The new BMW 3 Series Sedan and 3 Series Touring get Operating System 8.5, and there’s a new improved PHEV variant.
BMW has spruced up the 3 Series, but you’d need a keen eye to spot the changes. The aesthetic tweaks include new aprons at both ends and a fresh duo of paint options: Arctic Race Blue and Fire Red metallic, adding a splash of colour to the lineup.
Rolling on either 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Jet Black or a bi-colour finish, the car’s stance is much sportier.
Slide into the cabin, whether it be the sedan or wagon, and you’re greeted by a newly designed sports leather steering wheel.
Opt for the M Sport package, and you get an even sleeker M leather steering wheel, complete with a flat-bottomed rim and a subtle centre marking at the 12 o’clock position, glowing with illuminated multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles.
The cockpit is quite the command centre with updated air-conditioning controls and cascade lighting integrated around the central seam vents, now a standard feature. Tech-wise, the 12.3-inch information display and 10.25-inch infotainment screen now come with BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5.
The BMW 3 Series Touring packs functionality with standard features like automatic tailgate operation and a versatile 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest – optional in the sedan.
And it’s not just cosmetic changes; the suspension has been fine-tuned with stiffer mounts for the rear dampers, enhancing comfort no matter your driving style.
Under the hood, the range starts with the 318i, boasting a 154bhp 2.0-litre engine. The 320i offers 181bhp, while the 330i ramps it up to 241bhp.
For those leaning towards efficiency, the plug-in hybrid 330e, available as both sedan and estate, now features a 19.5kWh high-voltage battery, pushing out 288bhp and reaching an electric-only range of about 100km.
Come July 2024, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring models will roll off the assembly lines in Munich, with additional production in San Luis Potosi, Mexico for the sedan, and in Shenyang for the Chinese market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture.
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