The BMW 3-Series has been the benchmark as far as driving pleasures goes, and it's widely known as one of the sportiest cars in the premium mid-size segment. Besides being hugely successful all over the globe, it's also one of BMW's bread-and-butter models.

The limelight has always been on the dynamics of the 3-Series, and the cockpit design is possibly the best you could ask for in this world of digitalization.

All grades of the BMW 3-Series sedan feature the 8-speed Steptronic transmission with paddles on the steering wheel and a newly designed gear selector. All of this and more, adds to the appeal of the pre-facelift G20 3-Series. Let's take a closer look to see if the pre-facelift G20 is the best 3-Series when it comes to reliability.

Related: This Is What Makes The E46 3 Series One Of The Best BMWs Ever Made

G20 BMW 3-Series Looks Sharp & Sporty

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series Front Profile
BMW

The BMW 3-Series has always looked the part, and the pre-facelift G20, continues to carry a look any Mercedes-Benz C-Class buyer would consider strongly. The kidney grille hasn't grown unusually large, which is a good thing, because nobody wants flared nostrils on the sportiest sedan there is; opting for the M Sport package will give it the aggressive look some of you like.

The G20 3-Series is full of sharp lines, shapely surfaces and huge air intakes. The front bumper is perfect, and we like it better than what we've seen on the new model, and the full-LED headlights too, are not as edgy as the new model's.

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series Side Profile
BMW

The DRLs have been arranged in an inverted L shape on the car, creating a distinct look, but we truly miss the corona rings from the older-generation BMWs - and the pre-facelift G20 model reminds us a little of what those looked like.

Customers get to have their car with Adaptive LED headlights as an option. There are even air intakes below the kidney grille; these channel air to cool the braking system. The flared wheel arches on the sides add to the width and give it a better stance.

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series Driving Through The Mountains
BMW

Viewed from any angle, the car's sporting intent stares you in the face. It's a good thing, because the Volvo S60 doesn't do that to you. The Volvo is for someone who likes museums, not racetracks. The rear bumper on the pre-facelift G20 looks better than the redesigned one, and the tail lights keep it simple. The tailpipes further add to the sporty tail section.

While the standard BMW 3-Series models come with 17-inch light-alloy wheels, the M Sport package gets you larger, 18-inch alloy wheels.

G20 BMW 3-Series Has A Tech-Laden Interior

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series Dashboard View
BMW

The cabin has got everything you need, and there's a decrease in the number of physical buttons and controls around, compared to previous-gen 3-Series models. So there's more of voice and touch control.

The materials inside reflect the workmanship that goes into the making of these interiors, with no compromise on premium quality. The amount of standard equipment will pamper customers opting for lower-grade models. There's a 12.3-inch information display ahead of the driver, and a control display that are separated from each other, unlike the latest car's, which merges into one fully digital, high-resolution unit.

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series iDrive Controller
BMW

The central air vents look great, and three-zone automatic climate control comes standard on the car, which again, is adjusted either by voice or touch on the control display.

The control panel on the center console looks exquisite; you get the start-/stop button, an iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, a parking brake and more.

G20 BMW 3-Series Gets Powerful & Efficient Engines

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series 2-Liter Turbo Engine
BMW

The range of drivetrains available is a balance between fuel efficiency and power, depending on what the customer is looking for. The 330i is powered by a 2-liter TwinPower turbo 4-cylinder engine, which delivers power, torque and acceleration that is great, while also managing a decent fuel economy figure.

Then there's the 330e, the plug-in hybrid for those looking at investing in zero-emissions mobility. The 3-Series also packs the TwinPower turbo inline-6 that's been improved upon, featuring 48V mild hybrid technology, and the best part is, all models can be opted for with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. So there's an engine for every 3-Series owner.

Related: Here's Why The 2015 BMW 3 Series Offers Good Value For Money

G20 3-Series Is One Of The Most Reliable BMWs

Blue 2019 BMW 3-Series Rear Profile
BMW

According to the NHTSA, BMW issued six recalls for certain models of the 2019 3 Series with 10 recorded complaints. While the 2020 model year 3 Series was recalled eight times with a total of six user complaints.

The number of recalls for the pre-facelift G20 3-Series were just a handful, and the problem was reported to have been safety feature related. But the recalls included a handful of vehicles for various reasons which BMW has corrected. However, when it comes to powertrains and drive trains, the 3 Series is largely very reliable, and only minor complaints were recorded. We're more than certain the 3-Series is going to continue to be a hassle-free car to own and drive!

Source: BMW