The BMW 3 Series is probably the most widely recognised model in BMW's history. Despite the shift to SUV ownership, the model continues to sell well and BMW has recorded over 1 million sales of the current, G20 3 Series since its launch. As new as the current, 7th generation vehicle feels, it's that time in its life when it's due for an update and while it may seem minimal at first glance, the changes form part of a larger picture for BMW and bring the G20 range bang up to date.
Related: Everything you need to know about the BMW 3 Series
When we reviewed the then-new G20 3 Series, we revelled in its return to the traditional BMW approach of "Sheer Driving Pleasure", commending its chassis, steering feel and overall dynamic approach to driving. In a world of muted, desensitized offerings it was a welcomed shift for a mainstream model. In the interim, much has changed in the general automotive landscape. The adoption of simplistic and digital interiors saw the G20 feel somewhat dated and archaic, despite its attempt to remain contemporary with a digital driver display and large touchscreen infotainment system. This changes now with what BMW calls an LCI, or Life Cycle Impulse - a facelift.
A 3 Series for the future
While there are exterior changes, the most noticeable are found inside the cockpit. The traditional instrument binnacle and infotainment system make way for a curved widescreen display that incorporates both the driver display and infotainment system, now running BMW's latest iDrive OS8. This clean, simplified approach helps future-proof the 3 Series, allowing for digital updates as and when certain technologies allow. It's a somewhat radical departure from what we know a 3 Series to be but we've seen this approach in the likes of the BMW i4.
Where the latest BMW X1 and iX models take the simplification and streamlining of the interior to the extreme, the LCI G20 3 Series combines what is familiar with the forward-thinking approach of the future. BMW has done away with the traditional and familiar gear selector and replaced it with a toggle switch on the centre console, but has retained the iDrive controller and many of the customary buttons that one expects to see in the 3 Series; buttons for drive modes, auto stop-start and the likes are still in their usual positions.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) controls have been moved into the screen and the usual audio shortcut buttons have been simplified with only the necessary controls retained. BMW reasons that those functions that you interact with on a regular basis will remain as tactile buttons while the rest can be moved to the infotainment screen, but made readily accessible with minimal touches or swipes required. I love that BMW has retained a rotary volume knob - this is my one bugbear with modern systems that take the simplified, digital route. I believe that the rotary knob still has a place in all interiors.
Related: Top 5 BMW 3 Series articles on AutoTrader
The face of things to come
The exterior of the updated 3 Series hasn't been forgotten though and the model updates for the 2023 year see the 3 Series wear a reprofiled set of headlights, slimmer and LED as standard, flanking the redesigned kidney grille. The lower air dam is larger and more angular, paired with vertical side vents that feed the brake cooling and air curtains that help improve efficiency. Combined it gives the 3 Series a more aggressive look and when paired with the dark Shadowline trim, exudes an air of purpose and presence. Even the entry-level 318i looks serious with this treatment.
The rear end has also been tweaked slightly with a reprofiled rear bumper and new, larger exhaust tips that come in either 90- or 100 mm diameter, depending on the model. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard across the range unless one springs for an M-Sport trim where 18-inch wheels do duty. On the M-Performance models (M340i xDrive), it's a set of 19-inch alloy wheels that do duty and are combined with a mesh grille to set it apart from the rest of the traffic.
BMW have also thinned out the options lists, combining commonly requested options into packages to allow for easier customisation. Once again, a quest to simplify the buying and ownership experience. The M Package Pro takes several of these options and combined them into a pack that becomes a single check item but sees you get Shadowline trims, red callipers and the rest of the tasty goodies that you'd want.
Pricing
| Model | Price |
| BMW 318i Sport Line | R767 893.60 |
| BMW 318i M Sport | R817 893.60 |
| BMW 320i Sport Line | R832 893.60 |
| BMW 320i M Sport | R882 893.60 |
| BMW 320d Sport Line | R880 313.00 |
| BMW 320d M Sport | R930 313.00 |
| BMW 330i M Sport | R953 197.20 |
| BMW M340i xDrive M Performance | R1 338 206.60 |
| BMW M340i xDrive M Sport Pro | R1 353 206.60 |
Prices include VAT and CO2 tax and were correct at the time of publishing. Pricing subject to change without notice.
