BMW JAPAN announced minor changes to its flagship mid-class model, the 3 Series Sedan and Touring, on October 28, 2024, and began selling them on the same day. This improvement includes a wide range of updates, including changes to the interior and exterior design, improved functionality, and enhanced driving performance.
BMW 3 Series Article Summary
- The front mask features a larger kidney grille, a characteristic of BMW, giving it a more prominent presence.
- The headlights have a sharp design and use LEDs.
- The rear combination lamps light up in an L-shape, emphasizing the wide appearance.
- The car has become increasingly digital, and now features a curved display that combines a 12.3-inch meter panel with a 14.9-inch control display.
- The center console no longer has a shift lever and instead has a switch-type gear selector.
- Advanced driver assistance systems are now standard equipment, further improving safety.
Sporty design and outstanding driving performance
The 3 Series Sedan is a sports sedan in the premium compact segment, combining sporty design with outstanding driving performance. It evolved into the seventh generation in 2019, and a partial improvement model of the seventh generation was born in 2022. The model announced this time is a further partial improvement model of the partial improvement model of the seventh generation.
The 3 Series Touring is a model based on the 3 Series Sedan and features ample luggage space. It evolved into the 6th generation in 2019, and a partially improved version of the 6th generation was released in 2022. The model announced this time is a further improved version of the partially improved version of the 6th generation.
M Performance model as standard
Both the 3 Series Sedan and 3 Series Touring are available with the M Performance models “M340i xDrive” and “M340i xDrive Touring,” which are high-performance M models developed by BMW M and incorporate all the technology developed on the circuit to enhance driving performance.
With this latest update, the M Performance model now comes standard with M Sport Pro, which includes red-painted M Sport brakes, a black kidney grille, light shadow lines, M seat belts and more.
Enhanced product appeal of plug-in hybrid model “330e”
The 330e, which is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, comes standard with a sound package including a Harman/Kardon sound system, a TV tuner, acoustic glass, and high-quality Vernesca leather seats. The zero-emission EV range is 85-101km (European specification), a significant improvement over the previous model.
Equipped with advanced safety features and driving assistance systems
Both the 3 Series Sedan and 3 Series Touring are equipped with the latest generation of safety features and driver assistance systems, just like before. Equipped with a cutting-edge driver assistance system with high analytical capabilities thanks to high-performance cameras and radar and a high-performance processor, the “Traffic Jam Driving Assistance Function with Hands-Off Function” reduces the driver’s burden during traffic jams on the highway and contributes to safety. Under certain conditions, it is possible to drive with your hands off the steering wheel.
Latest generation connectivity
The latest generation of connectivity is also adopted, allowing you to operate the vehicle, set destinations, etc. by saying “OK, BMW.” Convenience has been greatly improved, with support for Apple CarPlay and the ability to send destinations searched in advance on a smartphone to the vehicle.
BMW Digital Key comes as standard
BMW Digital Key is standard equipment, so you can unlock and lock your vehicle without having to carry a key by holding a compatible smartphone over the door handle.You can also start the engine by placing the smartphone used to unlock the vehicle in a designated location and pressing the start button.
Exterior design
When the base model was improved in 2022, newly designed LED headlights were adopted at the front, and a bumper was fitted that enlarged the air intake and emphasized the sides, giving it a wider impression. The rear has been combined with a bumper that matches the image of the front, improving the texture. The body type also includes the 3 Series Touring, a wagon model.
The high-performance M3 model with its large grille has undergone recent improvements, with headlights featuring new internal graphics creating a more powerful style.
Interior design
The improvements include a new steering wheel design and lighting integrated into the central air vent.
The infotainment system, housed in a curved widescreen 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with a 12.3-inch digital meter, is said to be the latest version, featuring a new home screen, more intuitive operation, and an improved menu structure. It also offers a customizable widget bar, simplified climate control, improved navigation, and more.
Powertrain
The mass-market model is available with a 2L gasoline and diesel engine, achieving a significant increase in torque across almost all engine speeds compared to the previous generation. The environmentally friendly model is available with a plug-in hybrid that combines a 2L turbo engine with an electric motor, ensuring an EV range of 85-101km in European terms.
The high-performance M3 Competition model has increased maximum output from 510 horsepower in the previous model to 530 horsepower, making for even more driving enjoyment.
The new BMW 3 Series is scheduled to have an electric vehicle model. The new BMW 3 Series EV will have a closed kidney grille because it will not require engine cooling, and the powertrain will be equipped with a large-capacity 80kWh battery, ensuring a range of 500km. This will be BMW’s flagship EV, as the brand is focusing on electric vehicles.
Specifications
| Model | Body Type | Overall length x overall width x overall height (mm) | Wheelbase (mm) | engine | output | transmission | Drive system |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 318i | sedan | 4720×1825×1440 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L gasoline turbo | 156ps/25.5kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 318i | Touring | 4720×1825×1470 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L gasoline turbo | 156ps/25.5kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 320i | sedan | 4720×1825×1440 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L gasoline turbo | 184ps/30.6kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 320i | Touring | 4720×1825×1470 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L gasoline turbo | 184ps/30.6kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 320d | sedan | 4720×1825×1440 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L diesel turbo | 190ps/40.8kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 320d | Touring | 4720×1825×1470 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L diesel turbo | 190ps/40.8kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 330e | sedan | 4720×1825×1440 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L turbo + electric motor “eDrive” plug-in hybrid | 184ps/30.6kgm<br>Motor output: 109ps/25.5kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| 330e | Touring | 4720×1825×1470 | 2850 | Inline 4-cylinder 2L turbo + electric motor “eDrive” plug-in hybrid | 184ps/30.6kgm<br>Motor output: 109ps/25.5kgm | 8 speed AT | FR or 4WD “xDrive” |
| M340i | sedan | 4720×1825×1440 | 2850 |
BMW 3 Series Price and Grade
The 3 Series Sedan is priced from 6.44 million yen to 9.48 million yen, while the 3 Series Touring is priced from 6.76 million yen to 9.88 million yen. Delivery is scheduled to begin in November 2024.
BMW 3 Series Sedan Price List
| Model name | Price (10%) |
|---|---|
| BMW 318i M Sport | 6,440,000 yen |
| BMW 320i M Sport | 6,900,000 yen |
| BMW 320d xDrive M Sport | 7,320,000 yen |
| BMW 330e M Sport | 8,480,000 yen |
| BMW M340i xDrive | 9,480,000 yen |
| BMW M3 Competition M xDrive | 14,300,000 yen |
BMW 3 Series Touring Price List
| Model name | Price (10%) |
|---|---|
| BMW 318i Touring M Sport | 6,760,000 yen |
| BMW 320i Touring M Sport | 7,420,000 yen |
| BMW 320d xDrive Touring M Sport | 7,680,000 yen |
| BMW M340i xDrive Touring | 9,880,000 yen |
| BMW M3 Competition M xDrive Touring | 14,400,000 yen |
summary
With this minor change, the BMW 3 Series has evolved into an even more attractive model in all aspects, including design, functionality, driving performance, etc. Combining the latest design, advanced technology, and the outstanding driving performance that is unique to BMW, the 3 Series will firmly establish its position as a leader in the premium compact segment.
BMW 3 Series
https://www.bmw.co.jp/ja/all-models/3-series/sedan/2022/bmw-3-series-sedan-highlights.html
https://www.bmw.co.jp/ja/all-models/3-series/3-series-touring/bmw-3-series-touring.html
