So this is it, then. With the announcement of the latest update for the G20 3 Series (following a significant refresh in 2022), the rear-wheel drive M3 is dead. Black armbands on for oppo dabbing, folks. As previewed with the latest M4 Competition, only the xDrive model will be available in the UK going forward, complete with the extra 20hp for 530 in total. Hardly the end of the world, granted, because M xDrive is very good and there’s a rear-drive mode for anyone who wants it - nevertheless, it's indicative of just how fast things are moving right now. It wasn’t until 2021 that an all-wheel drive M3 even existed; now it’s going to be the only one on sale. Doesn’t seem that long ago that we were bidding farewell to manual M3s…
Unsurprisingly, the tweaks for the saloon and estate follow the template laid out by the two-door coupe. There’s the redesigned LED light signature, new wheel designs, and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 inside to support the latest era of iDrive with QuickSelect and Personal Assistant. According to BMW, this new evolution of the G80 M3 ‘takes the race-car character and long-distance poise and composure of the high-performance premium midsize models to another new level for the driver and up to four passengers.’ Very good.
The keen might have noticed the silver surround for the rear Competition badge; the interior now boasts a flat-bottomed wheel, which can be had in Alcantara for the first time, Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite trim and ambient lighting that now ‘encompasses contour lighting integrated into the trim around the central seam vents.’ The carbon buckets seats remain an option, with all manner of Merino leather colours as well.
The M3 saloon and Touring top what's actually a pretty thoroughly revised 3 Series range. In the UK we’re going to get a 320i, 330e and M340i xDrive in both bodystyles, promising ‘a fresh package of updates that take the cars’ visual appeal and cutting-edge modernity to new levels.’ Notably though, no diesel option, which feels almost as momentous for the 3 Series as no rear-drive M3. Many PHers will have fond memories of big journeys in 3 Series powered by big diesel sixes; seems like those days are now behind us.
Marking this 3 Series out as an updated model will be the ever-so-slightly altered lights and bumpers, plus a raft of new wheel options. Arctic Race Blue and Fire Red seen here have also been introduced, so there’s less excuse than ever to go for silver, white or black. Inside there’s now a ‘clean and pared-back look’, with a new steering wheel design (flat-bottomed on M Sports, because race car), the even more minimalist vent arrangement and an M Performtex seat option. The CraftedClarity glass previously reserved for the swankiest BMWs is also on the extras list. With even Grey Blue Ash open-pored fine-wood trim available, a mere 3 Series will have never seemed so fancy.
The big change mechanically is the introduction of BMW’s Gen5 high-voltage battery for the 330e, now rated at 19.5kWh instead of 10.5kWh and said to bring ‘an improvement in all the relevant technical statistics.’ So it’s more efficient, doesn’t take up any more space, and brings more range: a 330e saloon now offers between 53 and 63 miles of EV running, the equivalent wagon 54 to 61. A new onboard charger means three-phase 11kW AC charging on a BMW PHEV for the first time. System output for the combined efforts of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo and new battery is 292hp.
The 320i (184hp) and the 374hp, 3.0-litre M340i xDrive continue unchanged, albeit with all variants benefiting from a few chassis modifications. BMW says its ‘relentless development endeavours’ have resulted in a model range offering a ‘notable increase in comfort across all driving situations - without any loss of the customary 3 Series dynamic prowess.’ Changes include stiffer mountings for the rear dampers and a reduction in the effort required for steering in Comfort mode. All models can have the suspension M Sported as required. And if that isn’t enough, a whole raft of M Performance accessories are there from launch, including spoilers, splitters, diffusers and mirror caps. 20-inch wheels on a 3 Series seems a bit OTT, but are there for those who want them.
Production of the latest generation of 3 Series and M3 will begin in Munich from July, so expect deliveries soon after that. Prices are out already, though, with the range kicking off at £39,045 (excluding OTR costs) for the 320i Sport saloon; the Touring premium for all models is £1,800. The initial UK lineup is actually fairly streamlined to those of us used to 300 3 Series derivatives, with an M Sport 320i (£40,295), 330e Sport (£46,080), 330e M Sport (£47,330) and M340i xDrive at £57,845 completing the range. All those saloon models are available as Tourings.
Above them all, the M3 xDrive is £82,420, the Touring £84,700. For those interested in an old 3 Series - new ones will tend to do that - it’s possible to get this era of M3 (complete with just rear-drive) for £50k. Plenty of diesels still knocking around, too, of course, including this lovely 2023 M340d Touring; you’ll never go far wrong with a blue over cream, straight six 3 Series wagon. Especially as it now qualifies as an instant classic.
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