This year, the 2023 BMW 3 Series gets a significant makeover with new exterior styling, new wheels, and a new curved digital display.
The 3 Series continues to attract buyers looking for a small sports sedan with equal measures of luxury, technology, and performance. The 3 Series offers a choice of trims that include the 330i, the plug-in hybrid 330e, and the high-performance M340i. All provide the option of all-wheel drive (AWD), known as xDrive in BMW parlance, and come nicely equipped with a long roster of available equipment. Compare the 3 Series with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Cadillac CT4, and Alfa Romeo Giulia.
2023 BMW 330i (starting at $42,500, estimated), 330i xDrive ($44,500, estimated)
BMW keeps the 3 Series entry-level price low by putting its most desirable features on the options list. This tactic explains why a base Toyota Corolla has more standard driver assists than a 330i. However, BMW has gotten better about putting more luxury features in the standard equipment column, and as luxury sport sedans go, the 330i and its AWD cousin, the 330i xDrive, come pretty nicely equipped.
Powering the 330i is a 255-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, power-folding heated side mirrors, a power moonroof, rain-sensing wipers, and LED headlights with built-in cornering light.
Standard safety and driver-assist features include full airbag coverage, including driver and front passenger knee airbags, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Automatic high-beam headlights and a rear backup camera are also standard.
A quick look inside the cabin reveals SensaTec simulated leather upholstery in four color choices: Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Cognac, and Black. The 14-way power sport front seats include power lumbar support, and the driver gets a leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control buttons.
New this year is a massive curved digital screen that sits atop the dash. It contains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch display for controlling the audio, navigation, and climate controls. A new center console replaces the traditional gear shifter with a toggle lever.
One-touch up/down power windows, a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat with pass-through, ambient lighting, and a multi-zone automatic climate control system add to interior comfort and convenience.
The 330i’s key fob includes a memory feature that remembers the last settings for the climate control, mirrors, driver’s seat, audio tone and radio presets, and central locking and lighting preferences.
Within its infotainment platform, the 330i gains standard cloud-based navigation that can quickly plot routes based on up-to-date traffic and road conditions. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio (requires subscription) are standard, as is a 10-speaker audio system.
The iDrive 8 Operating System brings the latest connectivity features, including the BMW Personal Assistant that understands casual voice commands such as “close the sunroof” or “adjust the temperature.”
BMW Connected Services include real-time traffic and on-street parking information, and BMW Remote Services include remote unlocking and stolen vehicle recovery.
A 5G antenna allows optional upgrades to turn the 3 Series into a rolling mobile device. The Personal eSIM, for example, stores your personal preference information in your mobile device, not the car, meaning you can transfer it to another BMW also equipped with the Personal eSIM system.
The 330i offers numerous option packages and individual options. The more notable upgrades are heated rear seats, gesture control for the infotainment system, a wireless charging pad, and an Adaptive M suspension.
A Harman Kardon audio upgrade is also available, as well as leather upholstery, several wheel options, and additional exterior styling add-ons.
The Driving Assistance Package adds lane-departure warning, active blind-spot detection, plus front and rear parking sensors.
The Driving Assistance Professional Package brings even more driver aids, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Extended Traffic Jam Assist, lane centering, front cross-traffic detection, and Evasion Alert that can automatically make evasive maneuvers under certain conditions.
The Dynamic Handling Package adds alloy bicolor or Jet Black wheels, performance run-flat tires, M Sport brakes, and an adaptive M suspension.
The M Sport Package adds 19-inch wheels, variable sport steering, aluminum or wood interior trim, the M Sport suspension or Adaptive M suspension, an M steering wheel, and a rear spoiler.
The Parking Assistance Package adds self-parallel and perpendicular parking and a 360-degree surround-view monitor.
The Premium Package adds a heated steering wheel, 4-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, a head-up display, and BMW’s Comfort Access keyless entry to unlock and start the car with the key fob in your purse or pocket.
With the $995 destination fee, the 2023 BMW 330i has an estimated cost of $43,495. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, buyers can expect a monthly payment of around $782. See 2023 BMW 330i models for sale
2023 BMW 330i includes:
- 14-way power seats – These provide excellent comfort and adjustability, with dual memory settings for the seat and mirrors and the option to upgrade with even more features.
- Curved digital display – This massive curved screen encompasses the digital instrument cluster, navigation, climate, and audio systems, controlled via touch or voice command.
- Multi-zone climate control – Allows 3-zone climate control, including the rear seat area, which guarantees that everyone onboard remains comfortable.
- Automatic high-beam headlights – These headlights automatically dim when sensing oncoming traffic. In low-light situations, the high beam automatically activates for an improved nighttime field of vision.
2023 BMW 330e (starting at $43,000, estimated), 330e xDrive ($45,000, estimated)
In standard and optional features, the 330e plug-in hybrid is identical to the 330i. The difference between the two can be found under the hood, where an electric motor and battery pack is attached to the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The 330e’s electric upgrade boosts output to 288 horsepower and allows travel up to about 25 miles solely on electric power.
The 330e’s instrument cluster features readouts about the hybrid system but otherwise mirrors the 330i. The hybrid offers a few more color choices, but its battery pack adds more weight while reducing the trunk volume by nearly five cubic feet.
With the $995 destination fee, the 2023 BMW 330e has an estimated cost of $43,995. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, buyers can expect a monthly payment of around $791. See 2023 BMW 330e models for sale
2023 BMW M340i (starting at $55,000, estimated) M340i xDrive ($57,000, estimated)
The M340i is the fastest of the three trims, with a 382-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder capable of propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds a momentary burst of torque when needed.
Building off the 330i, the M340i adds 18-inch M double-spoke bi-color wheels, all-season run-flat tires, M Sport brakes with blue calipers, an M Sport differential, variable sport steering, and an M Sport suspension.
Further upgrades include a rear spoiler, the Comfort Access keyless entry system, adaptive cruise control, and an aerodynamic kit.
Multicolor ambient interior lighting allows for personal customization.
Options for the M340i above the 330i include the Shadowline Package that adds gloss-black Shadowline trim, black mirror caps, and unique 18-inch wheels.
The Cooling and High-Performance Tire Package adds 19-inch M Double-spoke wheels and the M Technology package that increases the cooling systems for the brakes and driveline.
With the $995 destination fee, the 2023 BMW M340i has an estimated cost of $55,995. On a 60-month loan with 3% financing and zero down, buyers can expect a monthly payment of around $1,006. See 2023 BMW M340i models for sale
2023 BMW M340i includes:
- M Sport brakes – Larger discs and calipers to ensure shorter stopping distances and better resistance to fade after repeated use.
- M Sport differential – A limited-slip rear differential with a performance edge, evenly directing power to the rear wheels, which helps improve cornering and handling on wet or dry surfaces.
- M Sport suspension – Specially tuned springs and shocks to stiffen the ride and lower the BMW for sharper response and better cornering.
- Available heated seats – Offered for front and outboard rear-seat passengers, these heated seats are an excellent way to warm up when temperatures dip below freezing.
