The seventh-generation 3-Series has been tweaked and upgraded to keep up with new competition.
On Tuesday, the 2023 BMW 3-Series big screen, modified styling and a new space or source for US models was unveiled when they arrive in July. The price has not been announced yet.
BMW reports that each US 3-Series will now be built at the automaker’s new plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.
2023 BMW 3-Series
The biggest change for the refreshed 3-Series happened inside the cabin. Those sitting in the front will be greeted by a display wall mounted under a curved glass like the electric iX crossover SUV and i4 electric car. The digital gauge cluster now measures 12.3 inches while the touchscreen is 14.9 inches. The gear selector is now a toggle switch on the center console. Buyers will find Apple CarPlay and Android Auto less standard.
2023 BMW 3-Series
2023 BMW 3-Series
Going down the road requires a sharp vision to spot the refreshed 3-Series. Both front and rear fascias have been updated, but tweaks are minimal. The kidney grills present themselves in a slightly more subtle fashion on the side and the LED headlights look thinner, smoother and more polished in the same fashion as the recent 5-Series. The black trim, called Shadowline in the BMW Speak, will now be an alternative to the standard and satin silver exterior trim base 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e.
The powertrain carries from the current model. The base models have a 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 under the hood, while a 382-hp turbo-6 comes back with a light-hybrid 48-volt system. Plug-in hybrid net remains the greenest and most effective alternative with 288 hp. No fuel economy statistics are provided, but all models are powered by a rear-wheel, or available all-wheel-drive system, via an 8-speed automatic transmission. A manual transmission is even missing from the lineup in the base car. Those who want to #GiveAShift must buy an M3.
The current 3-Series features automatic emergency braking as standard equipment, and we hope it will continue. Advanced features (possibly expensive) are offered in the alternative package. Examples include active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and adaptive cruise control that allow limited hands-free driving in certain situations.