OVERVIEW
The 2023 BMW 3-series sedan is one of the few vehicles that can please the gods of comfort and sportiness at the same time. This time-tested favorite can be equipped as a corner-carving sports sedan, an opulent entry-luxury vehicle, or a hybrid of the two. Its three possible turbocharged powertrains expertly balance performance and refinement.
While the turbocharged inline-six in the top-dog M340i delivers 382 of the biggest, fiercest horsepower this side of the Bavarian Alps, the entry-level 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e deliver excellent performance with above-average fuel economy. The 3-series lacks the Alfa Romeo Giulia's flair and the Genesis G70's value-packed feature list, but it is so well-rounded, athletic, and fun to drive that it tops our segment rankings.
What Has Changed For 2023?
For 2023, BMW's iconic sports sedan receives a tech-heavy redesign that includes a new exterior style and a striking all-digital dashboard. Sharp eyes will observe that the monolithic display that occupies the middle third of the dashboard of the 3-series shares the same design as the electric iX SUV and the 7-series, the brand's flagship vehicle. The wall of screens is controlled by BMW's iDrive 8 interface, which has speech recognition, basic navigation, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot.
2023 BMW 3-Series: Engine And Performance
Two powerful and smooth gas engines are available in the 3-series. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the 330i produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, but it seems like it has even more power. The 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine and the 48-volt hybrid system in the M340i produce a combined 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
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. We enjoy the Xtraboost feature, which produces a surge of power that feels like a little injection of nitrous, and the way the plug-in engine harmoniously balances the gas and electric components.
An intuitive and incredibly smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are included with each powerplant. You can drive all four wheels for a fee, but no amount of money can get you a manual transmission. The base suspension, the tauter M Sport tune, or the Dynamic Handling package with its adaptive dampers are the options available to buyers for the 3.
The four-cylinder Bimmer triumphed in a comparative test against other sports sedans, demonstrating its value. We praised its capacity to change from calm and elegant to incisive and fun. In a two-car comparison, the 330i defeated the exquisite Alfa Romeo Giulia, solidifying its position as the best in its class. Our long-term M340i, with its roaring six-cylinder and amazing body control, further demonstrates the nameplate's return to form.
2023 BMW 3-Series: Interior And Comfort
The 3's interior features a contemporary design with top-notch components and amazing craftsmanship. The 3-series controls are conveniently located, and nothing about it feels cheap. The basic sports, seats have plenty of flexibility and are well-bolstered and supportive, 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.
The 3-series sports a sizable trunk with a power-operated deck lid as an option. The gas-powered sedan's 17 cubic feet of baggage room can accommodate six carry-on suitcases in the back and 17 in total with the back seat folded. For instance, the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and 15, respectively, while the Mercedes-Benz C300 car could only fit one less suitcase in each test. Due to its battery pack, the 330e has less trunk room (13 cubes), and we haven't tested its carry-on capacity.
2023 BMW 3-Series: Connectivity
The 12.3-inch gauge display and 14.9-inch infotainment display are integrated into a single screen and float softly over the dashboard of the 3 series. Even in direct sunshine, the high-resolution displays appear terrific and are readable. BMW's iDrive 8 user interface is quick and simple to use.
Numerous features, such as in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, are included as standard; the Premium package, which is an option, also includes a head-up display. Along with a Harman/Kardon music system, a wireless smartphone charging station is also included.
2023 BMW 3-Series: Pricing
The 2023 BMW 3-Series is available in five different trims, the 330i, 330e, 330i xdrive, M340i, and M340i xdrive. The price ranges from $44,790 to $59,390.
Which One To Purchase?
The four-cylinder turbocharged 330i is our pick due to its unexpected power and naturally agile driving characteristics. Our model would be outfitted with the M Sport package, which adds extra amenities, distinctive aesthetic cues, and a specifically adjusted suspension. We would select the Premium package with it, which comes with a heated steering wheel, hands-free passive entry, and other features.
Additionally, we'd invest in the Dynamic Handling option, which upgrades the brakes and adaptive dampers to improve the sedan's driving dynamics and bring it closer to the legendary 3-series sedans of the past.