Most recently reworked in 2019, the '23 BMW 3-Series gets a freshened exterior and an all-new interior. Still considered by many to be the original premium sport sedan, the 3-Series is offered only as a 4-door sedan with rear- or all-wheel drive. BMW sells a coupe, convertible and hatchback version that rides the same chassis and has similar powertrains, but those models are dubbed 4-series. Competitors include the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A4, Cadillac CT4, Genesis G70, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60.
For 2023, the BMW 3-Series is offered in 330i, 330e, and M340i trim. All come with rear- or all-wheel drive (xDrive). The 330i comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque. 330e models get a plug-in hybrid version of that engine that makes a combined 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque and offers an estimated 23 miles of all-electric range. The M340i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that combines with a mild-hybrid system to produce 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. All models get an 8-speed automatic as the only available transmission.
Changes for the 2023 model year to the BMW 3-Series include freshened front and rear styling, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and 14.9-inch central touchscreen in a singular curved housing, updated iDrive 8 infotainment software and a smarter Intelligent Personal Assistant that works through voice comments. Prices start at $43,295 and climb to more than $58,000.
Though you can't choose a manual transmission any more, buyers can choose between several different powertrains - each better than the last. The standard 2.0-liter turbo four provides ample thrust and reasonable fuel efficiency. What the engine lacks in sheer oomph, it makes up for in refinement and drivability. Stepping up to the plug-in hybrid engine, buyers make a significant gain in performance with no penalty in fuel economy. There is also an Xtraboost function that provides short bursts of power -- a la nitrous. The line-topping inline-6 provides amazing smoothness and buttery and intoxicating power delivery. All engines mate quite well to the slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
With each model offering available all-wheel drive, the 3-Series becomes a lot more palatable in Chicago winters. However, the xDrive system isn't enough. Buyers should certainly consider all-season tires for the winter month -- if not opting for dedicated snow tires.
EPA Fuel economy ratings on xDrive models are 25/32 MPG with the turbo four and 23/31 MPG with the inline-6. The plug-in hybrid gets a combined MPGe rating of 67, which is somewhat unimpressive. All engines require premium-grade gasoline. In routine suburban commuting it's easy to post 30 MPG overall, but that includes a fair amount of gentle highway cruising. Gas-only models get a reasonably large 15.6-gallon fuel tank, but plug-In hybrids make due with a too-small 10.6 gallon tank.
The 3-Series has always and continues to set the standard by which all luxury sport sedans are measured in terms of drivability. No competitor offers the near-perfect blend of ride comfort and handling prowess. There's just no small luxury sedan that can transition from quiet cruiser to twisty-road champion with the ease and panache of the 3-Series. A big caveat being wheel and tire selection, of course. Opt for the performance wheels and tires and you'll find a much firmer ride that borders on busy.
Buyers can choose between several suspension setups: base, tauter M Sport tuning, or Dynamic Handling package with its adaptive shocks. Of the three, the Dynamic Handling package offers the best blend of comfort and roadability. Regardless of suspension setup the brakes offer excellent stopping power and the steering feels so natural in a way that it seems like it's directly connected to the driver's brain.
Interior noise levels are reasonable, but not quite luxury-car hushed. There's just too much tire noise on the highway for that. Still, around town the 3-Series is quiet and the engines make glorious sounds at full throttle.
Inside, the 3-Series is all BMW, meaning top-notch materials, impressive build quality and a modern, but classic design. Drivers face a new digital instrument cluster that's crisp and readable day or night. It is a shame that BMW didn't try to mimic traditional analog gauges, but the current modern setup is mirrored across the model lineup. The new, and larger center screen for the infotainment system is well integrated within the overall design (meaning it doesn't look tacked on). It can be operated by touch or a console-mounted dial. It's amazingly complex, but extremely powerful once mastered.
The standard front seats are deeply contoured buckets that are adjustable in a dozen ways and not too constrictive. There's also a sport seat that some may find too confining but offer significantly more support. They are effective but can grow tiresome on longer. Thankfully leg room is ample and head room good. Visibility is excellent to all directions, but the smallish side-view mirrors don't help much when changing lanes.
If you are coming from a traditional midsize sedan, you might find the rear seat a bit confining. Actually, the 3-Series offers one of the most commodious rear compartments in the class. Leg room is ahead of most competitors and the true sedan roofline means actual rear seat head room (all sarcasm intended).
From gesture controls to a digital personal assistant, BMW's 3-Series is about as forward-tech as you are going to find in the industry. It can be overwhelming at first (though thankfully most of it doesn't get in the way of the business of driving).
The 3-Series offers 13.0 cubic feet of cargo space, a bit larger than most competitors. In fact, only the Audi RS 5 Sportback, which is a hatch, offers more space. Inside, there are plenty of places to store items, from the sizable underarm storage bin and generous door pockets. But the wireless cell-phone tray isn't quite large enough to accommodate jumbo-size cell phones.
Bottom Line -- Long the standard amongst true sport sedans, the BMW 3-Series doesn't disappoint. It's a delight to drive hard and quite comfortable for around-town driving. The deeper you dig into its features, the more rewarding it becomes. Be warned, base prices are reasonable, but some features that are standard on other cars are optional on the 3-Series.
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