As you might be aware, BMW recently gave the 3-Series a saloon a mid-cycle update. Dubbed the 2023 3-Series LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), the latest version of BMW’s best-selling saloon brings a sharper design and a couple more features to the car while retaining the same mechanical package as the outgoing model.
While updates are mostly cosmetic in nature, the biggest change has come in the shape of tech and creature comforts that are now offered in the new vehicle. So, here’s a quick low-down on the best features that the new and updated 3-Series is offering to car buyers across the world.
Fully digital BMW Curved Display In The 3 Series
While the 3-Series LCI looks sleeker and sharper now, it’s the inside the cabin where it has taken the game forward and how! Featuring for the first time in the 3-Series is BMW’s Curved Display, which is lifted directly from the iX. The fully digital HD screen is made up of a 12.3-inch driver display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment.
As already seen on the iX, this dual-screen setup looks stunning and futuristic and definitely takes the style quotient up a notch. Clubbed it with the optional Harman Kardon surround sound system (standard on M340i versions), and you end up with your mobile theater system!
Latest-Gen BMW Operating System 8
In addition to the new curved display, the 3 Series now gains from BMW’s latest 8th-gen iDrive. According to BMW, the latest operating system’s Intelligent Personal Assistant system is designed to make life easier, while it also results in a crisper and more intuitive interface.
New Toggle Lever Replaces The Conventional Gear Selector
With the refreshed version, the BMW 3 Series has lost its conventional gear selector with a new toggle lever that sits on the center console. Now that’s a big change and BMW purists may not be particularly thrilled about this. However, this shows that BMW is, as always, not shying away from making radical changes in their cars inside and out.
Mild Hybrid Now Available With The M340i
While the 330i and 330e will be the mainstay of the range, the M340i will be the most performance-oriented version of the 3 Series this side of the real M3 version. The M340i’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is now equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The integrated starter-generator acts as an ‘electric boost’ at low speeds or when accelerating off the line while it also provides assistance during the operation of the automatic start/stop function. The mild-hybrid tech generates electric power through the car’s Brake Energy Regeneration system and stores it in an additional battery.
Additionally, the M340i versions get M Sport Brakes, M Sport differential, variable-ratio steering, M Sport package, M Sport suspension, aerodynamic kit, a rear spoiler, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and Comfort Access keyless entry as standard.
19-inch M double-spoke jet black wheels, BMW M 50 Years emblems, and M Sport brakes with red calipers are some of the optional extras that can be added to make your M340i look even more sinister.
Creature Comforts Aplenty On The New 3 Series
People looking for more comfort and convenience in the new 3 Series are given the option to go for the ‘Premium Package’. This adds a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, Comfort Access keyless entry (330i, 330e), and a head-up display to the car. Features such as LED headlights and automatic high beams, a moonroof, powered sports front seats, ambient lighting, SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription are standard on all variants of the 2023 3 Series LCI.
A lot of driving assistance systems are offered with the new 3 Series. These include Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Park Distance Control, Active Driving Assistant, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Evasion Aid, Active Lane Keeping Assistant with side collision avoidance, Cross-Traffic Alert (front), Active Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assistant.
No Grilling Issues With The New 3 Series
Last but least, the design updates. As opposed to giving it even bigger flared nostrils, BMW design team spared the 3 Series, surprisingly, and the new updates have actually made the saloon look more handsome than before. The kidney grille isn’t obnoxious, the full-LED headlights are slimmer and look sportier, while the large air intakes give it a more hunkered down sports-sedan demeanor.
At the back, there’s a similar theme as the front – slim tail-light units, flared rear wheel arches, and a more muscular look overall.
As standard, all versions get 18-inch light-alloy wheels. BMW is also offering some interesting exterior shades on the 3 Series, such as ‘Skyscraper Gray’ on the 330i and 330e and ‘Brooklyn Gray’ on the more powerful M340i models. The latter is available on the regular 330 models as an option when they choose the M Sport package.
Source: bmwusa.com