The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and BMW 3 Series Touring

With a history of more than 45 years, the BMW 3 Series represents the core of the BMW brand. Since the original BMW 3 Series of 1975, more than 16 million units have been sold, with over 1.1 million customers since 2019 alone. In 2021 the BMW 3 Series was the market leader in its class in the UK, Germany and China, and accounts for around 14 per cent of the brand’s vehicle sales worldwide.   

For the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and BMW 3 Series Touring, a newly designed cockpit with BMW Curved Display and the latest-generation BMW Operating System 8 bring ground-breaking modernity and digitalisation to the interior. All variants of the new BMW 3 Series now come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and a newly designed selector lever.

Offered in a choice of Sport and M Sport specification in the UK, additions to the standard equipment increase the appeal of the new BMW 3 Series, while a restructured optional equipment line-up makes it easier for customers to individualise their car according to their preferences.

The new BMW 3 Series is available with a choice of four petrol engines, including one plug-in hybrid variant, and two diesel engines, both with mild-hybrid technology. At the top of each model line-up sits a pair of BMW Performance models from BMW M GmbH, meaning the new BMW 3 Series can be ordered with outputs from 184hp to 374hp. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive comes as standard on the range-topping models, and is an option on selected variants.

Production of the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and BMW 3 Series Touring will begin in July 2022 at BMW Group Plant Munich and BMW Group Plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Available to order at BMW Retailers from today, pricing will start from £36,670 RRP.

*All figures relating to performance, fuel and electricity consumption and emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data, fuel consumption and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected.
**Electronically limited.

Intelligent lightweight design, optimised aerodynamic attributes
The body structure of the BMW 3 Series combines a high level of solidity with minimised weight. As well as the bonnet and front side panels, the engine subframe, front spring struts and numerous other suspension components are made from aluminium.

Optimising the car’s aerodynamics has benefits for both efficiency and driving performance. An almost completely sealed underbody, aerodynamically optimised wheels, the use of air curtains at the front of the car, and latest-generation active air flap control for both the BMW kidney grille and the lower air intake result in exceptionally low drag.

BMW kidney grille and headlights redesigned
The revised front apron adds to the sporty appearance of the new BMW 3 Series. The standard full-LED headlights are now much slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L shape. The outer daytime driving lights serve as turn indicators. Adaptive LED Headlights are available as an option, and are identifiable by the blue strip around the daytime driving lights and a matching blue accent on the upper edge of the glass cover. Blue light effects below the headlight units also give the front end a striking appearance at night. The Adaptive LED Headlights’ range of functions includes the cornering light and non-dazzling matrix high beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution.

The latter includes the urban lights with their particularly broad illumination of the roadside; motorway beam pattern with increased low beam range; and bad weather light, which illuminates the road according to the conditions and also functions as fog lights.  The modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille a more powerful look, while air intakes in Black high-gloss below the grille cool the braking system.

Powerful proportions and clearly structured surfaces at the rear
The new contours of the front and rear aprons add a striking flourish. Horizontal lines, slim light units, clearly structured surfaces and flared wheel arches accentuate the width and muscular stance. The powerful proportions exude clear sporting intent when viewed from this angle. A higher proportion of surfaces painted in the body colour and a clean-cut design lend the rear apron of the new BMW 3 Series a particularly sophisticated look.

The standard specification for all BMW 3 Series models now includes 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The M Sport model includes 18-inch light-alloy wheels as standard, while the BMW Performance models produced by BMW M GmbH feature a 19-inch light-alloy design. The range of exterior colours has been expanded to include Skyscraper Grey metallic and Brooklyn Grey metallic for M Sport models. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic special paint finishes have also been added to the range. The selection of around 150 additional BMW Individual special paint finishes is class leading.

M Sport model with new design features
Chrome accents highlight the double bars on the BMW kidney grille on M Sport models, with a large central air intake that features hexagonal contours and a honeycomb pattern. Deeply recessed air curtains at the outer edges of the front end accentuate its width. On the M-specific rear apron, vertical reflectors at the outer edges and a large diffuser signal the car’s sporting instincts. M Sport models feature M Sport suspension (except plug-in hybrid variants) including variable sport steering (except plug-in hybrid variants) and newly designed 18-inch M light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres. The M Sport trim also includes bespoke interior touches, such as an anthracite-coloured headliner, M leather steering wheel, M-specific upholstery and interior trim finishers in the new Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite finish.

The M Sport Pro Pack has had some enhancements. Available only on M Sport models, this package includes now includes sprint mode as well as extended M High-gloss Shadowline trim that brings a Black kidney grille surround and tailpipes in Black Chrome, as well as M lights Shadowline, an M Sport braking system with red callipers bearing the M logo, a black M rear spoiler for the Saloon models, and seat belts with contrast stitching in the colours of BMW M GmbH.

Distinctive appearance for the BMW Performance models produced by BMW M GmbH
M-specific exterior features such as large air intakes and aerodynamically optimised details make the BMW Performance models in the new BMW 3 Series range even more dynamic. The BMW M340i xDrive and BMW M340d xDrive feature a mesh-design BMW kidney grille, exclusive 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and new M exterior mirror caps in Black high-gloss. The Saloon versions also feature a Black Sapphire M rear spoiler. Adaptive LED Headlights with blue accents also come as standard on both models.

Fully digital BMW Curved Display with intuitive touch control
The interior of the new BMW 3 Series has been treated to a comprehensive update, embodied by the large BMW Curved Display. A 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display merge into a single fully digital unit.

The central air vents positioned below the control display are now slimmer and more modern in design, with three-zone automatic climate control as standard, adjusted using voice or touch on the control display.

The control panel on the centre console of the new BMW 3 Series has additional touch-controlled surfaces, with the Start/Stop button, iDrive Controller, Driving Experience Control buttons, parking brake and other vehicle functions.

All new BMW 3 Series models come as standard with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, and all include the newly designed selector lever on the centre console. Gearshift paddles on the steering wheel also feature as standard.

Extensive additions to standard specification
Other new additions to standard specification for the new BMW 3 Series include an automatically dimming rear-view mirror and Park Distance Control (PDC) with sensors at the front and rear. Plus, all models now also come with the BMW Live Cockpit Plus including BMW Maps navigation system.

Among the outstanding individual options are the Harman Kardon surround sound system and an electrically operated glass roof for the Saloon and panoramic glass sunroof for the Touring model. A carbon-fibre roof can be ordered exclusively for the BMW M340i xDrive Saloon and BMW M340d xDrive Saloon.

BMW 330i: four-cylinder petrol engine with integrated exhaust manifold
A comprehensive round of updates for BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology has brought improvements in power delivery for the most powerful of the four-cylinder petrol engines available for the new BMW 3 Series. With an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and an upgraded turbocharger system, it achieves highly effective exhaust gas cooling. The latest version of the 2.0-litre engine fitted in the BMW 330i develops 258hp between 5,000 and 6,500rpm. Peak torque of 400Nm is on tap between 1,550 and 4,400rpm.

48V mild hybrid technology for BMW 320d and BMW M340d
Mild hybrid technology gives the four-cylinder BMW 320d and six-cylinder BMW M340d exceptionally responsive power delivery and optimised efficiency. A 48V starter-generator acts likes an electric drive unit to assist the engine, while also offering an electric boost effect that can instantly deliver an extra 11hp when accelerating off the line.

The mild hybrid system collects power through Brake Energy Regeneration and stores it in an additional battery. This is used not only to provide the engine with its electric power boost, but also to supply power to the vehicle’s 12V electrical system.

Eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission now standard on all models
Gearshift paddles are included with the now standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which stands out with its sharp shift dynamics, Launch Control function, and ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power via its Sprint function.

BMW xDrive is standard on the range-topping BMW M340i and BMW M340d models and optionally available on the BMW 320d, BMW 320i and BMW 330e, offering intelligent all-wheel drive which ensures optimal transmission of power to all four wheels.

Intelligent technology for automated driving and parking
When it comes to breadth of functionality and availability, the automated driving and parking systems are among the best on the market. They assist the driver and ease their workload in myriad situations. Camera images and the data gathered by ultrasonic and radar sensors are used to monitor the area around the car, warn the driver of possible dangers, minimise the risk of an accident, and carry out automated parking manoeuvres.

The standard Park Distance Control features sensors at both ends of the car. It also includes Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, which detects the presence of cyclists, vehicles and pedestrians, as well as the Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator (including Manual Speed Limit Assist), plus Lane Departure Warning with lane return.

Level 2 automated driving: Driving Assistant Professional
The new BMW 3 Series has Cruise Control with brake function as standard. Even greater assistance is provided by the Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, part of the optional Driving Assistant Professional. As well as keeping to the desired speed (between 19 – 130mph) it also maintains a safe distance from vehicles travelling ahead. Automatic Speed Limit Assist factors in upcoming speed restrictions detected by the Speed Limit Info system or using data from the navigation system. In addition, the route monitoring function adapts the car’s speed to the situation at hand – e.g. through corners or approaching a roundabout.

Steering and Lane Control Assistant, meanwhile, helps the driver maintain their position on motorways where the lane narrows. The Active Navigation function detects when a lane change for a motorway exit is required and prepares to steer the car into that lane. The system also comprises Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection and the Evasion Assistant.

Providing the help required with parking and manoeuvring
Parking Assistant is included as standard on the new BMW 3 Series, and helps the driver to select and park in spaces either parallel or perpendicular to the road. When entering or exiting a space, this system carries out the necessary steering inputs as well as the required acceleration, braking and gear changes with the Steptronic transmission. Also included are the Reversing Assist Camera, Lateral Parking Aid, Active PDC function which uses brake inputs to reduce the risk of collisions, and Reversing Assistant, which reverses the car for distances of up to 50 metres along the same line it took when moving forward.

Park View, Panorama View and 3D View functions contained in the optional Parking Assistant Plus provide the driver with additional visual assistance. In addition, the driver can use the Remote 3D View function to view a live image of their car and its surroundings on their smartphone. The optional BMW Drive Recorder uses the driver assistance cameras to video the area around the car, to be played back later or exported using the USB interface.

The new BMW Operating System 8 and innovative digital services
The new BMW Operating System 8 offers many more options for drivers to enjoy intuitive control of vehicle, navigation, infotainment and communication functions. As evidenced by the BMW Curved Display and the continually expanding capabilities of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, it is geared squarely towards dialogue using touch and natural speech.

Standard in the new BMW 3 Series: BMW Live Cockpit Plus
The BMW Live Cockpit Plus fitted as standard in the new BMW 3 Series includes the cloud-based BMW Maps, with dynamic route calculation based on real-time traffic data. The arrival time is calculated using an anticipatory method to factor in typical traffic levels. With Connected Parking, BMW Maps is also able to provide assistance when searching for a parking space close to the destination. In the plug-in hybrid models, the system also works out a charge-optimised route and provides information on public charging stations both during the journey and at the destination.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant with new skills
The BMW Operating System 8 also sees the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant gain new skills. Naturally formulated spoken instructions can now be used to adjust the air conditioning and open or close a window or the optional panoramic glass sunroof, while driver assistance systems can also now be controlled by voice command. When the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is in use, new graphics appear in the display which emphasise the system’s interactive character. The graphic appears in the right place to engage with the person speaking, visualising how the system is listening attentively.

Personalisation with the BMW ID
In the new BMW 3 Series, customers benefit from a personalised experience thanks to their BMW ID. Even more personalised settings can now be transferred between vehicles. When signing in to a vehicle for the first time, scanning a QR code is all it takes to create a new BMW ID on a smartphone. If the user already has the My BMW App and a BMW ID, this will be automatically imported into the car via the app. The driver will then receive a personal greeting while settings for seat position, exterior mirrors, navigation system, driver assistance functions, display layouts, shortcuts, favourites and infotainment settings will be imported automatically. Personalised suggestions from the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are also stored in the BMW ID, together with individually selected wake words and privacy settings.

My BMW App: universal digital interface between driver and vehicle
The My BMW App acts as a universal digital interface, enabling remote vehicle locating, locking and unlocking the doors, monitoring the car’s immediate vicinity (Remote 3D View), and sending destination addresses to the vehicle’s navigation system. Plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series owners can also charge the battery of their cars remotely via the My BMW App, allowing the user to set their desired charging window and the charge level they wish to achieve. The charging process can be started or interrupted at any time.

Smartphone connectivity and integration of third-party services
BMW Live Cockpit Plus brings optimised smartphone integration using Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™. This allows customers to use a host of digital services such as Siri, Google Assistant and various third-party apps, with content integrated via a wireless connection.

Always up to the minute: BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades for over-the-air updates
The BMW ConnectedDrive Upgrades function keeps the new BMW 3 Series up to date with the latest software, with upgrades ranging from new services to improved vehicle functions. Customers can use the BMW ConnectedDrive Store to purchase additional functions at any time such as Drive Recorder, Remote Engine Start function, High-beam Assistant, IconicSounds Sport and the Traffic Cam.

BMW M Performance Parts
The BMW M Performance Parts range offers more ways to bring greater dynamism to the new BMW 3 Series. Model-specific exterior components such as the M Performance carbon-fibre rear diffuser, the M Performance carbon-fibre rear wing for the Saloon and the M Performance rear spoiler ensure authentic motor sport looks. The BMW M Performance Parts light-alloy wheels give the new BMW 3 Series a distinctive appearance, and can be specified in up to 20-inch format – a wheel size not available from the factory.

Sustainability throughout the value cycle
The progressive character of the BMW 3 Series is reflected in its optimised sustainability that covers the whole of the value chain from raw materials and production through the use phase and recycling. Secondary raw materials account for around 50 percent of that used in the aluminium castings for the BMW 3 Series, while around 16 percent of all thermoplastics are recycled. Electricity from renewable sources is used in production of the new BMW 3 Series at BMW Group Plant Munich. Green power is sourced from hydroelectric plants in the region, while production at the other manufacturing locations is also carbon neutral.