BMW has updated the fan-favourite 3 Series sedan for the second time in just two years.
The German firm has built upon the 3 Series Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) model launched in 2022 with a fresh package of upgrades encompassing cosmetic tweaks, updated technologies, and chassis tuning.
The new sedan will be launched worldwide starting July, with South Africa in line to receive it in the final quarter of 2024.
Everything new
Outside, the new 3 Series benefits from an expanded range of paints including the new Arctic Race Blue Metallic and Fire Red Metallic which brings the palette up to a total of nine hues.
The M High-gloss Shadow Line package, which adds darkened elements to the exterior, is also standard, and a new selection of light-alloy wheels up to 19 inches in diameter is now available.
The range-topping M340i additionally sports a mesh-design kidney grille, M exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black, a rear apron with a prominently styled diffuser, a body-coloured M rear spoiler, exclusive 19-inch M wheels, and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.
The majority of changes to the new 3 Series took place inside the passenger cell, where the sedan was on the receiving end of several notable upgrades.
To give the cockpit a “clean and pared-back look,” the new BMW gets a redesigned Sports leather steering wheel in a two-spoke design with a polygonal rim on the normal models, whereas the M Sport derivatives see a new M Leather steering wheel with three spokes, a flat-bottomed rim, and a 12 o’clock centre marking.
Regardless of which trim you go for, both new steering wheels feature illuminated buttons and gearshift paddles as standard.
Furthermore, BMW has redesigned the front aircon vents and achieved a significant reduction in the number of physical buttons inside the cabin by moving the airconditioning and seat heating/ventilation controls to the central display.
The nine-colour interior lighting fitted to all models now also includes “cascade lighting” integrated into the trim around the central climate vents, and the Aluminium trim finishes of old have been replaced with Dark Graphite matte.
If the M Sport package is selected, the revised 3 Series also comes with new M Performtex velour seat surfaces.
Standard kit for the new 3 Series comprises three-zone automatic climate control, the BMW Live Cockpit Plus digital driver’s display, a rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzling, cruise control with brake function, Intelligent Speed Assistance, and front-collision warning with brake intervention.
The Parking Assistant with a reverse camera and front and rear parking sensors is fitted, too, enabling automated manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces.
Additionally, the latest iDrive 8.5 operating system brings a restructured central infotainment display with an improved control layout as well as updated navigation and intelligent voice assistance functions.
A wide variety of optional extras is further available to 3 Series buyers, such as the “Luxury” instrument panel with Sensatec leather finishes; Sensatec sports seats in three colours; Vernasca leather upholstery in four colours; CraftedClarity glass elements; a Harman Kardon stereo; an electrically operated glass roof; a heads-up display; and an array of advanced driver assistance systems.
Under the skin, BMW has refined the chassis of the new 3 Series mainly through stiffer mountings connecting the rear dampers to the body, amongst a host of other smaller enhancements.
Thanks to these developments, drivers will enjoy a notable increase in comfort across all driving situations without any loss of handling performance, the automaker claims.
They have also positively impacted road noise inside the cabin, and the force needed to turn the steering wheel has been reduced in Comfort mode to achieve superior steering comfort in everyday driving.
BMW 3 Series Sedan
Loading ...
