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BMW 3 Series

The independent definitive BMW 3 Series video review
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    BREAKING 3 (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_bmw3series_2023

    By Jonathan Crouch

    The seventh generation BMW 3 Series gets pricier but more appealing in this enhanced form. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

    Ten Second Reviewword count: 91

    The BMW 3 Series has ruled the compact part of the mid-sized executive segment for more than forty years and the company's hopes are high for this improved version of the 'G20' seventh generation design. It's smarter and gets a much more sophisticated cabin. Plus the diesels now feature 48V mild hybrid tech and there's a big step forward in media connectivity. All the things you'd expect from a facelift really. Something else you'd expect from this model is rear wheel drive handling purity. It doesn't disappoint in that regard either.

    Backgroundword count: 135

    The BMW 3 Series has had an unparalleled reputation both for its quality and supreme handling in the premium mid-size segment for more than 40 years. When this the seventh generation 'G20'-series model arrived back in 2018, it raised the bar even higher. But since then, we've had an all-new version of this car's arch-rival, the Mercedes C-Class, so BMW has had to further improve its '3': it has. This contender is regarded as the heartbeat of the brand and always has been since the first generation design was launched way back in 1975. Today, this model line accounts for 14% of BMW's global sales, so it could hardly be more important. These updates must sustain the car until it's replaced by an EV next-generation model in 2025 with the brand's forthcoming 'Neue Klasse' architecture.

    Driving Experienceword count: 295

    BMW has refined its engine selection as part of this facelift: the previous entry-level 318i (petrol) and 318d (diesel) units are no longer listed. So the range begins with the 184hp 320i petrol model or the 190hp 320d diesel, the latter gaining 48V mild hybrid tech. Eight-speed Steptronic auto transmission is now standard on all versions as before but is now upgraded to 'Sport' status which means that there's a gearshiftpaddle-activated 'Sprint' function for quick overtraking. If you can spend more with a mainstream powerplant, then the four cylinder 330e Plug-in variant with 292hp offers a tempting combination of speed and frugality. Across the line-up, rear wheel drive is still this 3 Series model's calling card of course; for mainstream models, xDrive 4WD is only now available (optionally) on the 330e. You have to have it on top M340i (374hp 48V petrol) and M340d (340hp 48V diesel) variants. The road-burning M3 Competition still tops the range of course, with its 510hp 3.0-litre twin turbo six cylinder engine and optional xDrive system. There's also a top M3 CS variant with an uprated 551hp version of the same engine. Otherwise, much is familiar here. All 3 Series models get the front engine, rear wheel drive formula with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution that has defined the 3 Series to date: this seventh generation model doesn't deviate too far from that script. Still notable are the standard 'lift-related' dampers. These clever shock absorbers incorporate structures that provide extra damping at the extremes of wheel travel, allowing quite a firm sporting set-up to be adopted, but also one able to deliver a fluent ride over tarmac imperfections. Thanks to that, this car's able to combine a set-up for Silverstone with something that works equally well on the North Circular.

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    Pictures (high res disabled)

    Statistics (subset of data only)

    Min

    Max

    0-62mph (secs):

    5.8 (330i Saloon 2.0 M Sport Auto)

    7.1 (320d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    Braked Tow Weight (kg):

    1600 (320d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    CO2 (g/km):

    109 (318d Saloon 2.0 SE Auto)

    142 (330d Touring 3.0 xDrive M Sport Auto)

    Cylinders:

    4 (318d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    6 (330d Saloon 3.0 M Sport Auto)

    Driven Wheels:

    4 (320d Saloon 2.0 xDrive M Sport Auto)

    Emissions:

    6 (318d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    Engine Power (bhp):

    150 (318d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    265 (330d Saloon 3.0 M Sport Auto)

    Engine Power (ps):

    152.09 (318d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    268.68 (330d Saloon 3.0 M Sport Auto)

    Engine Size (cc):

    1995 (318d Saloon 2.0 M Sport)

    2993 (330d Saloon 3.0 M Sport Auto)

    ... and 19 other stats available

    Scoring (subset of scores)

    Category: Luxury Saloons and Estates

    Performance
    80%
    Handling
    90%
    Comfort
    80%
    Space
    80%
    Styling, Build, Value, Equipment, Depreciation, Handling, Insurance and Total scores are available with our full data feed.

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