History/Overview
For decades, the BMW 3 Series has been a pace-setter for the luxury car segment, combining upscale finishes with a sporty driving feel. While the 3 Series’ is less influential in today’s SUV-driven auto industry, it remains a significant touchstone in the premium car space.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
This year, the 3 Series gets a major update that includes new styling and a revised interior with new, larger infotainment and driver displays.
Available Trims
This year, the 3 Series comes in gas-powered 330i and M340i configurations, and as the 330e plug-in hybrid. 330i and 330e models use a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder engine, while M340i gets a turbo 3.0L six-cylinder. All engines come with an eight-speed transmission; AWD is standard in gas models and optional in the plug-in 330e.
Standard Features
330i and 330e models come with 18-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, remote engine start, a sunroof, auto-dimming/power-folding mirrors, heated/power-adjustable front sport seats, automatic A/C, a 10-speaker stereo, and a curved combination digital gauge and infotainment display. Standard safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, rear collision prevention, traffic sign recognition, front and rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, and forward collision mitigation.
M340i models get 19-inch wheels, a heated steering wheel, sport differential, and upgraded suspension and steering.
Key Options
An M sport package adds aerodynamic tweaks, and a sport steering wheel. The M sport pro pack gets upgraded brakes, adaptive headlights, and black exterior trim.
The premium essential group bundles ambient lighting, passive keyless entry, driver’s seat lumbar, a heated steering wheel, and galvanic controls. A premium enhanced pack brings Nappa leather dash trim, an automatic trunk, driver recorder, an upgraded stereo, head-up display, heated steering wheel, surround view cameras, and a parking assistant.
M340i models also offer an enhanced track package.
Fuel Economy
BMW’s fuel consumption estimates are 9.8/7.0 L/100 km (city/highway) for the 330i xDrive, and 10.3/7.4 L/100 km for M340i. The 330e’s ratings start at 9.9/7.4 L/100 km in hybrid mode with rear-wheel drive, and 10.6/7.4 L/100 km with AWD. The rear-drive 330e promises 35 km of electric driving and an energy consumption rating of 3.2 Le/100 km, while the 330e xDrive is rated for 34 km and 3.4 Le/100 km.
Competition
The BMW 3 Series’ competitors include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60, Lexus IS, Genesis G70, Audi A4 and S4, Infiniti Q50, Acura TLX, Cadillac CT5, and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
