The BMW 3 Series has been as important to BMW’s history as it has been to the compact sedan segment. For the German marque, the model has been its best seller for years, helping the brand garner an excellent reputation in the family car segment.
The BMW 3 Series has been an iconic model for the German marque, dominating the compact sedan segment and pushing the envelope for driving dynamics for decades. The G80 LCI update brings minor design changes and updated interior technology to the 3 Series. As a leading luxury automaker, BMW’s reputation for high-quality interiors is maintained in the new model, with a focus on modern technology. The facelifted 3 Series is available with two powertrains, showcasing BMW’s commitment to diesel engines and its expertise in producing high-performance petrol engines.
DESIGN AND INTERIOR
The refreshed 3 Series features updated front and rear bumpers, sleeker headlights, and integrated DRLs. While the changes are not drastic, they work together to create a modern and refined design. The interior has also undergone significant changes, with dual curved displays replacing the traditional infotainment system and instrument cluster. The infotainment screen is an impressive 14.9”, running BMW Operating System 8, which is considered one of the best infotainment systems on the market. BMW has also done away with physical buttons, relying on voice commands for essential functions. The cabin’s build quality and material choices are of the high standard expected from BMW, with space enough for five adults.
ON THE ROAD
At launch, the facelifted 3 Series offers two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine generating 140 kW and 400 Nm in the 320d and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line-six-cylinder petrol engine developing 285 kW and 500 Nm in the M340i X-Drive. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, with the M340i featuring BMW’s X-Drive all-wheel-drive system.
Our test drive of the 320d showed it to be a well-balanced product, blending performance with efficiency. The diesel engine was punchy enough to easily reach highway speeds without straining, with generous torque making overtaking a breeze. The refined engine was barely audible in the well-insulated cabin, and the ride quality was comfortable without compromising handling around fast corners. In comparison, the M340i was a standout performer, responding to throttle inputs in a way that had us eagerly pushing it to its limits. The M340i’s performance is astonishing, with 0-100km/hr sprints rated at 4.3 seconds, and sub-four-second times captured in videos online. The M suspension tuning provides sharper steering inputs and more assuring body control, with the only slight negative being a stiffer ride on rough roads.
LAST WORD
The G80 LCI update showcases the BMW 3 Series’ continued excellence in the compact sedan segment. The refreshed design and updated interior technology demonstrate BMW’s commitment to modernization and staying at the forefront of luxury automotive design. The two powertrain options offer buyers the choice of efficiency or high performance, while both provide the trademark BMW driving dynamics. The 3 Series remains a leader in the industry and is sure to continue to set the benchmark for driving dynamics in its segment.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
