BMW 3 Series - TopCarNews

BMW 3 Series (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The BMW 3 Series is a medium-sized saloon and estate model, and has long been considered the benchmark for the compact executive saloon class. The latest generation was unveiled in late 2018 and went on sale in the UK in early 2019.

The estate (known as Touring) models were launched several months after the saloon versions. Additionally, the high-performance M3 saloon was unveiled in September 2020 and arrived in the UK in early 2021.

The new BMW 3 Series has received very high scores from the UK media. Initial ratings were even higher than the current Expert Rating of 84% (as of January 2022), with the scores moderating slightly as media outlets spent more time with different models of the 3 Series range on local roads.

As with previous generations, particular praise has been directed at the way the BMW 3 Series drives compared to its rivals. The quality and design of the interior are better than previous models, although other cars are just as good or better.

Reliability also seems to be good news for the BMW 3 Series. In the 2021 What Car? reliability survey, the 3 Series finished both third (petrol engines) and fourth (diesel engines) out of 17 cars in the executive car class.

3 Series highlights

Still the best car in its class to drive
Interior a significant improvement
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options available
Cabin space now a match for rivals

3 Series lowlights

Battery range can’t match class leaders
Ride firm with sports suspension
Digital display not as good as those on rivals
Another BMW with polarising styling

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-sized saloon and estateEngines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £32,595 on-road

Launched: Winter 2018/19Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 330e xDrive M Sport TouringScore: 8.1 / 10“As plug-in hybrids go, the BMW 330e is a good one. It starts off with the major advantage of the 3 Series itself, a car that has dominated the wish lists of particularly company drivers for very many years. The car is enjoyable to drive, although most owners will likely rate the experience and the tax savings more highly than the little bit they are doing towards encouraging greener motoring.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel auto 330d M Sport Touring“Based on our initial launch drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring comes perilously close to being all the car you could ever need.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel auto 320d Sport saloon“Both inside and out, the 3 Series feels like the rounded and accomplished product that it’s always been, and there’s little doubt this latest model will be just as successful as the one it replaces.”
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Auto Express

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 10 / 10“The BMW 3 Series offers the perfect blend of performance, driving dynamics, low running costs, technology and improved refinement.”
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Model reviewed: Touring range reviewScore: 10 / 10“Great to drive, cheap to run and filled with high-tech kit – this is Bavaria at its best.”
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Model reviewed: M340i xDriveScore: 8 / 10“This is, without a doubt, a very fast car with trademark BMW six-cylinder prowess – and a meticulously engineered hot 3 Series at the same time.”
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Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybridScore: 9 / 10“Provided you have regular access to a charge point, it’s a high quality plug-in hybrid that could easily match a 320d for rock-bottom running costs. For private buyers it may even be the 3 Series to go for if you have a garage space or driveway to recharge it from every evening.”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 10 / 10“Still the driver’s choice in this family-oriented segment, nothing can match the BMW 3 Series Touring from behind the wheel.”
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Model reviewed: 320d M Sport with Sport automaticScore: 10 / 10“We followed the journey of the BMW 3 Series as it made its way to production, and now it’s here we’re even more sure that it’s the best car in its class.”
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Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybridScore: 9 / 10“Even given the inevitable price premium, the 330e is likely to prove an affordable alternative to a 320d for lower-mileage business users. It’s not just a convincing plug-in; it could be one of the best members of the new 3 Series family.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“Arguably a benchmark for the sector, the BMW 3 Series has maintained its reputation for sporty handling and fine dynamics. There are engines to suit every need and a huge amount of technology to support your driving, even if the best of it remains on the options list or confined to fancier trim levels.”
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Score: 7.8 / 10“It’s worth test-driving as close a model as possible to the one you’re considering, as wheel sizes and suspension set-ups have a large effect on how comfortable the 3 Series is. Some will find it too firm over bad surfaces for their liking.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 330e saloonScore: 9 / 10“Unlike so many of its electrified rivals, this car hides the complexity of powertrain so well. It continues to handle like a powerful, poised, rear-driven sports saloon no matter how hard you care to push it. It has plenty of sporting character, and can be as quick across the ground as almost any other 3 Series, and as engrossing to drive, too, in its own way.”
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Model reviewed: Touring (estate) rangeScore: 9 / 10“For those who can afford it, the BMW 330d remains an open and shut case. After all, you’ll be buying what is probably the most multi-talented 3 Series currently on sale. But it’s a lamentable shame that current tax rules have come down so hard on such an undeserving target.”
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Model reviewed: M340i xDriveScore: 8 / 10“Impresses with its cabin sophistication, punchy performance and engaging (if not overly lively) handling.”
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Model reviewed: 320d xDrive M Sport TouringScore: 9 / 10“In Touring guise, the 320d continues to combine dynamism with practicality, performance and frugality better than any rival.”
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Model reviewed: 330d xDrive TouringScore: 9 / 10“The 3 Series Touring offers a largely familiar driving experience to the 3 Series saloon, with only slight differences in handling that are noticed most prominently in the corners.”
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Model reviewed: 330d M SportScore: 9 / 10“The BMW 330d is the latest version of a fast, frugal compact executive saloon that needs little introduction.”
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Model reviewed: 318d Sport autoScore: 8 / 10“The 318d uses a detuned version of the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine found in the 320d, delivering 40bhp less at 148bhp and 59lb ft less torque at 236lb ft, paired with an excellent eight-speed automatic gearbox.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 10 / 10“BMW’s one-time default-choice exec hits even greater heights.”
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Model reviewed: 330i M SportScore: 10 / 10“The 330i M Sport is fast, poised and engaging to drive; pleasant, upmarket, refined and practical; advanced and well-equipped – and yet competitively priced and realistically fuel-efficient.”
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Model reviewed: 320d M SportScore: 9 / 10“Arguably the most important model in the new 3 Series line-up proves diesel, and the Ultimate Driving Machine, are alive and well.”
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Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybridScore: 9 / 10“If the numbers fit your routine even vaguely, and you have the ability to charge the car, the question that needs asking is not whether this upcoming plug-in hybrid saloon should be on your shortlist but why it isn’t sitting at the top.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid 330e saloonScore: 6 / 10“The word that springs most readily to mind here is ‘impressive’ – BMW’s new plug-in hybrid certainly doesn’t fall down as a box-ticking exercise, with plentiful performance, extended electric range and some clever new tricks.”
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Model reviewed: M340i xDriveScore: 8 / 10“The M340i xDrive looks pleasingly under-the-radar as we spy it under harsh strip lights in the Garching lock-up outside Munich for an early drive – there are no wild spoilers or wings or skirts here.”
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Model reviewed: 320d and 330d TouringScore: 8 / 10“Considering a 320d or 330d Touring with xDrive? Then stop considering and just buy it. As a driver’s tool it blows away most opposition in this sector, it’ll satisfy any tech fetish, and the practicality improvements reaffirm that this estate is much more than just a pretty face.”
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Model reviewed: 330d xDrive TouringScore: 8 / 10“As a driver’s tool it blows away most opposition in this sector, it’ll satisfy any tech fetish, and the practicality improvements reaffirm that this estate is much more than just a pretty face.”
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Score: 8 / 10“This 3-series sets a new dynamic benchmark for the executive saloon market, as well as featuring the very latest of BMW’s tech, and a promising, if not yet complete, range of engines and transmissions.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: 330eScore: 9 / 10“The 330e is likely to be another hit for BMW, as more drivers seek to make the switch to electrified motoring and reduce their running costs. The biggest positive about this car is that there are very few downsides next to the normal 3 Series.”
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Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic estate 330d TouringScore: 10 / 10“With the saloon being such a well-praised model, it was almost inevitable that the Touring model would be just as appealing. In 330d form, it could be all the car most will ever need. It’s fast, relatively cheap to run, practical, comfortable – this list could go on.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Touring (estate) rangeScore: 8.8 / 10“The BMW 3 Series Touring is practical, easy to live with and great to drive”
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Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybrid saloonScore: 8.6 / 10“The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is not only cheap to run, it’s also as good to drive as any other 3 Series”
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Score: 8.8 / 10“Brilliant BMW 3 Series is the pace-setter for executive saloon handling and performance”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Touring estate rangeScore: 9 / 10“The BMW 3 Series Touring goes to show that big, boxy estate cars can still be good fun to drive. It’s a shame that not every smartphone can connect to its super-slick infotainment, though.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 9 / 10“The new BMW 3 Series is a posh saloon that’s great for the family but also loads of fun to drive. Its latest look might not be to your taste though and some desirable options cost extra.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: BMW 330e Touring PHEV“This BMW 330e Touring PHEV offers useful practicality to match the tax and fuel efficiency (when charged as often as possible), and the performance.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol/electric automatic plug-in hybrid 330e M Sport“The new 330e will prove more popular than ever in the current tax regime, and rightly so when it’s as good, and as cost-effective versus a 320d, as the new car is. Just make sure that fleet policies incentivise or require the car to be charged and used on electric mode as much as possible.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 318d Sport“In isolation, the 318d is another winner of a BMW 3 Series, and there’s very little to criticise. Just make sure you never drive a 320d and you won’t know what you’re missing.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8.5 / 10“The BMW 3 Series makes improvements in the key areas that were required without losing the driver and badge appeal that put it at the top of the class.”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 320d xDrive M Sport saloon“The new BMW 3 Series builds on the previous car’s strong points and adds more tech, better interior quality and increased efficiency to keep it at the forefront of the compact executive sector.”
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Daily Mail

“Despite all the sensible stuff, the 3 Series remains a sprightly engaging drive.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 320d M Sport“Apart from its dramatic looks the new car isn’t a massive leap forward and that’s very much down to the fact that the previous car was very good and had every gadget and accessory you’d need. That the old model is smaller actually makes it more desirable to me. Bigger isn’t always better.”
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Electrifying.com

Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid 330eScore: 8.5 / 10“The plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series is the best compact executive car you can buy. That’s regardless of whether you’re looking for super-cheap running costs, company car tax, or both.”
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Evo

Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 8 / 10“Entertaining manners, strong engines, good build quality and a premium image that shows no sign of being significantly diluted even when the 3-series is now such as ubiquitous part of the motoring landscape.”
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Model reviewed: 320d M SportScore: 8 / 10“New BMW 3-series has more of everything, but gives away a little of its satisfying precision in the process.”
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Green Car Guide

Model reviewed: 330e Touring xDrive M SportScore: 10 / 10“Unlike a two-tonne plug-in hybrid SUV, the BMW 330e Touring is actually very efficient on a long journey. It’s also sporty, comfortable, quiet, luxurious and practical. With xDrive all-wheel drive, it’s also very capable in all weathers (especially with the right tyres).”
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Model reviewed: 2.0-litre petrol plug-in hybrid automatic saloon 330e M SportScore: 10 / 10“The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid delivers the rear-wheel drive handling of a touring car, the ride comfort of a BMW 5 Series, the performance of a sports car, and the zero emission driving ability of an electric car. What’s not to like?”
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Model reviewed: 320d M SportScore: 9 / 10“The industry is moving towards electric cars, but the BMW 320d shows that diesel isn’t dead yet. If you cover lots of miles up and down the UK’s motorways, then the 320d has to be one of the most efficient ways to do that. It’s also comfortable, it has rewarding handling, the infomedia and satnav systems are excellent, and there really are very few faults with the overall package.”
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Heycar

Model reviewed: Touring (estate) rangeScore: 9 / 10“Practical, comfortable and brilliant to drive, the BMW 3 Series Touring is one of the best premium family cars.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 9 / 10“The archetypal premium sporting saloon, the BMW 3 Series defines the segment it competes in against its key German rivals like the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: 320d xDrive M Sport“There’s little to criticise – it looks the part, in our opinion, and the interior is a very cosseting place for long journeys.”
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Motoring Research

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 9 / 10“The current BMW 3 Series is a car at the top of its game. It’s practical, packed with tech, quick and efficient… and a great driver’s car.”
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Motors.co.uk

Score: 9 / 10“The BMW 3 Series comes with brilliant driving dynamics, intuitive technology; and a good range of frugal and punchy powerplants.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: saloon rangeScore: 9 / 10“The BMW 3 Series is still the best compact executive saloon”
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Model reviewed: 33e plug-in hybridScore: 8.4 / 10“Plug-in BMW 3 Series is an excellent, tax-efficient all-rounder”
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Model reviewed: Estate rangeScore: 9 / 10“A brilliant all-rounder that’s great to drive with some clever practicality features.”
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The Sun

“The cabins are modern and clean and beautiful . . . but just a little boring. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the craftmanship or the tech, it’s just not as plush as an Audi or Mercedes.”
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The Sunday Times

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre diesel automatic 330d xDrive M SportScore: 9 / 10“Do-it-all premium estate is a more comprehensive package than ever.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 3.0-litre petrol automatic M340i xDrive TouringScore: 10 / 10“As a performance car that can also carry the family and their bags, it’s superb. Yes, it’s expensive, but you’d be hard-pushed to find this combination of practicality, driving excitement and sheer pace for less.”
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Model reviewed: Estate range“Comfortable, quick and commodious, the BMW 3 Series Touring is more useful (but complicated) than before and there seems little reason to doubt BMW’s prediction that it will continue to sell about 10,000 a year in the UK – lucky people…”
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Model reviewed: 330e PHEV plug-in hybridScore: 8 / 10“After the previous BMW 3 Series hybrid, this feels like an all-new generation despite the same drivetrain, with more spritely performance and a whole set of better figures in terms of range, fuel consumption and EV operation. Expensive, but none of this type of car is cheap and the PHEV BMW is one of the best of the breed.”
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Model reviewed: 320d 2.0-litre diesel manualScore: 8 / 10“Shame it had to get bigger, but the new 3-series is a much more assured drivers’ car than its predecessor, though that comes at the cost of ride quality on M-Sport cars. The new twin-turbocharged diesel is powerful and economical and while the cabin is beautifully made it is a bit dull.”
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Top Gear

Model reviewed: M340d Touring estateScore: 9 / 10“The best car BMW makes? Besides being ‘good’, it’s also cool. So much more suave than an X2 or a 2 Series Active Tourer or an X4 or an X6 or a 6GT or an X7 M50d, but not as flashy as an 8 Gran Coupe. If this is diesel’s last hurrah, then we can say it went out on a high, in one of the finest subtle superwagons ever built.”
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Model reviewed: Touring (estate) rangeScore: 8 / 10“For the vast majority of us, the BMW 3 Series Touring is all the car we could use or want.”
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Model reviewed: Saloon rangeScore: 8 / 10“Rivals keep it from a better score, but the new 3 is still one of the benchmarks for this class.”
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Model reviewed: M340i xDriveScore: 9 / 10“It’s not just a normal xDrive 3-er. The persons from M have had a go.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Touring range reviewScore: 10 / 10“If you want a great driving experience alongside a big boot, the 3 Series Touring stands in a class of its own at this size.”
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Score: 10 / 10“The 3 Series leads the charge in the premium executive class. Its primary appeal is in the way it drives, with handling that’s guaranteed to really put a smile on your face. It’s also economical in 320d form and well equipped, with the best infotainment system in its class.”
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Which?

Model reviewed: Estate range“The BMW 3 Series Touring is a great car in many ways – mainly as it shares so much with the very good saloon model. It’s quiet and refined, with an intuitive multimedia system and an engaging driving experience you might not expect from a family car.”
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Model reviewed: 330e plug-in hybrid“The 330e Plug-In Hybrid takes most of the BMW 3 Series’ attributes and adds extra layers of ability. Performance is very strong, as is cabin refinement, while the ability to travel in electric-only mode gives the 330e extra appeal in day-to-day use. Add in an excellent cabin and precise handling, and it’s a winner.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The new BMW 3 Series may be a gentle evolution of the model line, but it’s been subtly improved in nearly every way. Quiet and refined, and with an intuitive infotainment system that makes the impressive on-board kit so easy to use, it makes for an effortless everyday car. For this it trades a fraction of the handling precision of older models, but it’s still the best-driving car in the class.”
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Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: October 2019

97%

ADULT OCCUPANT

87%

CHILD OCCUPANT

87%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

76%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

Model tested: 2.0-litre diesel automatic 320d saloon
Date tested: November 2020

6.2 / 10

CLEAN AIR INDEX

6 / 10

ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX

Read full Green NCAP review

The rating above only applies to the 320d saloon, which is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine. It does not apply to any other engine/gearbox combination.

Awards

Trophies, prizes and awards that the BMW 3 Series has received

2021

What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car

2021

The Car Expert Awards – Medium Car Class Champion, petrol/diesel
Auto Trader New Car Awards – Best Hybrid (330e)
Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
Business Motoring Awards – Best Medium Car + Best PHEV
carwow Awards – Best Family Hybrid Car (330e)
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Compact Executive Car
Fleet News Awards – Best Premium Car
Fleet World Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Company Car
What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car + Best Plug-In Hybrid to Drive + Best Estate Car to Drive
What Car? EV Awards – Best Hybrid Executive Car

2020

Auto Trader Awards – Most Loved Car
Autocar Britain’s Best Car Awards – Best Company Car (330e)
Business Car Awards – Best Premium Car
Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Car of the Year + Best Compact Executive Car
DieselCar & EcoCar Top 50 – Best Compact Executive Car
Fleet News Awards – New Company Car of the Year + Best Premium Car
Fleet World Awards – Best New Fleet Car + Best Fleet Compact Executive Car
Parkers New Car Awards – Best Company Car (330e)
What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car + Best Plug-in Hybrid + Safety Award
What Car? Electric Car Awards – Best Plug-In Hybrid Executive Car

2019

Auto Express Awards – Best Compact Executive Car
carwow Awards – Car of the Year + Best Family Car
What Car? Awards – Best Executive Car

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