Table of Contents
The 2023 BMW 3 Series comes with upgraded styling and more technology features. See how the upcoming model year will maintain the popularity status of the luxury sedan line.
The BMW 3 Series, which is currently in its 7th generation, is a massive worldwide sales hit. Only a handful of cars can serve both sportiness and comfort as this sedan model. Being a favorite amongst many, it can be tailored to those who choose a well-designed entry-upscale car, an energetic sportier vehicle, or a combination of both. The 2023 BMW 3 Series gets plenty of exterior and interior upgrades, as you can read below.
The 3-Series Retained Powertrain
Even though the 2023 BMW 3 Series receives plenty of upgrades regarding the design, the powertrain of the upcoming model year remains the same. It comes in an RWD system as standard across the range, while the manufacturer’s xDrive AWD system is available as an option except for the top-ranking trim M3.
There are two types of strong and smooth engines offered by the luxury sedan series: a 255 HP 2L turbocharged 4-cylinder motor that generates up to 295 lb-ft torque on the base 330i model, which also comes in the 330e plug-in hybrid variant only with an addition of an electric motor that bumps up its outputs to 288 HP and 310 lb-ft of torque, and the other is a 382 HP 3L turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that’s capable to yield up to 369 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 48V power-hybrid system.
The base engine of 330i is estimated by the EPA to boast a 26/35 mpg city/highway fuel economy rating. Meanwhile, the M340i that’s equipped with a solid 6-cylinder powertrain is rated at 23/32 mpg city/highway. The plug-in hybrid, RWD model of 330e is rated at 28 mpg and 23 miles of range upon its electric system and promotes 3 lower fuel efficiency figures compared to the AWD model.
The BMW 3 Series standard driver assistance technology is not the most impressive. The standard set includes automatic windshield wipers, automatic high beams, and forward automatic emergency braking. Other features that come as options are including blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning.
Revised interior and Exterior Styling
Now let’s move to the design upgrades offered by the 2023 BMW 3 Series. Looking at the recently debuted vehicles under the luxury automaker, the refinement received by the 3 series for the upcoming model year can come off as quite conventional. Even though the fascia is given at a more significant size, there is no deep-drive grille or split headlights feature. The vents at the corner are updated with a unique L-like shape that reflects the new LED headlights design. As the sharp lines of its fascia are more subtle, the notches located at the lower lenses are nowhere to be seen. In general, the visual exterior appears to be sleeker than the previous model year.
The rear part of the car also offers some changes, albeit much less dramatic. The general shape of its taillights is maintained, but a bit thinner this time. The fascia at the rear section is also revised to have an L-shaped figure. The reflectors placed under dark-toned housing are stacked vertically and tapered downward, touching the exhaust tips’ base on both sides. Other upgrades on the exterior consist of M340i-specific retro-styled special manufacturer’s roundels on the trunk, hood, and wheel covers.
Other major refreshes received by the 2023 BMW 3 Series come from the interior, which now sports a glass dash. The car acquires a large curved display that blends smoothly with the gauge panel that holds a center infotainment display. A 12.3” digital screen for essential driver’s information is located at the front, while a bigger 14.9” screen is placed in the middle.
As the glass cockpit is updated, so does the central dash which now has a repositioned climate control system and slimmer ventilators. On the section of the center console where an 8-speed automatic transmission shift selector used to be placed, you can find a far tinier toggle level.
In the technology department, the upscale sports sedan also receives a lot of updates. It is equipped with the automaker’s iDrive system that runs OS 8. As cited by the manufacturer, the interface and graphics are made to mimic smartphone appearance, and its functionality is boosted by the voice control function. The available digital features are including a cloud-based navigation system and 5G Wi-Fi connectivity that allows up to 10 connected devices.
The 2023 BMW 3 Series Arrival Date and Pricing
The price details of the 2023 BMW 3 Series are yet to be announced, by going by the previous model years, the pricing starts at $42,000 and ends at over $55,000. More information will be announced as the car is slated for release in July 2022.