BMW 3 Series review

Pros: fresh tech, fantastic engines, great to drive

Cons: less ergonomic than before, mild visual update

Few new cars are more important to their makers than the new BMW 3 Series. For years, it has been the king of the compact executive saloons, but now BMW has updated it with some eye-catching technology and a more modern exterior design. But will such adaptations elevate the 3 Series further above the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, or will they spoil an already winning recipe?

BMW 3 Series Design

So successful was the outgoing 3 Series that BMW didn’t do all that much to the new model’s basic shape. In essence, BMW has fitted some new bumpers and some new headlights, as well as reprofiling the front grille to make the car look a little more aggressive. Otherwise, it’s much the same as before.

But that’s no bad thing, because the 3 Series was already quite a handsome car. Perhaps it isn’t as distinctive as the Volvo S60 or the Audi A4, but it looks classy and solid, and there’s a fresh sense of modernity about it thanks to the subtle improvements.

Of course, quite how the 3 Series looks will depend on which options you choose. M Sport models, for example, have more black trim and a different front bumper with sportier styling, as well as sports suspension. And the M340i and M340d models get even more sports-orientated styling thanks to their honeycomb grilles and aerodynamic door mirrors.

BMW 3 Series Interior

The biggest difference between the updated 3 Series and its predecessor is the cabin, where BMW has fitted an all new touchscreen and instrument display. The two screens are combined in one curved display that stretches across the dashboard, giving the whole cabin a cleaner and more modern look.

Perhaps the highlight is the digital instrument display, which is pin sharp and easy to configure, but the touchscreen is good too. Like the driver’s display, it has very sharp graphics and customisable menus, but it also responds quickly to the driver’s inputs and it comes with improved voice control. However, BMW has left the old car’s iDrive rotary controller in situ, allowing drivers to use the screen almost without taking their eyes off the road.

As before, the 3 Series’ cabin is incredibly well built, with lots of smart materials and impressive engineering, but it’s also less cluttered than in the old car, thanks to a reduction in the number of buttons. Features such as climate control have been integrated into the new screen, and that means fewer fussy switches on the dash. It’s a triumph for design, but the ergonomics do occasionally suffer as a result.

Thankfully, practicality does not, and the new 3 Series is just as spacious as before. Whether you choose the four-door saloon or the five-door ‘Touring’ estate, the BMW has plenty of space for passengers and their luggage.

BMW 3 Series Performance & Drive

While the 3 Series’ cabin is undoubtedly impressive, the way in which the car drives is even better. Customers get a choice of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but all are efficient and powerful. Even the most basic 2.0-litre engines provide ample performance, while the petrol hybrids can be incredibly economical. And, for those who like to go quickly, the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are still there to offer pace and refinement.

No matter which engine you pick, you’ll end up with a car that drives beautifully. Everything from the most efficient estate to the most performance-orientated saloon handles, steers and feels better than anything else in its class. The steering is particularly good, but the way the 3 Series feels stable and unflustered in corners is also an engineering marvel.

The slight trade-off for this is a marginally stiff ride, particularly in M Sport models with the sportier suspension. That means you can feel the imperfections in the road through the seat, but it still manages to prevent jarring or thudding impacts reaching your backside. It’s sporty, but not uncomfortable.

BMW 3 Series Pricing

The new 3 Series starts at just over €53,000, which makes it slightly cheaper than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But despite its competitive price tag, it’s still packed with equipment. Every model gets alloy wheels, leather (or at least leatherette) upholstery and navigation, as well as three-zone climate control and parking sensors.

Carzone Verdict: 5/5

The new 3 Series isn’t vastly different from its predecessor, but then it didn’t need to be. The old 3 Series was great, and the new model is still brilliant. Whether the touchscreen is an improvement is a matter of taste, and the same goes for the design tweaks, but there’s no questioning the BMW’s capability and quality. If you want a premium saloon, this has to be the first car on your shortlist.