The seventh generation BMW 3 Series gets more appealing in this enhanced form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The BMW 3 Series has ruled the compact part of the mid-sized executive segment for more than forty years and the company's hopes are high for this further improved version of the 'G20' seventh generation design. It's smarter and gets an even more sophisticated cabin. Diesel's been dropped but the 330e PHEV gets a much bigger battery. And there's a big step forward in media connectivity. All the things you'd expect from a facelift really. Something else you'd expect from this model is rear wheel drive handling purity. It doesn't disappoint in that regard either.

Background

The BMW 3 Series has had an unparalleled reputation both for its quality and supreme handling in the premium mid-size segment for more than 40 years. When this the seventh generation 'G20'-series model arrived back in 2018, it raised the bar even higher. But then during Covid, we got an all-new version of this car's arch-rival, the Mercedes C-Class, which prompted a mid-term G20 update. In mid-2024, this segment of the market changed again with the introduction of Audi's A4-replacing new A5. And again, BMW responded with a G20 model update, which is what we look at here. The 3 Series is regarded as the heartbeat of the brand and always has been since the first generation design was launched way back in 1975. Today, this model line accounts for 14% of BMW's global sales, so it could hardly be more important. These updates must sustain the car until it's replaced by an EV next-generation model with the brand's forthcoming 'Neue Klasse' architecture.

Driving Experience

Unlike Audi and Mercedes, BMW doesn't see diesels as part of its electrifed future. it does however, continue to put a lot of store in its PHEV technology, which is why the major changes with this second update to the G20-era design are with the 330e Plug-in Hybrid. This now gets a bigger 19.5kWh battery, which allows for a considerably longer 63 mile electric driving range. That means a suburban driver really could start to use their 330e much like an EV. The combined output of this powertrain's 2.0-litre petrol engine and electric motor now stands at 292hp (8hp more than before), facilitating a 62mph sprint time of 5.9s en route to 146mph. Otherwise, the only remaining mainstream engine you can have is the 184hp 2.0-litre petrol unit of the 320i which, like the 330e, is offered only in rear-driven form and makes 62mph in 7.4s en route to 146mph. If you want something more powerful, there's the M340i xDrive, which has AWD and a 3.0-litre petrol six cylinder unit developing 374hp and, thanks to 500Nm of torque, is good for 62mph in 4.4s on the way to a top speed limited to 155mph. The road-burning M3 Competition still tops the range of course, now with mandatory xDrive and an uprated 530hp version of the usual 3.0-litre twin turbo six cylinder engine. With mainstream models, BMW's tweaked the chassis to imptrove comfort. And has added stiffer mounting points for the rear dampers, faster, more responsive steering and an upgrade for the optional adaptive dampers. Otherwise, much is familiar here. All 3 Series models get the near perfect 50:50 weight distribution that has defined this model line to date: this updated seventh generation model doesn't deviate too far from that script. Still notable are the standard 'lift-related' dampers. These clever shock absorbers incorporate structures that provide extra damping at the extremes of wheel travel, allowing quite a firm sporting set-up to be adopted, but also one able to deliver a fluent ride over tarmac imperfections. Thanks to that, this car's able to combine a set-up for Silverstone with something that works equally well on the North Circular.

Design and Build

Visual changes to the Saloon and Touring body styles as part of this second G20-era 3 Series update are minimal: a more aerodynamic front bumper, more angular sills, fresh paint colours and, if you upgrade from the standard 17-inch alloy wheels, redesigned 19-inch alloy wheel rims. Inside, you might notice the redesigned steering wheel, the redesigned air vents along with the provision of fewer fascia buttons. And maybe also the smart 'cascade' interior lighting (adjustable for colour and brightness and able to indicate to the driver if they have an incoming 'phone call or have left a door open). Plus there's nicer Sensatec perforated fabric upholstery. The major cabin update here though, is the adoption of the brand's latest 'Operating System 8.5' software for the big 14.9-inch central touchscreen, which now controls all the climate functions and has a 'widget bar' that can be customised with the driver's favourite functions.There's also augmented reality for the navigation, 5G connectivity and a streamlined system to allow the car to connect to its MyBMW app. Plus, as with larger BMWs, you can now get the iDrive controller, the gear selector and the ignition button in 'Crafted Clarity' cut glass. As previously, there's a 12.3-inch instrument display. Otherwise, things are much as before. There's reasonably comfortable space for a couple of adults on the rear bench - it'd be a bit of a squash for three. Out back, there's a 480-litre boot in the Saloon (which falls to just 375-litres with the 330e PHEV), which you can extend by folding the seat backs forward. If you're going to be doing that very regularly though, then you're really a candidate for the alternative Touring estate version, which offers a 500-litre boot (410-litres with the 330e), extendable with seat folding to 1,500-litres.

Market and Model

When you pause to consider that one product line - the 3 Series saloon - accounts for fully a quarter of BMW's global sales, you begin to appreciate quite how much there is riding on this car. Pricing now starts at just over £41,000 for the 320i petrol. You'll need a budget of over £47,000 for the 330e PHEV petrol model and around £62,000 for the M340i xDrive. Across the range, there's the usual £1,800 premium if you want the Touring estate body style. You'll need around £90,000 for the top M3 xDrive, offered with both body shapes. In the mainstream 3 Series line-up, as before there are two trim levels, 'Sport' and 'M Sport' and all models now include the latest 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' screen set-up, which includes cloud-based BMW Maps, over-the-air updates and an improved version of the brand's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system. The company's 'Parking assistant' is now standard, steering you automatically into spaces. And you can upgrade it with Park View, Panorama View and 3D View functions. As part of this update, there are nine new paint finishes. And 'M Sport' customers are being offered a new range of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, giving their side view a more dynamic appearance. Customers can order these wheels in either a Jet Black finish or a bi-colour variant. There are new upholstery choices too. As an alternative to the black cloth seat surfaces fitted as standard in 'Sport' models, you can order sport seats in Sensatec perforated finish, available in Black, Tacora Red or Cognac. The optional Vernasca leather trim is now offered in four colour variants. On 'M Sport' models and the M340i, new 'M Performtex' upholstery is available. As for cabin trimming panels across the range, well 'Dark Graphite matt' interior fascia trim panels come as standard, while 'Fineline Light' open-pored and 'Grey Blue Ash' open-pored fine-wood trim can be ordered - or you can have a Carbon Fibre and Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite-embellished cabin. Customers can now specify CraftedClarity glass applications, which gives the gear selector lever, BMW iDrive Controller and Start/Stop button a particular air of exclusivity, both visually and in how they feel to the touch. As for safety, well as before, optional across the range is the brand's 'Driving Assistant Professional' pack, which includes Active Cruise Control with a Stop&Go function. There's also a 'Steering and Lane Control Assistant', which helps the driver maintain their position on motorways where the lane narrows. The 'Active Navigation' function detects when a lane change for a motorway exit is required and prepares to steer the car into that lane. The system also comprises a 'Lane Keeping Assistant' with active side collision protection and an 'Evasion Assistant'.

Cost of Ownership

With the 320i, things are much as before. This base petrol variant manages up to 43.5mpg and up to 147g/km of CO2. If you want to do better, the improved 330e petrol/electric Plug-in hybrid can now deliver up to 353.1mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 return of as little as 19g/km, which keeps the car in the 8% Benefit-in-Kind tax bracket. The new 63 mile EV range figure of the upgraded 19.5kWh battery (7.5kWh larger than before) is now just 8 miles short of the class-leading Mercedes C300e. That battery can be charged at speeds of up to 11kW for a recharge time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you don't care so much about efficiency, the straight six models beckon. the M340i xDrive manages up to 36.2mpg and 177g/km, helped by its 48V mild hybrid system. The M3 Competition xDrive manages only up to 28.0mpg and 227g/km in saloon form. What else? Well across the range, the Steptronic automatic transmission features a coasting mode so that when the driver lifts off the throttle at higher speeds, for example on a gentle downhill grade on the motorway, the engine is automatically decoupled from the powertrain. It then simply ticks over in neutral, which saves fuel and ensures there is no unwanted engine braking at high speed. An additional fuel-saving feature, which also improves driving comfort, is the Proactive Driving Assistant, which uses information from the navigation system to "anticipate" upcoming roundabouts, corners and junctions and select exactly the right time to change gear.

Summary

With this enhanced version of the seventh generation 3 Series, we've got the kind of car that BMW is best at making. We understand why the company has to make SUVs, People Carriers and Electric Vehicles, but it'll lose its soul if it ever stops making models like this one. Prior to the original launch of this 'G20'-series design back in 2018, previous 3 Series generations had dabbled with conformity, but this MK7 version has reasserted this Bavarian maker's dynamic dominance in the mid-sized sports saloon segment. No other rival serves up as deliciously rich a driving experience as this. This improved model is quite expensive, but thanks to the updated hi-tech cabin, at least you now feel you're getting a very complete benchmark-standard product for that not-inconsiderable outlay. You might rarely use the added dynamic dimension it has over its rivals, but it'll always be good to know you have it. Within its segment, it really is the 'Ultimate driving machine'. Over the years, the 3 Series has changed a lot about the way we buy cars in this class, continually forcing its rivals to play catch up. This one's no different. As you were, people.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Heated washer jets

Front electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Heat protection, sun protection glazing

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

Brake energy regeneration

Brake fade compensation

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dry braking

Rear collision prevention

Compound structure brake discs

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

M Adaptive suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

M front end strut brace in silver/grey

M Drive professional including track mode, traction control & drift analyser

Communication

Bluetooth hands free facility with USB audio interface

Driver Aids

Park distance control

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

Lane departure warning system

Speed limiter

Variable sport steering

Cruise control with braking function

Crossing traffic warning rear

Lane change warning

Front collision warning with brake intervention

Speed limit Info with manual speed limit assist

Active Guard

Drive off assistant

M drive buttons

Camera & ultrasound based Parking assistant, reversing assistant, park distance control, lateral parking aid, and rear view camera

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop system

Pull away assistant

Start/stop button in red

Automatic operation of tailgate

Driver Information

On board computer

Lights on warning

Service interval indicator

Oil temperature gauge

Door/boot open warning light

On board diagnostics

Outside temperature display

Run flat indicator

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Smartphone integration

Optimum shift indicator

BMW legal emergency call

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Camera and radar based driver assistance systems

iDrive controller

Language version English

Shifting point display

BMW iDrive

BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head up display including 12.3" instrument display and 14.9" high resolution control display with navigation function

Control D

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Door mirror integrated indicators

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Mirror glass aspheric on driver's side, convex on passenger side

Automatic parking function on front passenger's exterior mirror

Exterior mirror on front passenger's side, without automatic anti-dazzle function

Electrochromic exterior mirror on driver side with automatic anti-dazzle function

Electrochromic interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Embellishment Trims

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Carbon Fibre M interior trim finishers

Engine

Safety battery terminal clamp

M TwinPower Turbo 6 cylinder inline petrol engine

Entertainment

Auxiliary point for auxiliary devices

Personal eSim

Harman kardon surround sound audio system

DAB radio with bluetooth music capability

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Rear reflectors

Shark fin roof aerial

Black model designation badges

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system

Black chrome exhaust tailpipes

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof

M designation

BMW high gloss shadow line with extended contents

Rear side wing doors

4-pipe titanium rear silencer with tailpipe trims in titainium, 100mm diametre

Entry sills with aluminium inserts and model badge

Bonnet and tailgate badge

Front and rear plastic apron in vehicle colour

BMW radiator grille, frameless, with CS-specific design and expanded air inlets including M3 CS badge

CFRP lightweight construction centre console

CS specific roof edge spoiler with red outline

Front door sill strips in aluminium inlays with M3 CS inscription

M Roof rails high gloss shadowline

Roof black

Strakes in front side panel, black matt/high-gloss black, with M3 model badge in black with red

Model badges in black high gloss with special model specific red outline

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Day time running light

Third brake light

Cornering light

Follow me home headlights

High beam assistant

Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

Rear fog lights

Headlight beam throw control

LED tail lights with 3D L-shaped LED light design

LED registration plate light

Urban lights from 2 modules at speeds 60 km/h

Adaptive LED matrix headlights with dynamic light functions

Blue elements on the outer light module

Automatic dynamic headlight range control

Low beam and high beam headlights via 1 light module

Direction indicators from both icons

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3 zone automatic air conditioning

Refrigerant

Interior Features

Front door storage bins with bottle holder

Rake/reach adjustable steering wheel

Heated steering wheel

Lockable/illuminated glovebox

Front/rear door armrests

2 cupholders in front centre console

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Full Merino leather upholstery

Storage compartment in rear doors

Multifunction steering wheel

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

English handbook

Luggage compartment separating nets

Battery in luggage compartment

Through loading system

Multifunction hooks in luggage compartment

Wireless charging tray

2 cupholders in rear armrest

BMW ID

M Anthracite headlining

2 x 12 V Power sockets (luggage compartment and front centre console)

Folding compartment in instrument panel on driver side

Driving experience mode switch

Illuminated bow-type door handles in vehicle colour, driver's side with door lock

Luggage compartment nets black

Centre console rear one double USB port (charging only Type C )

Rear footwell lighting

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading light

Front interior light

Front and rear door exit lights

Ambient lighting front and rear

Ambient lighting for storage compartment

Front footwell ambient lighting

Dynamic ambient interior lighting

Interior mirror lighting

Ambient door handle light

Contour lighting for door trim

Waterfall lighting for central air vent

Illuminated operating elements

Packs

Connected package professional - M3

M Carbon exterior pack - M3 Touring

High gloss shadowline exterior trim pack - M3 Touring CS

Luggage compartment pack - M3 Touring CS

M Drivers pack - M3 Touring CS

Safety

Front seat side impact airbags

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Seatbelt warning

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Tyre pressure sensor

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Rear child proof door locks

Front and rear head airbags

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Crash sensor

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

M seat belts

Seats

Heated front seats

2 rear head restraints

Height adjustable front headrests

Rear folding head restraints

Isofix on 2nd row outer seats

Front isofix attachment + airbag deactivation

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system

Front seat backrest width adjustment

M Carbon bucket seats

Single front passenger seat

Electric memory seats - electrically adjustable seats with drivers seat memory, exterior mirrors memory and automatic parking function

Security

Remote central locking

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Electronic immobiliser

Comfort access system

Alarm system

Closing system with central locking

Vehicle Key with 4 buttons including the integrated key

Transmission

M Sport differential

Steptronic sport transmission with gearshift paddle switches on steering wheel

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with ticket holders + illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 238

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 238

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 238

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 227

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 203

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 231

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 358

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Cylinders: 6

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Engine Code: S58B30T0

CC: 2993

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 26.9

WLTP - MPG - Low: 17.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 27.7

WLTP - MPG - High: 31.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 28.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 10

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.8

General

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 550

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Coin Description: xDrive [550]

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Coin Series: M3 CS M

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 47E

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Based On ID: N

Special Edition: 0

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Special Order: 0

Performance

Top Speed: 186

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.3

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Engine Power - KW: 405

Engine Power - RPM: 6250

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

Engine Torque - NM: 650

Engine Power - BHP: 551

Engine Torque - RPM: 2750

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Space Saver?: 0

Alloys?: No

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R19

Wheel Style: STAR SPOKE - 827M

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4796

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1447

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Wheelbase: 2857

Width: 1918

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1510

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 500

Max. Loading Weight: 480

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2330

Minimum Kerbweight: 1850

Body Glass

Acoustic glazing

Brakes

M Compound brake in high gloss black

M Carbon ceramic brakes in high gloss red

M Carbon ceramic brakes in gold matt

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual Frozen paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Exterior Lights

BMW Individual shadowline lights

Interior Features

M leather steering wheel

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Black sapphire

Paint - Special

BMW Individual metallic paint - British racing green

BMW Individual metallic paint - Laguna seca blue

BMW Individual frozen paint - Frozen soild white

Trim - Leather

Full Merino leather - Black/red with CS specific

Wheels - Alloy

19" front / 20" rear star spoke M light alloy wheels 827M in black matt with ultra track tyres

19" front / 20" rear star spoke M light alloy wheels 827M with track tyres in black matt

19" front / 20" rear star spoke M light alloy wheels 827M with sport tyres in gold bronze

19" front / 20" rear star spoke M light alloy wheels 827M with sport tyres in black matt