BMW’s big-selling 3 Series is a formula not to be trifled with - success, after all, breeds success - and so the German company has enacted a very subtle set of updates on the current seventh-generation model for what is the car’s second ‘life-cycle impulse’ (LCI) - following a series of tweaks already implemented in 2022. The 3 Series celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025.
Fancier infotainment included
Visually, nothing on the outside of the 3 Series has changed, although two new colours have been added to the palette (Arctic Race Blue and Fire Red, both metallics), while a fresh design of 19-inch bicolour alloy wheel also joins the options list. As before, the 3 Series will be sold in four-door Saloon and five-door Touring body styles, which look as good as they ever have done.
One of the main changes for all models comes inside. The ‘Curved Display’ high-tech digital dashboard has been upgraded to BMW Operating System 8.5 in the new 3 Series. This brings with it a revised home screen layout, ‘QuickSelect’ configurable shortcut functionality and the latest BMW personal assistant software.
All 3 Series variants will also benefit from three-zone climate control, illuminated air vents and redesigned steering wheels, while certain versions will gain a new seat upholstery called BMW Performtex.
Longer-range PHEV
One of the major technical upgrades for the drivetrains comes in the form of a new battery pack in the 330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that’s nearly twice as big as the one in the old model.
At 19.5kWh (that’s the usable energy), it eclipses the previous 330e’s 10.4kWh unit and sees the official WLTP electric range of the BMW increase by more than double, going from 45- to 101km. Fuel economy has also improved dramatically, BMW now quoting 1.2-0.9 litres/100km (256.8-353.1mpg), but obviously those sort of returns are only possible if you regularly plug the 330e into the mains and use it mainly on battery power.
Interestingly, BMW also quotes a ‘depleted battery’ figure for the PHEV and that’s far more realistic, sitting between 7.9-7.1 litres/100km (35.8-39.8mpg). Owners are much more likely to see these figures if they frequently drive their 330e for long distances on the motorway.
No more diesel power
It has been confirmed that there will be no diesel-engined version of the new BMW 3 Series offered to Irish buyers. And before you consider importing one from the UK, it's the same deal over there. Petrol or plug-in hybrid power only.
Irish pricing of the new BMW 3 Series starts at €56,700 for the 330e thanks to its low emissions and VRT. It undercuts the much-less-powerful 320i, starting at €58,100. The M340i xDrive is priced from €97,320. Same story for the 3 Series Touring estate, with the 330e Touring representing the entry-point to the lineup at €58,910. The M3 has also been updated.