BMW 3 Series wins carsales Car of the Year for 2019

The BMW 3 Series is the 2019 carsales Car of the Year.

Australia’s premier annual automotive consumer award, proudly presented in 2019 by Shell V-Power, recognises excellence in the new-vehicle market and celebrates just one winner from every new model released in Australia.

In 2019, that saw the all-new BMW 3 Series top a field of 28 carsales Car of the Year finalists after a multi-stage judging process. Two Highly Commended vehicles were also awarded: the Volkswagen Touareg and BMW X3.

“After extensive testing, the latest BMW 3 Series claimed top honours as the 2019 carsales Car of the Year presented by Shell V-Power,” said carsales Managing Editor, Marton Pettendy.

“The BMW 3 Series is not only the finest premium sports sedan in a decade, it is the most compelling new model released in Australia this year.

“carsales’ 12 expert judges found the BMW 3 Series to be very refined, comfortable, dynamically superior and, above all, rewarding to drive. It is also safe, solid, well priced and generously equipped,” continued Pettendy.

Released in Australia in March 2019, the latest 3 Series is the seventh generation of the benchmark mid-size luxury car. In previous generations, the 3 Series has been BMW’s top-seller Down Under and remains a firm local favourite.

On news of the 3 Series’ win, BMW Group Australia CEO, Vikram Pawah, stated: “BMW Group Australia is delighted and honoured that the 3 series has won the coveted carsales Car of the Year award.

“Its success against a highly competitive segment and the rigorous testing undertaken by the carsales testing team confirms this impressive sport sedan’s breadth of ability, from superior driving dynamics to customer-centric luxury features and intuitive technology.”

carsales’ judges scored the carsales Car of the Year top 10 independently and data generated by car value specialist, RedBook.com.au, was also utilised with key factors including cost to purchase, own and run.

The 2019 carsales Car of the Year was proudly presented by Shell V-Power.

Megan Foster, Viva Energy Executive General Manager Consumer, said: “We are excited to be involved with such a prestigious automotive award and proud that Shell V-Power fuelled the fleet of vehicles for this year’s carsales Car of the Year testing.

“We’d like to extend our congratulations to BMW and Volkswagen which, after extensive judging, have topped the field as winning and highly commended vehicles.”

The 2019 carsales car of the Year field included cars and SUVs from 20 brands priced between $19,990 and almost $130,000. The 28 finalists were spilt almost 50:50 between conventional passenger vehicles and increasingly popular consumer choice, SUVs.