A refreshed exterior, an extensively modernised cabin and the latest advances in digitalisation and equipment ensure the new BMW 3 Series has all the tools necessary to continue its worldwide success story. In 2021 the BMW 3 Series was the market leader in its class in the UK, Germany and China, and accounts for around 14 per cent of the brand’s vehicle sales worldwide. For the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and BMW 3 Series Touring, a newly designed cockpit with BMW Curved Display and the latest-generation BMW Operating System 8 bring ground-breaking modernity and digitalisation to the interior. All variants of the new BMW 3 Series now come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a newly designed selector lever.
The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic special paint finishes have also been added to the range. The selection of around 150 additional BMW Individual special paint finishes is class leading.
The body structure of the BMW 3 Series combines a high level of solidity with minimised weight. As well as the bonnet and front side panels, the engine subframe, front spring struts and numerous other suspension components are made from aluminium.
Optimising the car’s aerodynamics has benefits for both efficiency and driving performance. An almost completely sealed underbody, aerodynamically optimised wheels, the use of air curtains at the front of the car, and latest-generation active air flap control for both the BMW kidney grille and the lower air intake result in exceptionally low drag.
The revised front apron adds to the sporty appearance of the new BMW 3 Series. The standard full-LED headlights are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape. The Adaptive LED Headlights’ range of functions includes the cornering light and non-dazzling matrix high beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.
The modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille a more powerful look, while air intakes in Black high-gloss below the grille cool the braking system.
The new contours of the front and rear aprons add a striking flourish. Horizontal lines, slim light units, clearly structured surfaces and flared wheel arches accentuate the width and muscular stance. The powerful proportions exude clear sporting intent when viewed from this angle. A higher proportion of surfaces painted in the body colour and a clean-cut design lend the rear apron of the new BMW 3 Series a particularly sophisticated look.
Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission now standard on all models: Gearshift paddles are included with the now standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which stands out with its sharp shift dynamics, Launch Control function, and ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power via its Sprint function.
Mild hybrid technology gives the four-cylinder BMW 320d and six-cylinder BMW M340d exceptionally responsive power delivery and optimised efficiency. This system collects power through Brake Energy Regeneration and stores it in an additional battery. This is used not only to provide the engine with its electric power boost, but also to supply power to the vehicle’s 12V electrical system.
The interior of the new BMW 3 Series has been treated to a comprehensive update, embodied by the large BMW Curved Display. A 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display merge into a single fully digital unit. The control panel on the centre console of the new BMW 3 Series has additional touch-controlled surfaces, with the Start/Stop button, iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, parking brake and other vehicle functions.The central air vents positioned below the control display are now slimmer and more modern in design, with three-zone automatic climate control as standard, adjusted using voice or touch on the control display.
Among the outstanding individual options are the Harman Kardon surround sound system and an electrically operated glass roof for the Saloon and panoramic glass sunroof for the Touring model. A carbon-fibre roof can be ordered exclusively for the BMW M340i xDrive Saloon and BMW M340d xDrive Saloon.
Other new additions to standard specification for the new BMW 3 Series include an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. Plus, all models now also come with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system.