BMW Takes the Knife to Three Series
New Looks, Better Tech for BMW’s Best Seller Three
The BMW has taken a scalpel to the 3 Series three years since it arrived. The midlife G20-generation 3 Series nip and tuck sees it updated inside and out to better combat the all-new latest generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class. A significant weapon in BMW’s arsenal, the 3 still accounts for a cool 14 percent of BMW’s global sales. Not much has changed under the bonnet, with the novelties focused more on aesthetics.
New Three is Set Apart by a New Face
A fresh face sets the new Three apart. It features slimmer LED headlights with a new L-shaped DRL signature, a fresh grille and gloss black brake ducts. M Sport models gain a distinctive hexagonal lower front bumper grille. The rear end gains new bumpers and color-coded trim elements in what BMW calls a particularly sophisticated look. M Sport versions get a chunky diffuser too.
A new M-Performance option adds a carbonfibre rear diffuser, bespoke wheel designs up to 20 inches and a notable rear spoiler too. Moving indoors, the 3 Series now also the gains BMW’s new-look curved instrument panel out of the iX EV. The MBUX-like one-piece 12.3in digital gauge cluster and 14.9in infotainment screen run BMW’s latest eighth-generation iDrive interface.
That brings upgraded functionality, wireless smartphone mirroring, advanced real-time mapping, parking space locator, voice control key functions and the capacity for over-the-air upgrades and updates. There are also slimmer new central air vents, touch-sensitive buttons on the center console, while the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox shifter has been redesigned, with steering wheel shifter paddles now standard across the board.
Not much New Under the Hood
3 Series will continue in the choice of petrol and diesel now featuring standard 48V mild-hybrid electrification. As well as petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrains. Outputs range from the 182 HP 320i to the 365 HP all-wheel drive M340i. The previous entry-level 318i and 318 turbodiesels have fled the range. The facelifted BMW 3 Series enters production in July.
Photos: BMW