The venerable BMW 3 Series is approaching its 50th year in production, and the compact sedan has been continually refined over the last five decades with its most recent updates coming in strong for 2023. The 3 Series has been reworked for 2023 with a facelift, updated standard features, and tech that delivers a wow factor. In essence, the latest version of the 3 Series continues to elevate the nameplate.
What remains is the 3 Series’ focus on providing an upmarket cabin and a long list of models that can serve as comfortable commuters and/or corner carvers. This allows buyers to play a bit of pick-and-choose as to which model best suits their needs. But no matter the choice, the 3 Series continues to deliver driving excitement, supple comfort, and refinement that’s been honed for nearly half a century.
2023 BMW 3 Series
- Model
- 3 Series
- Engine:
- 2.0L turbo-four/3.0L turbo inline six/2.0L hybrid
- Power Output
- 255-382 HP
- Torque
- 295-369 LB.-FT.
- Range
- 24-28 MPG/75 MPGe
- Transmission
- 8-Speed Automatic
- Driveline
- RWD/AWD
- MSRP
- $42,300
- Adaptive Suspension
- BMW Curved Display
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot
- iDrive 8
- Plug-In Hybrid Variant
2023 BMW 3 Series Performance And Capability
The 2023 BMW 3 Series is offered in several models. Available trims include;
- 330i
- 330e
- 330i xDrive
- 330e xDrive
- M340i
- M340i xDrive
In essence, the 3 Series delivers a choice of two internal combustion-only engines or a plug-in hybrid setup. The base 330i is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder delivering 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M340i is fitted with a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six and mild hybrid system rated for 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
The “e” plug-in hybrid models pair a 2.0-liter engine and a single electric motor developing a total of 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. All models are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Rear-wheel drive is standard across all models, but each can be fitted with an all-wheel drive for an upcharge. The 330i models may be down on power compared to the M340i, but they still deliver plenty of performance and driving pleasure. Car and Driver declared the 3 Series its winner for overall performance against the Alfa Giulia, Genesis G670, and Volvo S60. It will run from 0-60 mph in 5.2 seconds, and its agility around corners is impressive.
Those wanting even more power can opt for the M340i. In our review of the m340i xDrive, the dash to 60 mph happened in just 4.0 seconds. It can tackle curvy mountain roads with ease with an M Sport-tuned suspension and available adaptive dampers. It's fitted with M Sport brakes, variable sport steering, and an aerodynamic kit.
The 330e doesn’t have the same performance as the sportier M340i, but with its plug-in hybrid system, it's unsurprisingly the most efficient model in the 3 Series lineup. The 330e is rated for 28 combined mpg with its gasoline engine alone and at 75 MPGe. The 3 Series PHEV can be driven up to 23 miles solely with electric power. The RWD 330i returns 29 combined mpg, according to the EPA, while the AWD M340i is still rated for a respectable 26 combined.
No matter the model, the 3 Series delivers a comfortable ride. It dismissed all but the most stubborn of road imperfections, and outside noise is kept to a minimum.
Exterior Design
The 2023 3 Series marks the first of the model’s seventh generation, and as such, it wears a new skin that is distinctly BMW but brings the model into a new era. BMW’s iconic kidney grille has been reworked, but not to the dramatic extent of the 4 Series. Instead, it wears a subtle, slightly more aggressive shape.
Flanking the grille are redesigned, slimmer headlights, and the daytime lights now sport an “inverted L-shape.” The front and rear aprons are also slightly more muscular. The 3 Series is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with some new designs available, and new color options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey are available.
The M340i matches the looks of its more powerful pedigree with a larger front intake with a honeycomb pattern, a larger diffuser element in the rear diffuser, and accents all around that lend to its more performance-oriented intentions.
Additionally, it features M Sport brakes with blue calipers and a rear spoiler. In a celebration of the BMW M division’s 50th anniversary, the M340i is also fitted with BMW Motorsport roundels on the hood, trunk, and wheel center caps that are reminiscent of the original M logo, according to BMW.
Exterior Dimensions
Length | 185.9 in. |
|---|---|
Width | 81.4 in. |
Height | 56.8 in. |
Wheelbase | 112.2 in. |
Ground Clearance | 5.7 in. |
Curb Weight | 3,536 lbs. |
Exterior Color
Color | Price |
|---|---|
Jet Black | $0 |
Alpine White | $0 |
Portimao Blue | $650 |
Mineral White | $650 |
Brooklyn Grey | $650 |
Skyscraper Grey | $650 |
Black Sapphire | $650 |
Melbourne Red | $650 |
Phytonic Blue | $650 |
Dravit Grey | $1,500 |
Tananite Blue II | $1,500 |
Interior Quality And Technology
The interior highlight of the 2023 3 Series is the BMW Curved Display. The unit seamlessly combined a 12.3-inch gauge cluster/information display behind the steering when and a 14.9-inch center display. The iDrive 8 infotainment system now includes standard navigation, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant voice control system, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. Other updates for 2023 include a new toggle lever on the center console serving as a gear lever, and the central air vents under the center screen are now slimmer.
In keeping with tradition, the 3 Series’ interior is both upmarket and functional. Controls are laid out intuitively, and BMW’s iDrive selector is easy-to-use for navigating through the infotainment menus. Traditional switches and buttons are easily within the driver’s reach, and there is some redundancy built in with steering wheel controls.
Passengers have respectable space leg, head, and shoulder room in both rows, and the trunk offers 13 cubic feet of storage space. There’s also a convenient cubby under the center stack and a respectably sized center console.
The base 330i and 330e models are fitted with a long list of creature comforts, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, open-pore wood trim, ambient lighting, and a moonroof. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are standard, as is SiriusXM radio and the BMW Curved Display.
The Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and driver lumbar support for the 330 models, heated front seats, and a head-up display. You can also fit the Dynamic Handling Package to with its adaptive suspension to 330 models or the M Sport Package with much of the same performance kit and visual upgrades found on the M340i.
Interior Dimensions
Seating Capacity | 5 |
|---|---|
Headroom (front) | 38.7 in. |
Headroom (second row) | 37.6 in. |
Legroom (front) | 42 in. |
Legroom (second row) | 35.2 in. |
Shoulder room (front) | 56 in. |
Shoulder room (second row) | 54.6 in. |
Cargo Room | 13 cu.-ft. |
2023 BMW 3 Series Price And Availability
The 2023 BMW 3 Series is available now with prices starting at $43,800 MSRP for the base 330i model. The 330e plug-in hybrid starts at $44,900, and the M340i starts at $56,400. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the price of each model. As with most luxury sedans, those prices can quickly swell when adding optional packages.
Some notable standalone options include a remote engine start, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, wireless charging, and a drive recorder.
2023 BMW 3 Series Price
Trim | Price |
|---|---|
330i | $43,800 |
330e | $44,900 |
M340i | $56,400 |
Safety
The 2023 BMW 3 Series earns a five-star crash rating from the NHTSA. It scored a perfect 5/5 stars in each of the organization’s crash categories. There are several available options and packages available. The Driving Assistance Professional Package includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping, cross-traffic alert, and other driver’s aids.
Main Competition
The 3 Series most closely competes with the likes of the Audi A4, Genesis G70, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That’s undoubtedly stiff competition, but the 3 Series remains a leader in its class. The 3 Series is slightly more expensive than the Audi or Genesis, and the G70 is far better equipped as standard.
However, BMW is far more engaging to drive. The BMW also offers a larger trunk than all its closest competitors while providing the same passenger space for those in the front and rear. But perhaps the biggest advantage the BMW has for some shoppers is the 330e plug-in hybrid. A PHEV version of the Audi, C-Class, or G70 isn’t available.
Overall, buyers in the compact luxury sedan segment will generally be pleased with any of these options, so it’s best to shop around to find which model best suits your needs. But the revamped, 2023 3 Series should absolutely be on the shortlist.
FAQ
Q: What is the update for the BMW 3 Series 2023?
The BMW 3 Series compact sedan is now loaded with more tech than ever with a new curved display panel that houses both the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment unit.
Q: How much is a 2023 BMW 3 Series in USA?
The prices for the base model 2023 BMW 330i start at $43,800 with the range-topping M340i starting at $56,400. The BMW M3 meanwhile starts at $74,300.
Q: What is the range of BMW 3 Series 2023?
The 2023 BMW 3 Series offers between 26 and 29 combined mpg, depending on the trim and drivetrain. According to CarandDriver, the 330e plug-in hybrid has an all-electric range of 23 miles.
Q: Why is BMW 3 Series so good?
While buyers in the compact luxury sedan segment will generally be pleased with the available options, the revamped, 2023 3 Series packs some solid on-board tech and ever-impressive driving dynamics and should absolutely be on their shortlist.
Q: Is BMW Series 3 better than Series 5?
The main difference between the 3 and 5 series is the size. While the 5 Series is bigger and offers more space, the 3 Series' small form should aid in the handling department. But both models are considered the benchmark in their respective segments for their dynamic abilities.