Not so long ago, buying into the BMW brand would mean purchasing a 3 Series. 16 million units have been sold in its 45-year timespan and up until now the G20 generation has already surpassed a whopping 1 million. This all means that every 7th BMW sold globally is their iconic sedan.
It has established itself and become one of the most respected monikers in the automotive sphere. With dozens of derivatives available in their heyday, there was a model to suit every buyer at every price point. Things haven’t changed all that drastically now, with a moderate selection to choose from, however the sleek sedan has got a new threat on its hands; the SUV.
To no fault of its own, many buyers have begun opting for higher riding and more bulbous creations that offer more versatility and practicality. South Africans, with an appetite for adventure and a predisposition for wanting a pothole-weary companion, have taken to SUVs with far more enthusiasm than the rest of the world. There are however a select few that prioritise driver engagement and a far more slender vehicle for their commutes.
The 7th generation of the 3 Series was originally introduced in 2018 and while it continues the tradition of every model wearing the moniker before it, production has been in a constant state of decline. Fast forward to 2023 and the Munich-based automaker has imparted its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) onto the venerable sedan. These updates better align themselves with the fresher models in the Bavarian automaker’s portfolio and will ensure the model remains relevant for a few years to come.
Parked alongside the all-new X1 at BMW’s Midrand headquarters on the day of launch, both vastly different models do offer the Bavarian manufacturers premium experience at around the same price point. So, the question needs to be begged – why would a buyer opt for the less practical of the two? The first thing that comes to mind; aesthetics.
An already familiar exterior, BMW has redesigned the M specific front bumper with a new honeycomb mesh air intake beneath the slim kidney grilles. Speaking of slim, the headlights have been refreshed too and now feature the dual DRL signature as indicators too. Models with adaptive lighting are distinguishable by blue accents around the lenses but the front end cohesively looks horizontally tout and well stanced.
Similar minimal updates have been employed on the rear end. Massive 100 mm circular exhaust tips sit on each flank of a more aggressive rear diffuser further alluding to its more driver-oriented intentions. With a mixture of petrol powertrains and a solitary diesel unit, there remains an option for buyers wanting to relish the experience behind the wheel, not just to commute – that is reason number 2 to the question posed above.
So then, how does it drive? Venturing into some quaint but jarring country roads towards the North West Province, we got to grips with the entry-level 320d first. The M340i served as the alternative model being launched and we wanted to whet our appetites with the less virile derivative in the morning. Serving as a middle road offering to the more affordable 318i and 320i is where the solitary diesel model finds itself
Endowed with a moderate 140 kW and 400 N.m, it certainly is no slouch either. Foot flat and the 2,0-litre four-cylinder motor thrums its tune while pulling until it runs out of revs, shifting into a new gear. Body roll is kept to a minimum and despite the rutted roads beneath, the suspension remained firm when it needed to but pliant over speed bumps.
Inside, a slew of modern tech, chief of which is the BMW Operating System 8 dual-screen layout which dominates the LCI. Similar to the rest of the Bavarian lineup, the curved display offers a host of features and tech. In front of the driver is a configurable 12,3-inch display and to the centre is a massive 14,9-inch system that handles all other entertainment and navigation duties. The traditional gear shifter has been done away with and what replaces it is a minimal toggle, adjacent to the rotary dial which controls the infotainment system.
With the 3 Series LCI, BMW has reduced the number of buttons on the dashboard with the mandatory controls being the only ones to remain. Functionality has also been shifted towards voice control for basic operations, it would just take some time to get properly acquainted with the system.
These interior amenities are included as standard across the range which further comprises the 318i and 320i, with 115 kW, 250 N.m and 135 kW and 300 N.m respectively as well as the more costly 330i an M340i xDrive. The former is capable of 190 kW and 400 N.m while the all-wheel drive executive sedan boasts a whopping 285 kW and 500 N.m from its straight-six.
Naturally, in a world dominated by downsizing, it remains a delight to get behind the wheel of a large displacement, six-cylinder motor. Keep in mind that this boasts two more cylinders and 1,0-litre more capacity than the latest Mercedes-Benz C63 hyper sedan. Despite this, the M340i xDrive isn’t nearly half as ludicrous but offers middle-of-the-road performance wearing subdued bodywork (in comparison to the full-fat M3). With the original plan to get behind the wheel of the model along Satellite road for the afternoon stint, the baby-M sedan would have the opportunity to demonstrate exactly what it is capable of.
Although to the untrained eye, this would look similar to an M Packaged 3 Series, the M340i boasts some serious M Performance. The suspension setup has been tuned for more responsive handling and the M Sport differential allows for a rear-drive-focused experience. With traction control limited, the rear end will step itself out under enthusiastic driving conditions. Despite the M Sport exhaust system, the 3,0-litre motor did sound a few decibels too restricted, courtesy of emissions and sound regulations plaguing ICE models. The occasional burble existed in the lower end while the top end did provide its unmistakable tune.
Fortunately, BMW state that their six-cylinder is here to stay for the next few years. Perhaps, to celebrate the moniker’s pending 50th anniversary, the 3 Series will receive a limited edition model pandering to the wants of motoring enthusiasts with an appetite for loud exhausts. Unfortunately, the latest M340i xDrive comes in at just over R1,3 million which is just more than what the F80 BMW M3 originally cost half a dozen years ago however breakneck performance is available, minus the ostentatious aesthetics.
In typical LCI fashion, the 3 Series has been rejuvenated to remain relevant under each derivative on offer. The curved display on the interior remains the most significant addition to the lineup and a worthy inclusion to enable the Bavarian sedan to continue contending forward. More importantly, it serves as a stalwart in the once domineering sedan segment and a worthy adversary for SUVs, or to prospective buyers that are still inclined to driver engagement.
Keyword: BMW 3 Series LCI review