoring equipment, including radar, cameras and ultrasonic sensors. It therefore comes as no surprise that it offers such impressive autonomous ability. In markets where it is allowed (such as the USA and China), the 3 Series will drive its occupants at speeds of below 60kph for much bigger distances than before, simply because it is so far more aware of its surroundings. I particularly enjoyed the ease-of-use of BMW's latest Active Cruise Control. I hit only one button on the steering wheel to indicate that I'm ready to go "virtually hands-off" and automatically following distances, lane assist, set speed etc. were selected. No fuss.BMW hasalso been able to add some other interesting features, including a Reverse Assistant. How many times have you driven into a narrow, confined space with limited visibility, only to find that you can't continue and have to reverse? Well, activate this new system and the 3 Series will reverse you out trouble automatically (you only have to use throttle and brake).

In terms of connectivity and digitization, BMW has not held back. The screens in the new 3 Series are every bit as large and sophisticated as those in the 7 Series. Voice control and the more controversial gesture control are part of the package, too. Interesting, Apple CarPlay will be available but BMW hasn't quite cracked a deal with Google yet for Android Auto. Another cool feature (ironically for Android 8.0 and higher, NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy phones, not iPhones) is the ability to open the car with your mobile device.

As ever, many features are optional extras, and I urge interested buyers to head for BMW's online configurator to spec the 3 Series of their dreams and to get a clear idea of cost.

Summary

The end… twin tailpipes will be standard on all new 3 Series models.

You could argue that sayingBMW's new 3 Series has shot to the top of its class is damning it with faint praise– after all, the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class may still be an attractive car and a recently facelifted one at that, but at its core it is old. And the latest Audi A4 (itself due for a facelift in SA soon), has not quite received the welcome its maker may have hoped. Alfa Romeo's Giulia is a painfully slow seller locally, as is the Lexus IS. Infiniti has disappeared and local consumers must still get their heads around paying premium-badge money for a Volkswagen (Arteon). So… the opposition is not at its strongest.

Even so and within that context, I do think that the G20 represents a much bolder generational step than what we've become used to from BMW with this model. Remote updates will ensure that it can stay in the tech game in the coming years and design wise it looks the part, inside and out, right now. These are areas where its rivals may find it easiest to catch up, but when it comes to the driving experience the challenge to match the new 3 Series will be much harder. Once more, the BMW 3 Series stands apart as the most dynamic, sporting car in its class. But this talent no longer comes at the cost of refinement… or ride quality… or anything much else I can think of.

Looking for a new / used BMW 3 Series to buy?

Find one today on Cars.co.za by clicking here