2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a diverse lineup, including the 330i, 330e, M340i, M3, and M3 Competition, with base prices ranging from $44,990 to $93,500, excluding a $2,480 destination charge. Each variant featured distinct powertrains, with the 330i xDrive sedan and 330e equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology for an estimated 32 kilometres of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 and M3 Competition were the pinnacle of the lineup. The M340i xDrive, tested in Barbera Red special-order paint, featured Cognac-colour SensaTec upholstery and options like the Advanced Driver Assistance package, Premium Enhanced package, and Adaptive M Suspension, bringing the price to just under $80,000. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and 19-inch wheels, resulting in an appealing style with impressive performance. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery mimicked leather, and the Cognac colour contrasted sharply with the dark cabin, maintaining the 3 Series' focus on driving enjoyment over luxury.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, a refreshed version of the seventh-generation model, retained the petrol-powered 330i and M340i, as well as the plug-in hybrid 330e. Subtle exterior design changes included a narrow kidney grille, redesigned full-LED headlights, and reshaped lower air intakes, creating a sporty impression. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys were available, with an optional 19-inch upgrade. New paint options included Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic. The M Sport package added chrome grille accents, air curtains, and a larger rear diffuser, while the M340i featured a mesh-design kidney grille, trapezoidal tailpipes, and a body-colour M rear spoiler. Inside, the 3 Series showcased the new BMW iDrive 8 with a 27.2-inch Curved Display, offering a driver-centric cockpit with fewer buttons and a minimalist dashboard design. The interior maintained a compact yet comfortable feel, with standard SensaTec upholstery and supportive power-adjustable front sport seats. The 3 Series provided ample room for average-sized adults, with headroom and legroom measurements of 982 mm and 1,066 mm in the front, and 955 mm and 894 mm in the rear, respectively.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, achieving 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the evaluation route, slightly above the official rating of 9.2 L/100 km. The engine delivered 382 horsepower between 5,800 and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode, paddle shifters, and launch control. The M340i's xDrive AWD system was standard in Canada, with RWD not offered. The car featured M Sport four-wheel ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and a standard M Sport suspension, with the test car including the optional Adaptive M Suspension. BMW claimed a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 4.3 seconds, and the M340i's driving dynamics were praised for their precision and responsiveness. The M340i was considered a thrilling car to drive, with the 3 Series remaining the standard against which other sports sedans were measured.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series retained the powertrains from previous model years, with the 330i and 330e featuring a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, and the M340i equipped with a twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six. The 330i produced 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor, offered a combined output of 288 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with up to 35 kilometres of electric-only range. The M340i, with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Fuel economy ratings were close, with the 330i xDrive achieving 9.8 L/100 km city, 7.0 highway, and 8.6 combined, while the 330e had a gas-only rating of 8.8 L/100 km and an electric efficiency rating of 3.2 Le/100 km combined. The M340i achieved 10.3 L/100 km city, 7.4 highway, and 9.0 combined. The 330i sedan offered a comfortable ride with precise steering, while the 330e provided a fun driving experience with its turbocharged inline-four engine and optional M Sport brake system.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series M340i offered a traditional four-door sedan design with power-adjustable front sport seats providing ample support for both daily commutes and spirited drives. The driving position was praised for its perfection, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel offering comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers found sufficient legroom, making the 3 Series suitable for carrying four relatively tall people. The back seat provided good thigh support, though the centre rear seating position was likely to go unused. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, heated steering wheel, and heated front seats, with heated rear seats available. Interior storage space was decent, with a 481-litre trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat design for added utility.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series maintained a compact yet comfortable interior, with front headroom of 982 mm and legroom of 1,066 mm, and rear headroom of 955 mm and legroom of 894 mm. Standard SensaTec faux leather upholstery and power-adjustable front sport seats provided support, though the seat bottom cushion was noted to be stiff. The leather steering wheel offered ample grip, and ergonomics were praised for their ease of use. The iDrive controller knob was intuitive, and the 3 Series featured standard storage options like cup holders and a useable glovebox. Cargo space remained at 481 litres, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat design for accommodating larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, heated front seats, and remote start, with optional features like a heated steering wheel and power lumbar support.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered the optional Digital Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. While the traditional round analog gauges were missed, the infotainment technology package was praised for its functionality. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive, with multiple control options, including a gesture control system. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, with a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system available. Connected Package Pro technology provided BMW Remote Services and the Intelligent Personal Assistant, which responded accurately to various queries. A head-up display was available, though challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series introduced BMW iDrive 8, featuring a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was praised for its ease of use, with customizable widgets and driver information. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant allowed for natural speech commands, minimizing frustrations with voice activation. Standard features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi audio system, and over-the-air updates. Optional features included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Traffic Jam Assistant paired adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist for semi-autonomous driving. The Emergency Stop Assistant detected unresponsive drivers and initiated an SOS emergency call. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rear view camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered additional features like active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, and semi-autonomous driving systems.