OVERVIEW
The 2022 BMW 3-series is a joy to drive no matter which of its smooth powertrains is in charge. Although the steering feel isn't quite as good as it could be, the body is composed on any type of road, the brakes are powerful, and the ride is comfortable for daily tasks.
Additionally, it boasts a large trunk and a luxurious and spacious interior. The Alfa Romeo Giulia is a more attractive option, and competitors like the Genesis G70 provide superior value, but no other sports sedan has the Bimmer's range.
The 3-series is available with a fantastic turbocharged four-cylinder engine (330i), a plug-in hybrid system (330e) with up to 23 miles of all-electric range, or a fierce 382-hp turbo straight-six (M340i) that's as eager and effortless as engines come.
It also comes with a sublime eight-speed automatic and rear- or all-wheel drive. Thankfully, the sedan's greatness doesn't just revolve around thrilling driving.
What Has Changed For 2022?
There won't be any significant alterations to the 2022 BMW 3-series lineup. The list of minor modifications mostly consists of updated lists of individual choices, rearranged option packages, and additional standard features for particular models.
2022 BMW 3-Series: Interior And Comfort
The 3's interior features a contemporary design with top-notch components and an amazing level of craftsmanship. The 3-series controls are conveniently located, and nothing about it feels cheap. BMW also enhanced the outside visibility, and the standard sport seats are well-bolstered and supportive with lots of adjustment options, making it simple to find a comfortable position.
A comprehensive head-up display, programmable ambient interior lighting, heated front, and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging are some of the extra-cost features of the automobile. Although a little disorganized, the digital instrument panel on the BMW is nevertheless beautiful. The tachometer needle moving counterclockwise may initially seem strange to some, but you quickly grow used to it.
A power-operated lid is an option for the large trunk of the 3-series. The gas-powered sedan can stow six carry-on baggage back there and 17 total with the rear seat folded thanks to its 17 cubic feet of cargo room.
In both testings, the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and fifteen suitcases, respectively, in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan's one less case. Because of its battery pack, the 330e has a smaller trunk (13 cubic feet), though we haven't tested its carry-on capacity.
2022 BMW 3-Series: Connectivity
The 8.8-inch touchscreen that controls the standard infotainment system can also be controlled using voice commands, a sizable knob on the console, and buttons. Navigation is a part of the Live Cockpit Plus feature set, which is a standard.
The similarly called Live Cockpit Pro upgrade, which extends the touchscreen's size to 10.3 inches and offers you the most recent and sophisticated version of BMW's iDrive system, is required to get the really excellent stuff.
The sedan does include two USB ports, but a pay-per-use Wi-Fi hotspot is optional. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both included as standard. BMW's Gesture Control, which enables the driver or passenger to submit specific orders with hand gestures, is an intriguing alternative.
2022 BMW 3-Series: Engine And Performance
Two powerful and smooth gas engines are available in the 3-series. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged in the 330i produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The combined output of the M340i's 48-volt hybrid system and turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine is 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and an electric motor are combined in the 330e plug-in hybrid to produce 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The gas and electric components of the 330e appear to work well together, and we appreciate the plug-new in's Xtraboost feature, which delivers a powerful burst that feels like a shot of nitrous. A superb eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are included with each powerplant.
For a fee, you can drive all four wheels. A manual gearbox is sadly no longer available. (Purists who require a stick should wait for the brand-new BMW M3) On the 3, buyers have a choice between the standard suspension configuration and the upgrade with adaptive dampers.
Our initial experience with this G20-generation 3-series was positive. The car's improved steering feel gives drivers more information about the road's surface and varying effort than its predecessor did, but it still falls short of that of the 3's legendary first few generations. The four-cylinder Bimmer triumphed in a comparative test against other sports sedans, demonstrating its value.
Its ability to change from being calm and elegant to being incisive and lively was praised. In a two-car comparison, the 330i defeated the exquisite Alfa Romeo Giulia, solidifying its position as the best in its class. A further example of the nameplate's return to form is our long-term M340i, with its excellent six-cylinder and outstanding body control.
2022 BMW 3-Series: Pricing
The starting MSRP for the 2022 BMW 3 Series is a reasonable $41,450. That is the lowest trim level's starting price for the BMW 330i. However, if you want to upgrade to the more powerful BMW 330i xDrive, the electric BMW 330e, or even the more powerful BMW M340i, you can expect to pay up to $56,700 MSRP.
Which One To Purchase?
The four-cylinder 330i is our pick because of its unexpectedly enough power and naturally athletic demeanor. An all-wheel drive is an add-on option that costs $2000. Our model would be outfitted with the M Sport package, which adds extra amenities, distinctive aesthetic cues, and a specifically adjusted suspension.
With it, we'd pick the Premium package, which comes with a head-up display, heated steering wheel, hands-free passive entry, blind-spot monitoring, and other features. Investing in the Dynamic Handling option would also improve the driving characteristics of the sedan with the use of adjustable dampers and better brakes.