Facelifted 2023 BMW 3 Series G20 gets sharp new look
The G20 BMW 3 Series has been given a mid-life facelift, aimed at keeping it fresh in the face of newer rivals, including the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206. While mechanical alterations are slight, the latest version gets a new look and BMW’s latest iDrive 8.0 infotainment setup with a freshened dashboard. Prices for the 320d Sport start from £40,600, while adding xDrive four-wheel drive bumps this up to £42,190.
Exterior changes include a makeover for the 3 Series’ nose, with slimmer headlights and a large lower air intake for M Sport trims, flanked by hockey-stick shaped vents. The rear has been updated with a new bumper, with a gloss black lower section, while there are new designs of alloy wheels from 17- to 20-inches in diameter. The BMW’s paint palette has also been expanded to include three new metallic grey shades and a new blue colour, while M-Performance upgrades, like a larger rear spoiler, will be offered for those after a more aggressive look. The big change inside is the arrival of BMW’s ‘Curved Display’, which first appeared in the BMW iX SUV.
This joins together a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen to create an expansive ‘floating’ screen atop the dashboard. Running the latest version 8.0 software, adjustments to the climate control are now via the touchscreen, but an iDrive rotary control remains on the centre console. The diesel engine range appears to have been slimmed down, with neither the 318d or six-cylinder 330d appearing on the list of versions offered in the UK, even though they continue to be sold in Europe. The popular 320d does remain, with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to help it achieve up to 58.9mpg. Power is 188bhp with 295lb ft of torque, but the mild-hybrid setup can also provide an 11bhp boost. Buyers can also opt for an xDrive version for extra traction.
A high-performance M340d xDrive is also available, with 335bhp and costing from £54,445. Plug-in hybrid options remain unchanged, with the 330e also offered with optional xDrive in saloon or Touring estate versions, starting from £43,515. It’s sure to remain popular with business drivers thanks to CO2 emissions from 30g/km. While an all-electric version of the current 3 Series badged ‘i3’ has been developed for China, it looks like European customers will need to wait for an all-new 3 Series launch in 2025 to enjoy zero emissions driving. This next-generation model will be based on BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture that’s currently under development. The new 3 Series is offered in saloon and Touring guises and in Sport and M Sport trim in the UK. Gone are the entry level SE and manual versions, with all editions fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Production begins in July, with BMW dealers taking orders now, for first deliveries later this year.