The seventh-generation 3 Series, internally referred to as the G20, is scheduled to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show just a matter of days from this writing, but BMW is by no means letting up in terms of drumming up hype for the upcoming world premiere. We will of course be bringing our readers full details of the new Three with a separate article dedicated to the subject, but before we dive into the finite specifics, a few videos posted on the BMW Group YouTube channel caught our eye.
It’s no secret that BMW’s manufacturing process is the envy of many other automakers, and right now, group facilities are in the midst of a production ramp-up for the G20. The first video, posted below, focuses on the legacy of the venerable 3 Series. BMW specifically cites fine craftsmanship and devotes a large portion of footage to showing off the robotic manufacturing process in various stages from bare metal to paint. Quality control, of course, plays a large role as well, and all of this comes after test-mule prototypes were put through the veritable ringer in some of the most challenging environments that can be accessed via a road-going vehicle.
After proving itself on the Nürburgring and being subjected to prolonged exposure in extreme temperatures on opposite sides of the spectrum, it seems as though BMW is confident in the new design and its ability to continue a lineage that has effectively defined the brand for over 40 years now.
Five days after the first video appeared, the one below was posted, and this time the focus was zeroed in on the precision, care, and attention to detail afforded by the machines and the personnel who make their living on the production line. From the 7 and 8 Series down to the 1 and 2 Series, BMW employs what can best be expressed as cutting-edge technology and techniques throughout production, and no matter the intended market or consumer segment, every model and individual unit is subject to the same level of focused and refined quality control that characterizes BMW.
According to a recent press release, the G20 3 Series is slated to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show on October 2nd, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Central European Time (11:00 a.m. on the East Coast). The veiled sedan below and a few quick transitional shots which appear in the above videos are the only non-camouflaged teasers we’ve seen so far, but there are already plenty of cool design elements we look forward to seeing in the flesh.—Alex Tock
[Photo and video courtesy of BMW Group.]
