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

Ten Second Review

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.

Background

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 Experience

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. If you can spend more, then the four cylinder 330e Plug-in variant with 292hp offers a tempting combination of speed and frugality. A more classic 3 Series combo though, lies with the petrol six cylinder 330i, with 258hp.

Across the line-up, rear wheel drive is still this 3 Series model's calling card of course, though xDrive 4WD is an increasing popular option - on the 320i, the 320d and the 330e. You have to have it on top M340i (374hp petrol) and M340d (340hp 48V diesel) variants. The road-burning M3 saloon still tops the range of course, with its 503hp 3.0-litre twin turbo six cylinder engine and optional xDrive system.

Otherwise, much is familiar here; a front engine, rear wheel drive formula with near perfect 50:50 weight distribution has defined the 3 Series to date and this seventh generation model doesn't deviate too far from that script.

Design and Build

This seventh generation 3 Series model has had a useful visual update here for both Saloon and Touring estate body styles. If you know this 'G20'-series seventh generation design, you'll notice the updated front end, which offers slimmer LED headlights, a resculpted grille and gloss black brake cooling vents. M Sport variants get a distinctive hexagonal lower air intake too. There are reshaped bumpers at the rear and colour-coded trim elements, plus M Sport models feature a chunky diffuser.

The major changes though, have taken place inside, where this 3 Series gets the new-look curved instrument panel that we first saw on the iX luxury EV. this incorporates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen with the brand's latest eighth generation iDrive interface. This all allows for a big step forward in media functionality, with things like real-time mapping, a parking space locator and wireless smartphone-mirroring. Other cabin updates include slimmer air vents, a redesigned gear shifter, standardised gear shift paddles and new touch-sensitive buttons for the centre console.

Market and Model

Pricing now starts at just under £37,000 for the 320i petrol; or around £40,500 for the 320d diesel - with a premium of around £1,500 more for the xDrive system. You'll need a budget of nearly £43,000 for the 330e PHEV petrol model.

There are now just two trim levels, 'Sport' and 'M Sport' and all models now include the 'BMW Live Cockpit Plus' screen set-up, which includes cloud-based BMW Maps, over-the-air updates and an improved version of the brand's 'Intelligent Personal Assistant' voice control system. The company's 'Parking assistant' is now standard, steering you automatically into spaces. And you can upgrade it with Park View, Panorama View and 3D View functions.

As for safety, well as before, optional across the range is the brand's 'Driving Assistant Professional' pack, which includes Active Cruise Control with a Stop&Go function. There's also a 'Steering and Lane Control Assistant', which helps the driver maintain their position on motorways where the lane narrows. The 'Active Navigation' function detects when a lane change for a motorway exit is required and prepares to steer the car into that lane. The system also comprises a 'Lane Keeping Assistant' with active side collision protection and an 'Evasion Assistant'.

Cost of Ownership

The addition of mild hybrid 48V tech for the diesels has usefully improved efficiency. the 320d diesel many will want now manages up to 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and up to 127g/km of CO2, readings which are difficult to better in this class. The M340d, which also gets the 48V technology, manages up to 48.7mpg and up to 153g/km.

Otherwise, things are much as before. The 320i petrol variant manages up to 44.1mpg and up to 145g/km of CO2. For the 330i petrol model, the combined cycle figure is up to 43.5mpg and the CO2 reading is up to 148g/km. If you want to do better, you can ask about the 330e petrol/electric Plug-in hybrid which can deliver up to 217mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 return of as little as 30g/km.

Summary

This improved model has become quite expensive, but thanks to the updated hi-tech cabin, at least you now feel you're getting a very complete benchmark-standard product for that not-inconsiderable outlay. You might rarely use the added dynamic dimension it has over its rivals, but it'll always be good to know you have it. Within its segment, it really is the 'Ultimate driving machine'. Over the years, the 3 Series has changed a lot about the way we buy cars in this class, continually forcing its rivals to play catch up. This one's no different. As you were, people.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: BMW 3 Series

PRICES: £37,000-£43,000 (est)

INSURANCE GROUPS: TBC

CO2 EMISSIONS: 127-153g/km (est)

PERFORMANCE: [330i auto] 0-60mph 5.8s / top speed 155mph (est)

FUEL CONSUMPTION: [330e] (combined) 217 mpg

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: stability control, ABS, twin front and side and curtain airbags

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm TBC