The BMW 3 Series has always been a successful product for the company as it is one of their best-selling compact sedans to date. The vehicle began its life way back in 1976 as the E21 3 Series in North America.

Since its debut, it has been sold in different body styles like a two-door coupe, 5-door wagon, 4-door sedan, and even a 2-door convertible. The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model as it contributes 30 percent of the brand's annual sales. Apart from the impressive numbers, the sedan has also won numerous automotive awards throughout its history.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series has a refreshed design. The engine options remain identical. However, the introduction of a plug-in hybrid version allows it to run in pure EV mode.

These new changes make the 3 Series a fantastic driver's car with extraordinary levels of luxury and comfort.

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Exterior Of The 3 Series Boasts Bold Updates

2023 BMW 3 Series' Exterior
Via BMW

The styling of the 2022 BMW 3 Series has not been drastically changed from its predecessor, which is a good thing as it shows its stunning proportions and design. Previously, BMW offered overly large kidney grills in a way that did not settle well with the enthusiasts.

However, the grill is now sharp with the new trim, and even the headlamps have become sleeker, giving the front end a very sharp look. The easiest way to distinguish the 2023 3 Series from its predecessor is the shape of the daytime running lamps, as they are inverted from the traditional design. The lower half of the front bumper has a hexagonal air intake, which is now larger for improved engine cooling. On either end of the bumper happen to be two L-shaped air intakes that primarily channel air through the sides and to cool the brakes. The addition of the Skyscraper Gray paint adds a sportier touch to the overall styling.

Towards the side, the sedan gets 18-inch wheels as standard, and the 10-spoke design looks stunning. For the performance-oriented trims of the 3 Series, there will even be 19-inch wheels available as an option. Apart from these features, the carmaker will also offer an optional carbon-fiber roof and carbon-fiber wing mirrors. The rear three-quarters are perhaps one of the best angles to look at as the tail lamps, which are all LED, look stellar at night. The rear diffuser is also all-new and is designed to improve aero efficiency in some ways.

Smarter systems, Bigger screens, and Automated Upgrades

2023 BMW 3 Series' Interior
Via BMW

The biggest highlight of the sedan is the curved glass infotainment system. The carmaker combines a 12.3-inch driver’s display and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen behind one curved glass. This touchscreen infotainment system has all the basic functionality needed, like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with connected car tech, allowing users to explore the vehicle through their smartphones.

The system uses the latest generation of BMW iDrive and cloud-based navigation. There is also a personal assistant AI that improves feedback for voice commands. The overall cabin uses very few buttons as BMW tends to rely more on gesture control, touch screen control and even voice assistance. The feel and luxury quotient of the cabin are familiar to the predecessor. This is due to the cabin that uses soft-touch material and leather throughout.

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New BMW 3 Series Gets A Range Of Potent Powertrains

2023 BMW 3 Series On The Move
Via BMW

Although the engine lineup remains identical to the 2022 trims, one of the most significant additions to the 2023 variant is the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid version. The base trim of the vehicle is the 330i and is powered by a 2-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged unit that produces an output of 255 HP. The 330e is the plug-in hybrid version, and the inclusion of the batteries boosts the power output to 288 HP. The sedan also gets an all-electric range of 23 miles which should be good enough for the city runs. The top trim is the M340i and is powered by an inline six-cylinder engine. This 3-liter unit has a power output of 382 HP, and it also uses a 48-volt mild hybrid system. All the trims make use of the tried and tested 8-speed automatic gearbox, and power is primarily sent to the rear wheels; however, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system is also available as an option. The Bavarian carmaker also offers drive modes that alter the steering response and throttle input to deliver the optimum performance or maximize fuel efficiency, depending on the mode selected.

Overall the 2022 BMW 3 Series is an energizing icon, and the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid makes the vehicle future-ready. As the ultimate compact sedan, it boasts incredible performance numbers and luxury.

Sources: BMW