All Seven BMW 3 Series Generations Parade At Goodwood FoS

BMW is celebrating the three Collection’ golden jubilee this weekend on the 2025 Goodwood Pageant of Velocity. To correctly mark 50 years for the reason that E21 debuted, the posh automaker has introduced all seven generations of its quintessential sports activities sedan. Naturally, the lineup tackled the well-known hill in West Sussex. As a bonus, a few of the vehicles have been M3s, together with the unique E30 and the revered E46 CSL.

The three Collection ensemble was organized in chronological order, beginning with the E21 in 323i taste and ending with the G20 as a 330e plug-in hybrid. However not all have been sedans. The sixth-generation mannequin was represented by the Touring (F31), whereas the fifth-gen entry was a flashy M3 GTS Coupe (E92).

Oddly sufficient, BMW selected to showcase the third-generation 3 Collection with an E36/5 Compact somewhat than a full-fat 3er. Nonetheless, seeing all seven iterations of the corporate’s best-selling automobile in a single place was an actual deal with. It’s a reminder of how a lot design has developed over the previous 5 many years. This seven-car lineup additionally highlights the substantial progress in dimension from the E21 to the G20.

Magnificence is subjective, but it surely’s truthful to say the older generations have aged like effective wine. The E30 can be our choose of the bunch, adopted carefully by the E21 and E46. That’s to not say the newer fashions are ugly ducklings. Nevertheless, there’s simply one thing particular in regards to the cleaner, extra minimalist styling of the basic 3 Collection.

Up to now, BMW has bought greater than 20 million units of the 3er, together with the wagon and the oddball Gran Turismo. That determine additionally consists of the long-wheelbase variations bought in China, in addition to the coupes and convertibles supplied earlier than the 4 Collection was a factor.

In a few yr, BMW will launch the eighth-generation 3 Collection, codenamed G50. Judging by camouflaged prototypes, it’s shaping as much as be a big departure from the present mannequin, probably one of the vital vital design leaps between generations. It stays unclear whether or not a brand new Touring will comply with, because the G51’s future is unsure.

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