Question mostly to people who have driven other generations of 3 series. I have read multiple mutually exclusive opinions so would like to understand yours.
Does this generation is more stable at high speeds? Is the overall feeling better / worse than e.g e90? Would you say this G20 is an Ultimate Driving Machine?
I’ve owned multiple 3 series over the years (E30, 4x E46, F30), and considered the G20. I bought the F30 to replace an E46 ZHP, so that’s the bar for handling and feedback I was trying to measure up to. It took ditching the runflats for PS4S, using the rear subframe stiffening brace from the 4 convertible, G80 front control arms, and Ohlins R&T coilovers to get there. Multiple test drives of the G20 left me wanting. I bought a Macan GTS instead (and got rid of it pretty quickly). I now daily drive an F150 and have an E30 for when I actually want to know what driving feels like. I don’t think there exists a modern car (BMW or not) that is an “Ultimate Driving Machine”.
I had a G20 330i rental for the weekend and it was definitely better in handling than my F30 . Steering is precise and stable at high speeds. Things I didn’t like are the lane keep steering vibration and that screen
E90 was a gold era. G20 drives like a typical every single car today. So generic.
I’ve had new bmws leased every 3 years since my original e46 330 that I kept for five years. My most recent was a loaded 2019 330i. There are noticeable differences. But essentially the move to electric steering and run flats mean there is less feedback.
Trust me, if you know what you are doing, you can slide the car into a corner at 50 mph with all stability controls on. You have to trust your driving ability and know that the car will faithfully respond to your inputs.
I did, unintentionally, take a sharp turn over 50 a few days ago and lost the rear. Shitty run flats lost grip but the traction control was very impressive to bring me straight very quickly.
For more fun, do it intentionally.