By Otsile Kadiege

The latest-generation BMW 3 Series Sedan, codenamed G20, was unveiled back in 2019. Fast-forward a few years later, BMW unveiled the updated version of the automaker’s popular nameplate. As is the case with BMW’s latest ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ models (BMW’s way of saying facelift), the updated 3 Series boasts refreshed exterior and interior styling, advances in technology and a list of standard equipment.

Exterior updates

The consensus online seems to be that the updated 3 Series looks more elegant than before and we have to agree with the comments. Upfront, the kidney grille has been revised with lightly modified contours and new double bars. Its design and pattern will differ depending on the model derivative customers opt for. The headlights have also been redesigned and are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape. As standard, the LCI 3 Series is fitted with full-LED. Adaptive LED Headlights are available as an option, and are identifiable by the blue accents inside their covers. BMW also redesigned the front bumper which now features larger air intakes and dynamic lines.

The side profile design of the updated 3 Series remains unchanged. However, it now comes standard with standard M High-gloss Shadowline trim. Standard specification for all BMW 3 Series Sedan models now includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels and the largest wheel size available for the 3 Series is up to 20-inches. The rear looks much sportier thanks to redesigned rear bumper, horizontal lines, slim light units and flared rear wheel arches.

The range of exterior colours has been expanded to include Skyscraper Grey metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic as part of the M Sport package. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic special paint finishes have been added to the range too.

M Sport and M Sport Pro packages

The new M Sport package includes new design features like a honeycomb pattern for the BMW kidney grille, a new design for the front and rear aprons, new M light-alloy wheels in 18-inch format with mixed-size tyres. The M Sport package Pro is a new arrival on the options list. Available as an extension of the M Sport package, this package includes extended M High-gloss Shadowline trim, M lights Shadowline and an M Sport braking system with red callipers.

BMW Performance models from BMW M GmbH also stand out with distinctive looks. As well as a BMW kidney grille in mesh design, M light-alloy wheels in 18-inch format – or 19-inch as an option – and trapezoidal tailpipe trims for the exhaust system, their exclusive design features also include M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss.

Interior design and technology

Standout updates to the interior of the new 3 Series include a curved display which is standard across the range. The large display integrates a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9-inches. The curved display is running on BMW’s latest generation of BMW iDrive – BMW Operating System 8.

 It also features a shift-by-wire gear selector. It’s positioned in the control panel on the centre console along with the Start/Stop button, iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, parking brake and other vehicle functions.

Other standard features added as standard to the updated 3 Series are three-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, the extended storage package and Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear and BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system.

Driver assistance systems

A host of automated driving and parking systems are available in the refreshed 3 Series. Standard equipment includes Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, which detects the presence of cyclists as well as vehicles and pedestrians, Cruise Control with brake function, the Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator, Manual Speed Limit Assist and Lane Departure Warning with lane return. Options include lane change warning, the BMW Head-Up Display and Driving Assistant Professional, which comprises the Steering and Lane Control Assistant and the Active Cruise Control system with Stop&Go function, Automatic Speed Limit Assist, the route monitoring function and traffic light detection.

Among the functions provided by the optional Parking Assistant are the Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. The Parking Assistant Plus – with Park View, Panorama View and Remote 3D View functions – and BMW Drive Recorder are also available as options.

Performance

Powering the updated 3 Series is a range of internal combustion engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and electrification in the form of a 48V mild hybrid technology – one diesel and four petrol engines with four or six cylinders. Power outputs range from 110 kW to 285 kW. All engines are paired to eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Available as an option is an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which features a Launch Control function for traction-optimised acceleration off the line and unlocks ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power with its Sprint function.