Our Opinion - 2023 BMW 3-Series Review The 2023 BMW 3-series sedan is one of the few cars that can please both the comfort and sportiness gods. This tried-and-true favorite is available as a corner-carving sports sedan, a luxurious entry-level luxury vehicle, or a combination of the two. The top-of-the-line M340i’s turbocharged inline-six makes 382 horsepower, the most powerful and fiercest power on this side of the Bavarian Alps. On the other hand, the entry-level 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e have excellent performance and better fuel economy than average. The BMW 3-Series is not as stylish as the Alfa Romeo Giulia or as loaded with equipment as the Genesis G70. Still, it is more well-rounded, athletic, and enjoyable to drive than any other vehicle in its class, which is why it comes out on top in our rankings for this category. What's New? In 2023, BMW’s favorite sports sedan will get a tech-heavy makeover. It will have a new look on the outside and a stunning all-digital dashboard. If you look closely, you’ll see that the monolithic display in the middle third of the 3-series dashboard is the same as the one in the electric iX SUV and the 7-series, which is the brand’s most expensive car. The wall of controls, which include speech recognition, primary navigation, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, is run by BMW’s iDrive eight interfaces. Pros and Cons Pros: Contemporary, massive digital displays The best powertrains A substantial trunk Cons: M Sport’s suspension is stiff Most of the technology that helps drivers is optional. Poor interior design Engine, Transmission, and Performance The 3-series has two strong gas engines that run smoothly. The 330i’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but it has even more power. The M340i’s 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine and 48-volt hybrid system make 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor. Together, they produce 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. We like how the plug-in engine balances the gas and electric parts and how the Xtraboost feature gives the car a burst of power that feels like a nitrous injection. Each machine has an automatic transmission with eight speeds that is easy to use and rear-wheel drive. You can drive all four wheels but can only pay something to get a manual transmission. Buyers of the three can choose between the standard suspension, the tighter M Sport tune, or the Dynamic Handling package with adjustable dampers. The four-cylinder BMW beat other sports sedans in a comparison test, which showed how good it is. We liked how it could go from being calm and elegant to being sharp and funny. In a race between two cars, the 330i beat the beautiful Alfa Romeo Giulia, making it clear that it is the best car in its class. Our long-term M340i shows the brand’s return to form with its loud six-cylinder engine and excellent body control. Safety The only basic driver aids that BMW has are automatic emergency braking and a warning before a front-end collision. There are, however, other options. With Parking Assistance, for example, you will park your car for you. Among the essential safety features are the following: Standards for emergency brakes that work on their own Some lane-departure warnings and components help you stay in your lane. There is an option for adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Internal and External Cargo Capacity The 3 has a modern interior with high-quality parts and excellent craftsmanship. The controls on the 3-series are easy to reach, and it doesn’t feel cheap in any way. The primary sports chairs are easy to get into a comfortable position because they are flexible, well-padded, and supportive. A full head-up display, customizable ambient lighting, heated front and back seats, remote start, and wireless charging are some of the extra features that cost extra. The 3-series has a big trunk that can be opened with a power liftgate. The gas-powered sedan has 17 cubic feet of space for luggage. Six carry-on suitcases can fit in the back, and 17 can check when the back seat is folded. For example, the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and fifteen suitcases, but the Mercedes-Benz C300 could only do one less bag in each test. Because the 330e has a battery pack, we have yet to be able to test it as a carry-on. The 330e’s ability to work as a carry-on has yet to be tried. The trunk of the 330e is only 13 cups (12 cubics). We have yet to try it out. Fuel Economy and Actual MPG The EPA says the 330i with four cylinders can get up to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The six-cylinder M340i, which is more powerful, gets 32 mpg on the road and 23 mpg in town. The plug-in hybrid vehicle with rear-wheel drive can go 23 miles on electric power alone and is estimated to get 28 miles per gallon overall. Both numbers go down by three for the PHEV with all-wheel drive. On our 75 mph interstate fuel-economy route, we tested a rear-drive 330i and got an impressive 42 mpg. When the same test was done with an M340i with all-wheel drive, it got 33 mpg. Infotainment and Connectivity The 12.3-inch gauge display and the 14.9-inch infotainment display are on a single screen that floats above a BMW 3-series. The high-resolution screens look great and are easy to read even when the sun is right in front. The user interface for BMW’s iDrive 8 is fast and easy to use. Many technologies, like in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, are built in. A head-up display is also available as part of an optional Premium package. The Harman/Kardon music system comes with a place to charge your phone wirelessly. Price and How to Choose The four-cylinder turbocharged 330i is our choice because it has surprising power and is naturally easy to drive. Our car would have the M Sport package, which adds extra features, gives it a unique look and gives it a specially tuned suspension. We’d choose the Premium package, with a heated steering wheel, hands-free passive entry, and other perks. We’d also add the Dynamic Handling option, which improves the brakes and adaptive dampers to make the sedan drive more like the legendary 3-series sedans of the past.
