The engine options will remain the same for this midcycle refresh. It should be available in US dealerships by later in the year.
The BMW 3 Series is a key vehicle in BMW’s lineup. A refreshed model is available for 2023, which aims to maintain its competitiveness in the luxury sports sedan segment. It features a few exterior changes that are offset by substantial interior updates. BMW’s iDrive 8 Operating System adds additional technology to the sedan’s new cockpit.
Let’s have a look at the new exterior features. The most recent BMW vehicle launches might lead one to consider the 2023 3 Series refresh rather conservative. Split headlights and a deep-drive grille are not available on this model. However, the lower grille is larger. The new corner vents have a unique L-shaped design, which is mirrored by the LED elements in the new headlights. The sharp fascia lines and notches at the bottom of the lenses have been eliminated. The kidney grille is slightly wider and the overall result is cleaner than the previous model.
A similar motif can be found at the rear but it is far less striking. The taillights are slightly thinner but retain their original shape. Redesigned rear fascia features more L-shaped shapes and vertically-oriented reflectors in black housings. They taper downward and meet at the base, where they join with exhaust outlets on either side. Additional exterior touches include retro-style BMW Motorsport roundels for the trunk and hood, as well as wheel caps for M340i models. This is in honor of the 50th anniversary BMW M.
This refresh’s big news is inside, with a glass dash redesign that is far from being conservative. The 3 Series gets a huge curved display that blends seamlessly the driver’s instrument panel and the central infotainment screen. With a 14.9-inch screen holding the station, the driver has 12.3 inches of digital space for vital information. You’ll notice slimmer vents and relocated climate controls in the new glass cockpit. The shift selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission has been replaced by a smaller toggle lever in the center console.
The new, sleeker greenhouse is accompanied by more tech. In particular, the sedan’s iDrive system now runs OS 8. BMW claims that the menu and graphics have a smartphone-like appearance with more functionality using voice commands. The cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system is available to both drivers and passengers. It is standard on all 2023 3 Series models. 5G connectivity is available with up to 10 devices being able to connect to it.
You’ll find the same powertrain options as the 3 Series. This includes the turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine in base 330i that makes 255 horsepower. The 330e plug in hybrid combines it with electricity to produce 288 combined horsepower. The M340i is powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 that produces 382 horsepower. The 330e, M340i and M340i come standard with BMW’s xDrive all wheel-drive system. For 2023, the standard is 18-inch wheels.
BMW has yet to announce the price of the new 3er. The 2022 330i starts from $42,445 while the M340i starts at $55,695, which includes destination charges. Updated pricing will be available closer to the 2023 BMW 3 Series US market launch, which is currently scheduled for July.