- BMW’s latest 3-series saloon driven
- Tested in 320d and M340i trims
- Still the great saloon car it always has been?
Did you know that BMW has sold more than one million seventh-generation 3-series models since 2019? Even with the explosion of SUVs and electric cars in recent years, the 3 is still the lifeblood of Munich’s range of cars, as well as its balance sheet.
And around 80 per cent of those sold are saloons, with the other 20 per cent of sales being the Touring estate. If you fancy getting even nerdier, 50 per cent of saloon sales are from China, with Germany, the USA and the UK being the three next biggest markets at 10, seven and six per cent share respectively.
This new facelift, then, is designed to keep the ship steady with some carefully considered updates to keep it fresh without spoiling the overall recipe.
So what’s different, then?
The look has been given a onceover, with more angular lines at the front end and a much more aggressive look for M Sport versions. It’s still a handsome car, with no work being done at the sides and only the tiniest tweaks to the rear’s design being applied here. The 3-series has 17-inch wheels as standard and runs on 18s in M Sport trim.
Inside, the 3-series now has the same curved screen setup as the i4, with a 12.3-inch customisable instrument cluster and 14.9-inch central screen that’s still controlled by an iDrive clickwheel as well as voice and touch operations. Again, it’s the same BMW OS 8.0 system seen on the i4 as well as the iX. In doing so, BMW has removed the physical climate controls and placed them on the screen and, unlike other digital climate control displays, BMW’s isn’t too much of a fiddle to operate on the move. Elsewhere, the shifter has morphed from an actual gearknob to a finger-pull lever inset in the centre console.
And with the facelift, tech like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and all-round parking sensors are now standard equipment – it’s baffling these things weren’t standard before, frankly.
As for the engine range, it’s largely unchanged. The UK model range comprises 320i (available with xDrive), 330i and M340i xDrive petrols; 320d (available with xDrive) and M340d xDrive diesels (which now have mild hybrid assistance) and a 330e plug-in hybrid we drive separately here.
For the facelift, we’ve driven 320d and M340i (pictured) models so far.
How does the updated 3-series drive?
Would you promise to keep reading if I say they’re largely the same as they were before? If you’re still here, the 3-series is still an absolute peach of a small saloon, but it’s worth pointing out that both 3-series versions we drove in Germany were on 19-inch wheels with adaptive suspension.
Let’s start with the 320d. It’s very much still the sensible choice for high-milers, even during a time when plug-in hybrids dominate company car spreadsheets. The engine itself is grumbly and a little coarse, with a persistent – if admirably shrouded – din in the background. But it’s as quick as it needs to be, with a useful swell of torque and a super-smooth eight-speed automatic (standard whatever 3-series you pick).
And, while the 320d remains a resolutely sensible choice, the M340i is arguably all the car anyone could really need. BMW says 10 per cent of 3-series models sold globally were M Performance versions, but the share is more like 15 per cent here in the UK. We like it, then, and I’m happy to report it’s still very, very good. That 3.0-litre straight-six is silky smooth and explosively powerful, with a 4.4-sec 0-62mph time meaning you’re propelled into the middle distance at an alarming rate. With the facelift, the M340i has a new adaptive exhaust system that keeps the engine quiet in Comfort mode and howl in Sport. Makes you go all gooey inside.
It’s a properly calm cruiser, while also being a sharp steer, too. Perhaps, in fact, too sharp; the steering has next to zero feel, but the rack itself is hyper-alert off-centre, giving the 3-series a slightly twitchy vibe to it on twistier roads. Ditto the brakes; so much as breathe on them and they spring into action. On the face of it, it’s great to see that BMW still wants to give drivers the impression the 3-series is still a sporty saloon, but it feels a smidge too artificial these days.
And, while the 48V mild hybrid assistance claims to have environmental benefits (as well as giving a 10bhp e-boost), the engine-off coasting can be irritating. It cuts out as you slow down or come to a complete stop, but if you’re at a roundabout or T-junction where you can make a quick getaway after pulling up, it’s not quite quick enough to react. Not the first time a start/stop system has been irritating, and we’re sure it won’t be the last.
BMW 3-series saloon: verdict
If you’re worried BMW’s spoiled its success story of a saloon with this latest update, rest easy. The 3-series is still the go-to baby executive for those looking for a sharper driving experience, and the technology refresh keeps it up to date with Merc’s latest C-Class. And, if you can afford it, the M340i is one of the sweetest, most satisfying all-rounders money can buy.
Specs are for a BMW 320d M Sport
Keyword: BMW 3-series saloon (2022) review: messing with success