The new BMW 3-Series will reach production in Germany, China and Mexico in July.
Exterior novelty boils down to a few new paint options and 19-inch wheel designs. Inside, there are new trim materials and a vastly improved infotainment system now running on BMW 8.5 OS. Aside from assorted UI optimizations, you get quick access to a number of in-car functions such as HVAC, seat heating/ventilation, and some others. The company claims it is a much better experience than before.
The climate vents in the middle have been reshaped and amended with LED backlight. The interior lighting now supports nine colors and brightness adjustments, and can be configured to react to events like incoming calls or doors being opened. The steering wheel is also new and D-shaped.
Like before, the 3-Series is available with a wide assortment of petrol, diesel and part-electric powertrains ranging from 150 to 286 PS (148–282 hp; 110–210 kW). The M Performance lineup also holds onto its six-cylinder petrol end diesel engines assisted by a 48V starter-generator. The petrol mill churns out 374 PS (369 hp / 275 kW) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque, while the diesel makes 340 PS (335 hp / 250 kW) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft). The M340i spec gets a mild boost in the United States – to 391 PS (386 hp / 288 kW) and 539 Nm (398 lb-ft).
The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is now available in two body styles (sedan and wagon) and two drive configurations (RWD and AWD). It combines a petrol four-pot with a single e-motor for 292 PS (288 hp / 215 kW). An updated battery delivers 19.5 kilowatt-hours from a smaller size with higher energy density, allowing the 330e to cover 81–101 km (50–63 miles) on a charge, depending on other specifications. Last but not least, a more powerful included charger lets you replenish most of the battery charge in just 2 hours 15 minutes.