For almost 50 years, the BMW 3 Series has represented the core of the BMW brand. Above any other in the German car maker’s catalogue, this vehicle has epitomised sporty driving pleasure in the premium mid-size class and has made significant contributions to design, driving dynamics and technological innovations. In this latest model, new chassis tuning further enhances the balance between sporting agility and comfort and as ever, buyers have a choice of a sleek saloon or a practical Touring (estate car / station wagon) variant.
The extensive design, power-train, digitalisation and equipment revisions already recently introduced now include a fresh package of updates that take the cars’ visual appeal and cutting-edge modernity to new levels. There’s the latest in hybrid technology for example, with new high-voltage batteries which increase the electric range of the plug-in-hybrid models to a maximum of 63 miles. Highly efficient drive systems, intelligent lightweight design and optimised aerodynamic attributes are key contributors to the fine balance between driving pleasure and low fuel consumption and emissions.
On The Outside
This really is a seriously good looking car. More than ever, sporting elegance and modernity define the design of both versions. The typically BMW driving pleasure-focused character is expressed in clear lines and generously sculpted surfaces, while the sophisticated design of the BMW kidney grille and twin circular headlights, always signature features, gives the front end an unmistakable appearance. Eye-catching front and rear aprons underscore the cars’ dynamic profile, which can be further accentuated by choosing M Sport model trim or selecting the optional M Sport Pro package.
The BMW 3 Series can now also be ordered with new exterior paint finishes and 17, 18 or 19 inch light-alloy wheels to add an extra touch of individualisation, depending upon model chosen.
On The Inside
In the interior, the progressive cockpit design featuring the BMW ‘Curved Display’ is further enhanced by a new steering wheel, visual modifications for the instrument panel and modernised decorative elements. The new M ‘Performtex’ seat surface is included as standard on M Sport models and above. Advanced new features have also been introduced, giving the cockpit a clean and pared-back look. A newly designed steering wheel, see below, adds to the driving experience, while the optional ‘Luxury’ instrument panel in ‘Sensatec’ has a further refined surface structure and decorative stitching in a contrasting colour.
The latest-generation steering wheels in this prestige family car stand out with their modern design. Both models come as standard with a fundamentally redesigned sports leather steering wheel with a polygonal rim in two-spoke design. The M Sport models bring a new M leather steering wheel with three spokes, a flat-bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking in the 12 o’clock position. Both of the newly designed steering wheels have illuminated multifunction buttons and gear-shift paddles. Fitted as standard, the paddles enable swift manual interventions in the gear selection process and underscore the sporting profile of the new BMW 3 Series.
New ventilation and climate control functions like temperature selection, intensity of ventilation, seat heating and where optionally specified, steering wheel heating, can now be adjusted on the BMW ‘Curved Display’ or by voice command with the help of the BMW ‘Intelligent Personal Assistant’. New purchases can add further options like can now specify ‘Crafted Clarity’ 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, apparently.
On The Road
In terms of road safety, BMW offer a great deal as standard on this car including lighting and parking. Naturally, the on-board technology is right up to date with the very latest in navigation, connectivity and infotainment.
Saloon and Touring both are offered in the UK with a choice of three petrol engines featuring BMW ‘TwinPower’ Turbo technology, including the exceptionally powerful six-cylinder in-line unit for the M340i models. All come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, complete with shift paddles on the steering wheel for quick manual interventions in the gear selection process.
The engines available for the 3 Series produce outputs ranging from 184bhp (186PS) up to the range topping M340i xDrive (4x4), with its six-cylinder in-line petrol engine producing 374hp (379PS). The six-cylinder in-line petrol unit comes with mild-hybrid technology for more dynamic power delivery and greater efficiency, with the 48V starter generator adding an extra 11bhp on tap at a moment’s notice.
The plug-in hybrid BMW 330e models take electrification a step further, with drive technology comprising a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission, which together generate a combined system output of 292bhp (296PS). These latest plug-in-hybrid BMW 3 Series models boast even greater efficiency and a considerably longer electric range. This has been made possible by the switch to a new high-voltage battery with 19.5 kWh of usable energy. The product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, we learn, it has a much higher energy density than the battery previously fitted.
The new BMW ‘Gen5’ high-voltage battery represents a leap forward, bringing an improvement in all the relevant technical statistics. The high energy density at both cell and battery pack level combines with higher voltages to bring about a major increase in system efficiency. Although the high-voltage battery’s usable energy has nearly doubled, the amount of space in the interior and load compartment remains unchanged, as does fuel tank capacity.
Thanks to the many improvements on this latest 3 Series, drivers will enjoy a notable increase in comfort across all driving situations, regardless of the road surface conditions and the selected driving mode, without any loss of the customary 3 Series dynamic prowess. This development work has also had a positive impact on acoustics when the car is handling peak forces triggered by the road surface. As a result, its handling has even greater overall precision, composure and controllability. What’s more, when cruising, the force needed to turn the steering wheel has been reduced in ‘Comfort’ mode to achieve superior steering comfort in everyday driving. M Sport suspension is included as standard on M Sport models, with Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers and variable sport steering available as an option.
This new 3 Series version will be available around August 2024; in the meantime why not ask about the availability of current model BMW cars from across the extended range of cars, by getting in touch with us here at MHH International. We export vehicles from the UK to selected destinations like New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya and the Caribbean. Find out more about our comprehensive VAT-free service by browsing our website.
