2024 BMW 3 Series Sedan

After a comprehensive facelift last year, the 2024 BMW 3 Series returns without any major changes as it continues doing battle with the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the compact luxury sedan segment. This is the seventh generation of the 3 Series, and you can tell that BMW has been honing this recipe for nearly half a century. Be it the base 255-horsepower 330i, plug-in hybrid 330e, or the M340i with 382 hp from its smooth inline-six mill, every 3 Series is enjoyable to drive and quick enough. Long being the choice for drivers in this segment, the G20 3 Series is also more accommodating for passengers, and the styling isn't overbearing like so many newer BMWs. But the G20 may not be around for much longer, and the new C-Class is a generation ahead. The 3 Series is still a wonderful car that barely misses a beat, but its age rather than its capabilities may see customers hold out for the new-generation model or one of its rivals.

BMW hasn't announced any major changes to the 3 Series for the 2024 model year. For the 2023 model year, the sedan underwent a thorough facelift that included revised styling and an upgraded infotainment interface. Perhaps because of this, BMW chose to keep the sedan unchanged for 2024. The 3 Series now starts at $44,500, an $800 increase over last year's base model.

The price of the 2024 BMW 3 Series starts at $44,500, rising to a cost of $46,500 for the 330i xDrive. In the middle of the range is the 330e plug-in hybrid with an MSRP of $45,600 for the RWD version or $47,600 with xDrive. Finally, the rapid M340i starts at $57,600 and goes up to $59,600 with xDrive. All these prices exclude options and the destination charge of $995 in the USA.

The 3 Series lineup has no real weak spots, and you could make a strong case for any model, be it the cheaper 330i, frugal 330e, or rapid M340i. If you can stretch to the M340i and are happy with RWD, that would be our choice, as it provides almost M3-like acceleration and fun handling yet retains the approachability and comfort of the cheaper 3 Series models.

Visually, the interior design of the new BMW 3 Series sedan has very little in common with earlier generations of the nameplate. Gone are the classic analog dials, replaced with a wide curved display that blends into the touchscreen interface. Even a traditional shift lever has been abandoned. And yet, for all that has changed, some 3 Series staples are still there: the sporty driving position, the angled center console that leans towards the driver, and the strong impression of quality. It looks a little austere in dark colors, but brighter hues are available to lift the atmosphere, and all models have an ambient lighting system. Power-adjustable front seats, the rotary iDrive controller, multi-zone climate control, and a power moonroof are all standard.

While many miss the comparatively compact proportions of older 3 Series models such as the E46, one can't deny that the latest one is a much more accommodating car. Front and rear, the seats in the BMW 3 Series provide sufficient legroom and headroom for occupants six feet tall. Wide doors aid ingress and egress for each row, and visibility from the driver's seat is good, thanks to the traditional three-box sedan shape. The driver's seating position is low, the seat can be adjusted in multiple directions for different body sizes, and all the controls fall easily to hand.

At 16.9 cubic feet, there is a generous amount of cargo space in the BMW 3 Series, but that figure drops to 13.2 cubes in the hybrid derivatives. To carry larger or longer items, there is a 40/20/40 split-folding rear seatback.

The front-seat center armrest doubles as a useful storage compartment, while purses and the like can also be stored in the door bins. A lockable glovebox, dual front cupholders, and another two cupholders at the back are available. A separate spot for your smartphone to be wirelessly charged is also available.

Soft-touch materials are found throughout the cabin of the 3 Series, while the doors close with a solid thunk. As standard, the BMW has more sustainable SensaTec perforated upholstery in interior colors like Canberra Beige, Tacora Red, Cognac, or black. Vernasca leather upholstery will add $1,500 to the bill, and this comes in Tacora Red, Black, Mocha, black with blue contrast stitching, or Oyster. This leather upgrade requires several other extras like the Premium Package that hike the price by almost $4,500 in total. The exception is the black upholstery with blue contrast stitching; this also requires the M Sport package and several other extras that total over $7k.

Besides a high gloss finish in black, there are trim inlays like open pore fine wood oak grain, high gloss fine wood ash grey-brown, aluminum, and aluminum rhombicle anthracite (which requires the M Sport package). The three-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in leather.

M340i models have an M footrest, M door-sill finishers, and an M Sport steering wheel. Most of the same trim finishers are available, but that doesn't include the 330i's high gloss black. Finally, for a higher-quality appearance, the entire dashboard can be finished in SensaTec.

Besides a few missing standard features, the 3 Series range is well-equipped. Both front seats are power-adjustable, while the driver's seat has a memory system. Multi-color ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, a two-way power glass moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a universal garage door opener are all standard. The interior rearview mirror has an automatic-dimming function, while the driver's-side exterior mirror also dims on its own. The M340i models add comfort access keyless entry and four-way power lumbar support for the front seats. On all models, heated front seats, remote start, and a heated steering can be added optionally.

Last year, the infotainment system in the BMW underwent a dramatic transformation. The BMW Curved Display replaced the previous setup, adding a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen interface beneath a single panel. This system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, so there's no problem connecting your smartphone to the car. Other standard inclusions are remote software updates, Bluetooth, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and SiriusXM with 360L. The traditional iDrive rotary controller remains, but the large touchscreen is a pleasure to use once you get used to where everything is. A Harman Kardon sound system is an optional extra.

The performance of the 3 Series ranges from usefully swift to truly rapid , the latter referring to the M340i. 330i models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 330e has the same 2.0L engine, but it's tuned to make 181 hp and 258 lb-ft; fortunately, this plug-in hybrid model's electric motor takes total system outputs to 288 hp and 310 lb-ft. The most powerful model is the M340i with its 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder mill. This incredibly smooth B58 engine in the top-spec BMW 3 Series makes 382 hp and 369 lb-ft, and its power is addictive.

All models have an eight-speed automatic transmission, and each comes with standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. In the 330i, the BMW 3 Series' 0-60 mph time is 5.6 seconds with RWD or 5.4 seconds with AWD. The 330e needs 5.6 seconds for the benchmark sprint regardless of the drivetrain, and the M340i takes 4.4/4.1 seconds with RWD/AWD. All models have a limited top speed of 130 mph, which rises to 155 mph for 330i/M340i versions on performance tires.

Although its larger size over previous generations robs the 3 Series of some agility, it's still one of the most enjoyable sedans to drive in its class. The engines are punchy, the transmission shifts quickly, and the sharp steering and taut suspension allow the car to be driven quickly without losing composure. On the highway, the sedan is smooth and stable, ironing out bumps and keeping noise levels low. On its M Sport suspension, the car is even sportier, but this firmer suspension setup can be tiresome for some as the 3 Series lacks the isolating effect that some shoppers in this segment may prefer.

Despite being so quick, the BMW 3 Series returns excellent gas mileage. The 330i manages 25/34/29 mpg city/highway/combined with RWD and 24/33/27 mpg with xDrive AWD. Impressively, the much more powerful 3 Series M340i isn't far behind; it achieves 23/31/26 mpg with RWD, while AWD dgets better highway figures of 32 mpg. According to the latest EPA figures for the 330e, it returns 75 MPGe and 28 mpg combined, or 67 MPGe/25 mpg combined with xDrive. With RWD, the 330e has a 22-mile range on electric power alone.

Gas-only models have a 15.6-gallon fuel tank capacity with a range of between 405 and 452 miles depending on the model. A smaller 10.6-gallon gas tank is fitted to the new BMW 3 Series Hybrid sedan, resulting in a total range of about 320 miles for the 330e RWD.

The 12-kWh battery in the 330e can be charged via a normal household outlet or via a 240V Level 2 home charger. Charging at 240V will take around 5.5 hours.

Everything great about the 3 Series would be undone if it weren't a safe vehicle. Thankfully, it is. According to the NHTSA, the 2024 BMW 3 Series achieved a full five-star safety rating (the BMW 3 Series PHEV wasn't specifically rated but should return similar results). Over at the IIHS, the 2024 model hasn't been rated but the 2023 version of the sedan attained maximum Good scores in every crashworthiness category.

A suite of eight airbags will protect occupants in the event of a crash, including knee airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger. The 3 Series also has a rearview camera, dynamic cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, and dynamic stability control. An Active Protection System consists of an accident-detection and preparation system, post-crash braking, and fatigue/focus alert. Forward collision warning and automatic city collision mitigation braking form part of the Active Guard suite.

On the options list, the Driving Assistance Package at $700 comes with pedestrian detection, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, and front/rear park distance control. The more advanced $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package comprises an extended traffic jam assistant, while the $700 Parking Assistance Package contains a parking assistant and a surround-view camera system.

While the BMW 3 Series isn't as revered for reliability as the Lexus IS, it's still up there with the best. The most recent J.D. Power consumer-verified review of the BMW 3 Series was positive, with the car scoring 81 out of 100 overall and 81/100 for quality and reliability. At the time of writing, there were no recalls for the 2024 3 Series, but the 2023 model was recalled twice for an unlocked door that could open in a crash and a rearview camera image that is obstructed. For 2022 models, there was a single recall for an internal transmission leak that could cause the car to roll away.

For 2024 BMW 3 Series models, the warranty remains the same as last year, which amounts to four years or 50,000 miles of coverage. Complimentary scheduled maintenance, meanwhile, runs for three years or 36,000 miles. The high-voltage lithium-ion battery in the 330e is covered by a separate warranty for up to eight years or 80,000 miles.

Last year, the 3 Series underwent a substantial facelift that introduced new bumper designs and a smoother, simpler look for the LED headlights. Although the base 330i can look a little plain, especially in white paint, the G20 has a clean, classic look that is more reminiscent of BMWs older than the bolder 5 Series and 7 Series that have been introduced in recent months. The grille isn't obscenely sized, the Hofmeister kink in the C-pillar is familiar, and there is nothing garish about the three-box sedan's styling.

Base models ride on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in runflat tires, and they have Satin Aluminum exterior trim, power-folding mirrors, a two-way power glass moonroof, and LED daytime running lights. Dual tailpipes are found on either side of the body, and not much changes for the 330e hybrid besides the addition of the charging port, the badging, and a blue border for the BMW badge. The M340i models have much more aggressive styling with their aerodynamic kit, Shadowline trim, unique 18-inch M Double-spoke wheels, and rear spoiler. Shadowline trim and the M Sport Package can be added to the 330i and 330e to make them look more like the M340i.

As a range, the BMW 3 Series is still an incredibly well-rounded compact luxury sedan. An Alfa Romeo Giulia may have the edge for driving joy, the latest Mercedes C-Class looks fresher and has the latest tech, and the Genesis G70 is more affordable, but it's how the BMW combines so many good qualities into a single package that remains impressive. Besides the rather firm ride in M Sport guise and some features that shouldn't be options, it's a difficult car to criticize. Every version is quick, responsive, and quiet. The M340i delivers superb acceleration and a lovely soundtrack, but even the four-cylinder models are nice to drive. The G20 isn't a clearcut class leader, as the standards in this segment are simply too high, but it is still a brilliant extension of the 3 Series lineage.