2022 BMW 3 Series - Visual Review (Athletic and Engaging)

Thanks: Reform Motors

2023 BMW 3-Series
Starting at $43,295

Overview
Few cars are capable of serving the gods of both comfort and sportiness as well as the 2023 BMW 3-series sedan. This perennial favorite can be outfitted as a corner-carving sports sedan or a well-appointed entry-luxury car—or a combination of both. Its three available turbocharged powertrains deftly walk the line between power and polish. The entry-level 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e offer impressive performance with above average fuel economy, while the turbocharged inline-six in the top-dog M340i packs 382 of the biggest, strongest horses this side of the Bavarian Alps. The 3-series doesn’t have the style of the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the value-packed features list of the Genesis G70, but it’s so well-rounded, athletic, and engaging to drive that it stands at the very top of our segment rankings.

What's New for 2023?

BMW’s quintessential sports sedan gets a tech-heavy makeover for 2023 that sees updated exterior styling and a dramatic new all-digital dashboard. Keen eyes will notice that this same monolithic display that stretches two-thirds of the 3-series’s dashboard is the same design as what you’ll find in the brand’s flagship 7-series and electric iX SUV. The wall of screens runs BMW’s iDrive 8 interface and includes standard navigation, a voice assistant, and a 5G Wi-FI hotspot.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
330i: $43,295
330e: $44,295
330i xDrive: $45,295
330e xDrive: $46,295
M340i: $55,845
M340i xDrive: $57,845

We'd choose the turbocharged four-cylinder 330i for its surprising power and inherently nimble behavior. We would equip our example with the M Sport package that brings additional features, unique styling bits, and a specially tuned suspension. With it we'd choose the Premium package that includes hands-free passive entry, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and more. We'd also spring for the Dynamic Handling package that optimizes the sedan's driving dynamics via adaptive dampers and upgraded brakes—and makes it feel closer to the memorable 3-series sedans of the past.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 3-series offers two smooth and potent gas-powered engines. The 330i features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, and acts like it has even more power than that. The M340i comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt hybrid system; total output is 382 ponies and 369 pound-feet. The 330e plug-in hybrid combines a turbo 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor that together generate 288 horses and 310 pound-feet. The plug-in powertrain offers a harmonious relationship between the gas and electric elements, and we like the Xtraboost function that provides a burst of power that feels like a small shot of nitrous. Each powertrain pairs with a telepathic and exceptionally smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. You can power all four wheels for a price but no amount of money will get you a manual gearbox. Buyers can choose between several suspension setups on the 3: the base arrangement, the tauter M Sport tuning, or the Dynamic Handling package with its adaptive dampers. The four-cylinder Bimmer proved its worth by winning a comparison test against other sports sedans. We applauded its ability to transition from relaxed-and-refined to sharp- and-playful. The 330i also secured its spot at the top of its class by thwarting the gorgeous Alfa Romeo Giulia in a two-car comparo. Our long-term M340i further proves the nameplate's return to form, with its ripping six-cylinder and remarkable body control.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 3 has a modern design complete with excellent materials and impressive build quality. Nothing feels cheap inside the 3-series, and its controls are well placed. The standard sport seats are well-bolstered and supportive, and they offer extensive adjustment so it's easy to get comfortable. The car's extra-cost content includes a detailed head-up display, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging. The 3-series has a big trunk with an available power-operated deck lid. With 17 cubic feet of cargo space, the gas-powered sedan can fit six carry-on suitcases back there and 17 total with the rear row folded. For comparison, the Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan held one fewer suitcase in both tests and the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and 15, respectively. The 330e has less trunk space (13 cubes) because of its battery pack, and we haven't tested its carry-on capacity.

[JB-jbbl]

My biggest issue with the new updated interior is the screen. The design makes it look retrofitted and not integrated. It’s been my biggest issue with the Merc interior and now BMW adopted it. Really glad I got my X5 before the new facelift.

[Omar]

The front looks so aggressive and sporty!

[mrmartin]

That color combination is So elegant looking

[ARYAINDIA]

Great soothing music and very appealing car colour.

[sihaanachakzai]

The iconic headlights and grills looks stunninggg

[SoftPorridge]

Thank God they didn't bring the hideous M3 grill to this update. We can enjoy this update in peace and beauty.

[kristmalacs]

Breathtaking. Most beautiful Car period. 3 series is something else.

[MadelnMachines]

What colour? It's a really beautiful looking machine now. I just dislike the black rear diffuser/bumper but the rest is great

[pankajkumarlathiya]

Feels like I m doing meditation on Himalaya 😅nice car btw

[ThePankrt]

This interior is a simple example of how one design move can fuck up the whole beauty of the dashboard.

[cofgesh]

BMW campnyia xodimlariga omad bundanda yuksalsin zor

[LiveSmileD]

Friends, I bought this car, a 330e sport, the car is very comfortable, excellent materials, excellent sound insulation, excellent shock absorbers, a great working hybrid, powerful and quiet, a thrill to drive. This is the rare case that everything is done with soul and quality, this is the rare case when you don’t regret the money spent! I tested different cars for a whole month, after three years I drove a Mercedes class, but I repeat that this does not even come close to the quality of a BMW!

[Evil.Turkey]

Most pretty grill of the BMW line up for 2023

[francescomazzarella]

L'auto ha recuperato nelle sue forme uno stile che non lascia più incertezze. E Perfetta. E Stupenda.

[Eddy-oryl]

Está chingonsísimo ese carro que gran marca, ahorraré y algún día me compraré uno

[maenard]

This car has a stand on the back of the infotainment system and a huge bump for the battery that takes some space in the trunk. Not sure what BMW was thinking 😬

[nicovinn]

That is one beautiful car to stare and drive..

[tiacbendi]

I like the gear shift knob, its like an Audi E-Tron sportsback cool and handy.

[deepulse]

I love the 50 jahre M anniversary logo. It will make these sell good in few years second hand market

[Alok_K]

Now it's a completely perfect sports car in the segment 🤩👍