The updated BMW 3 Series, featuring sharper lines and more relief in the exterior, more precisely expresses the characteristic features of the model range of the Bavarian manufacturer's family of cars. Its facelifted version differs little from the previous one, in which the designer's «strength» is abundantly evident.
The external changes slightly touched the section of fog lights and the front bumper. Additionally, LEDs have been added to the rear lights. The rear view shows that the body remains practically the same. The taillights also resemble the previous ones.
The company's management presented the updated BMW 3 as the perfect combination of innovation and classic.
The planned facelift added dynamism and aggressiveness to the car while preserving its classic elegance. The Bavarian vehicle boasts a remarkable exterior and finish, excellent quality, and dynamics. But what is most valued in it is its handling.
The car holds the road so well and obediently responds to the driver's decisions that it creates the impression of a seamless unity with the vehicle. It reacts with maximum precision and speed to the driver's inputs, placing full responsibility for proper driving on the one behind the wheel.
What's New After the Facelift
Changes in the details. The car has retained the character of the Bavarian brand. There is a clear balance between traditions and innovations. The grille has been slightly enlarged, the cabin has been slightly moved back, and the hood has been lengthened. The rear lights, wheel rims have been updated. The roof shape has enhanced the aerodynamics of the body.
The car has been given a touch of sportiness, aided by rounded mirrors. The bulkiness of the rear pillars slightly detracts from the appearance of the updated BMW 3, but they blend perfectly with the signature embossing typical of Ingolstadt designers' products. Perhaps, this is one of those cases where it is best not to disturb the harmony.
The daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper. The exhaust pipe finish looks more stylish.
For all versions of the sedan BMW 3 series, the xDrive all-wheel drive is now available. The transmission is presented with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic or a six-speed manual. Minimal changes have been made to the interior.
For example, the announced update of the climate control unit only concerns the backlighting of the screen display. It has changed color and now looks more stylish.
The Interior and Driver's Seat of the Updated BMW 3
Everything here speaks of the high class of the car: genuine leather, noble chrome, quality plastic, carbon fiber inserts. At the same time, the practicality of the interior is preserved.
The dashboard is luxurious, yet modern, offering the driver a wealth of innovative features: on-board computer, full-color projection display, LiveCockpit Professional navigation system (plus free map updates for 3 years), realistic 3D graphics, multimedia center. A test drive of the car showed that the touchscreen control allows for interacting with functions without distracting from the road.
The gear shift lever is conveniently located. The console is ergonomically oriented, with a comfortable and functional steering wheel. The equipment includes Auto PDS system (automatic activation of front parking sensors). It is worth mentioning the excellent noise insulation and multi-zone climate control.
One of the significant advantages of the car is its adaptability to low temperatures and winter operating conditions. The seats heat up in a couple of minutes. To warm up the car's interior after a winter night at minus fifteen, it takes up to eight minutes. This is the best indicator for climate systems. A regular average setting would handle this task in no less than 15-20 minutes.
Although the marketing ploy that the interior of the updated BMW does not lag behind the size of the fifth version is not true, the conditions for the driver and passengers are no less comfortable. Electrically adjustable seats, seat heaters, multimedia equipment, and noise insulation allow you to enjoy the ride. However, additional amenities are not present in all configurations. Nevertheless, three adults in the second row fit quite comfortably.
Updated BMW 3 Series, Technical Specifications
At launch, the car was presented in three versions (diesel and two gasoline engines) with the BMW TwinPowerTurbo system. The base model was a two-liter turbo diesel with 184 hp. Now you can choose from six power units, each excellent in its own way. In general, the following engines were announced:
| Engine Type | Displacement | Power |
320i Twin Power Turbo Petrol V4 330i TwinPower Turbo Petrol 318d Diesel 330d Diesel | 2.0 L 2.0 L 2.0 L 3.0 L | 184 hp 258 hp 150 hp 265 hp |
In addition, the lineup of elite sedans is supplemented by a 3-cylinder petrol engine 318i with 140 horsepower, a top turbo-six version with 374 hp, and a hybrid (in 2020).
The BMW 320d xDrive with a 2-liter engine and 190 hp has a torque of 400Nm.
Manufacturers do not rule out the expansion of the lineup with fully electric models.
Driving Modes
On the track, the updated BMW 3 Series was tested in the most commonly used driving modes:
- comfort;
- sport;
- sport plus.
There is also a fuel-saving mode ECO Pro. It is convenient to use in traffic jams and congested areas. Smooth start, economical fuel consumption, and when going downhill, it switches to coasting mode (revs drop to idle). It is characterized by a sluggish response of the accelerator pedal.
Comfort mode with all-wheel drive. Testing the stability system on the track. The car tries in every possible way to correct skidding, adjust the trajectory of movement. Everything works to ensure that the driver copes safely with a challenging situation.
In a skid or turn, the system brakes, even if the gas pedal is fully released. There is no power gain. The «comfort» driving mode lives up to its name. The gearbox adapts to the driving style.
The control system allows for changing the driving characteristics on the go. When switching to «sport» mode, the steering wheel becomes heavier (servotronic is disabled), but the stability system is active. The engine sharply responds to the gas pedal, gaining high revs that the gearbox holds for as long as possible. However, the electronics account for the skidding condition, and the car does not accelerate. Traction control is active, and the car continues to monitor its course.
With stability control off, dynamic driving continues. The car is obedient, allowing you to do whatever you want. The track allows you to understand and feel what the car is truly capable of.
Sport plus mode. Driving without stability means that the system will no longer intervene in driving. Now everything depends on the skill and reaction of the one behind the wheel. On snow or in a skid, there is no power loss, control is solely by the gas pedal, which sharply responds to pressure.
BMW cars are not just for driving or prestige. They provide an unparalleled sense of excitement. This is what the vast majority of owners love them for.
Price and Configuration
The base car already comes with a decent set of options. In the standard equipment, it has everything that can be boasted by the products of direct competitors. Premium versions feature powerful engines and additional bonuses like an automatic parker.
The price is higher but not significantly compared to the previous release.
