The 2023 BMW 3 Series remains part of the seventh-gen G20 model that debuted in 2019. Thankfully, it’s coming to market with none of BMW’s humongous grille nonsense as seen in the 4 Series, the new (albeit frightening-looking) 7 Series, and even the iX electric crossover. However, it did get a refreshed façade, a resculpted body, and a slew of comfort and convenience features. The newest 3 Series will formally debut in July, but BMW has revealed a few details for now.
2023 BMW 3 Series: What’s New?
In some cases, subtle changes yield promising results, and we’re glad BMW took this philosophy when updating the G20 3 Series. The exterior design upgrades emphasize the sportier side of the equation, and it’s all for the better since we’re talking about an iconic sport-luxury sedan. The BMW 3 Series accounts for around 14 percent of the brand’s vehicle sales worldwide, and the German automaker refers to it as the embodiment of its core philosophy.
Apart from its normal-sized kidney grilles (which got marginally bigger with the redesign), there are slimmer LED headlights with inverted L-shape driving lights, new front/rear aprons, and restyled bumpers with a gloss black air intake in the front.
The latest 3 Series has 18-inch alloy wheels as standard fare. At the same time, the optional M Sport Package adds more sporty-looking goodies like 19-inch alloy wheels (wrapped in mixed-performance or all-season tires), variable sport steering, an aerodynamic body kit, M Sport or Adaptive M suspension, and a rear spoiler.
BMW 3 Series Powertrain: Plug-In Hybrid Available
BMW has yet to reveal the specific powertrain and drivetrain configurations for the 2023 3 Series, but its press release uncovered more than enough for us to connect the dots.
The base 330i has a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-banger that we reckon is good for about 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft. of torque. Meanwhile, the 330e PHEV could come with a similar 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with a plug-in hybrid system generating a combined 288 horsepower, 310 lb-ft. of torque, and around 23 miles of zero-emissions, all-electric range.
On the other hand, the range-topping M340i could have the same turbocharged inline-six gas engine and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system as the outgoing model, capable of churning out 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. of torque. An eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters is standard across all 3 Series variants.
The top-of-the-range M340i has bespoke styling elements like mesh-type kidney grilles, unique 18-inch alloys, sport brakes with blue calipers, an aero body kit, and a rear spoiler. Also included are classic BMW Motorsport roundels on the hood, trunk, and wheel center caps to commemorate the 50th anniversary of BMW M GmbH.
In addition, goodies like a leather steering wheel, a moonroof, open-pore wood trim, interior ambient lighting, LED headlights with automatic high beams, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and power front seats are standard in the base 330i and 330e PHEV.
BMW iDrive8
The 2023 BMW 3 Series comes with the latest generation of iDrive8. BMW’s updated operating system includes an intelligent personal assistant and a high-resolution curved screen comprising of a 12-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen panel. Furthermore, the updated personal assistant recognizes natural speech instructions to adjust the climate control or open the windows or sunroof.
Also standard is the cloud-based BMW Maps integrated into the navigation system that offers precise route calculations and Connected Parking, which helps find available parking spaces nearest your destination.
Pricing & Availability
The first deliveries will arrive at U.S. BMW dealerships later in 2022 with a starting MSRP of around $45,000.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.
