BMW 3 Series facelift

[AVANTI R5]

BMW 3 Series facelift leaked

Midlife makeover to keep Bavarian brand’s mid-size executive stalwart competitive with new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series (G20) was released in late 2018 and now it appears the award-winning mid-size luxury car is being primed for a major facelift.

If these leaked images from Instagrammer wilcoblok are any guide, it appears BMW is preparing a less fussy design with a simpler, more streamlined headlight cluster, grille and front bumper package.

The quad LED daytime running lights have been flipped from the bottom of the main beams to the top and the overall effect is arguably more conservative.
While the 2023 BMW 3 Series in the leaked photo is without its grille, many will be relieved the new-look BMW 3 Series will not adopt the controversial ‘big-mouth’ double kidney grille that punctuates its M3 and 4 Series sister models.

The current BMW 3 Series design was launched in 2018

BMW has also re-sculpted the lower front bumper, which has a cleaner design with fewer creases and embellishments than the current model.

Other details to be gleaned from the leaked photo, which appears to be taken inside a workshop, include the fitment of BMW M Performance cosmetic accessories including aerodynamic carbon wing mirrors, black side skirts, a rear boot lid spoiler and side body stripes.

Expected to be launched in 2022, the facelifted BMW 3 Series will introduce fresh visuals and powertrains to keep it relevant in the fight against its arch-rival, the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class due Down Under later this year.

The BMW 3 Series arch-rival, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, is now all-new
The new C-Class (W206) will bring a new look and significant tech upgrades including new engines, but will ditch its six- and eight-cylinder powertrains.
It’s unlikely the updated BMW 3 Series will follow suit, with the 340i and hallowed M3 expected to retain the German car-maker’s trademark turbo-petrol inline six.



Inside, the updated 3 Series is expected to be fitted with the latest techo-arsenal from the Munich brand’s cutting-edge new EVs such as the BMW i4 Gran Coupe and iX SUV, including an all-in-one twin-screen infotainment set-up that integrates a 14.9-inch central touch-screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.

The dual-screen setup from the BMW iX electric SUV could be headed to 3 Series
The latest iDrive 8 operating system is expected to provide improved connectivity and functionality, while an upgraded dashboard design could also flow through, but whether it will be quite as extravagant as those in BMW’s new EV models remains to be seen.

One thing is certain though: the new BMW 3 Series won’t be as expensive as its all-electric i4 cousin.

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[VarmintCong]

The hand tells you who BMW’s target audience is nowadays.

[Ultimateone]

So the 3 doesn't get the buck teeth and they keep the angel eye halo look, good for the the 3 series!

[Scooby-Doode]

Originally Posted by VarmintCong

The hand tells you who BMW's target audience is nowadays.

That's corporate globally, not just BMW and not just automotive. Soon men will have to move to Mars. Mark my words.

BTW, doubt this is the LCI/refresh.

The small window doesn't exist on the 3series, it's not an economy tin box like the WRX/STI.

This is likely an aftermarket constructor/supplier.

[AVANTI R5]

The last few BMW reveals, whether facelifted or all-new models, have all been polarizing in some way. Be it the iX electric SUV or the new 7 Series, BMW has made some shockingly bold choices, both aesthetically and with regards to pushing the boundaries of technology. It's for this reason that the latest BMW 3 Series is a refreshing departure, for the brand has shown us that it can still exercise a measure of restraint.





The refreshed 3 Series arrives with smartly updated exterior styling, a new cockpit with BMW's Curved Display and iDrive 8, and familiar class-leading powertrains. With mild-hybrid technology, the six-cylinder M340i is a sublime sports sedan, but even a base 330i exemplifies what the 3 Series has always been about. By not trying too hard, BMW's staple luxury sedan is a class act and ready to fend off the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.



Is the 2023 BMW 3 Series a good car?

Exterior Design 8 /10
Performance 9 /10
Fuel Economy 8 /10
Interior & Cargo 9 /10
Infotainment & Features 10 /10
Reliability 8 /10
Safety 10 /10
Value For Money 8 /10

8.8
What is BuzzScore?
When Is The 2023 BMW 3 Series Coming Out?

The release date for the BMW 3 Series has been scheduled for July 2022. Models destined for the USA will be built at the company's plant in San Luis Potosi, Mexico.

2023 BMW 3 Series Price And Competition

The 2023 BMW 3 Series' price remains unknown, but we expect this information to be coming out closer to the car's arrival. As usual, however, we expect it to cost a little more than the 2022 model which begins at $41,450.

In terms of rivals, it's no surprise that the BMW will once again be pitted against the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Starting at an MSRP of $43,550, the C-Class is closer to being a mini S-Class than ever before. However, the Merc isn't quite as sharp to drive and lacks a soulful six-cylinder engine option higher up in the lineup.


New BMW 3 Series Exterior

The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series exterior has held up well over the years, and this facelift smoothes things over and tightens up the details just enough. It's almost a surprise that the grille's size hasn't changed. It doesn't dominate the face, blending nicely with the restyled headlights that have a cleaner contour without the previous model's notch. The inverted L-shape of the daytime driving lights is modern and stylish, too. Lower down, there are air intakes finished in high-gloss black.

As standard, the 2023 3 Series comes with redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, while Skyscraper Grey metallic joins the selection of BMW 3 Series colors. Otherwise, the side profile hasn't changed much.

The 330i and 330e can be upgraded with an M Sport Package with new features like a large central air intake and deeply recessed air curtains.

At the back, the three-dimensional taillights remain familiar, but the M Sport's rear apron has new vertical reflectors and a new center diffuser element. For the 2023 model, Shadowline exterior trim is now standard, although the 330i and 330e are available with a more classic look via optional satin aluminum exterior trimmings. The M340i has a rear spoiler and aerodynamic kit.

BMW 3 Series Dimensions

We don't expect the dimensions of the new BMW 3 Series sedan to change much with the 2023 model, but the new rear apron and other changes could have altered things slightly. For reference, the 2022 BMW 330i measures 185.7 inches in length, 71.9 inches in width, 56.8 inches in height, and has a 112.2-inch wheelbase.


BMW 3 Series Engine And Performance

BMW powertrains are often difficult to fault. That would explain why there are no major changes to the lineup for the 2023 model. The BMW 3 Series engine lineup starts with the 330i delivering 255 horsepower and 294 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. In rear-wheel-drive form, it should be able to complete the 0-60 mph run in the mid-five-second range.

Next is the 330e plug-in hybrid. We anticipate the same combined specs of 288 hp and 310 lb-ft from the turbo-four and electric motor as the 2022 model.
Finally, the M340i is the hot performer that will make anyone question the need for the M3. The 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine was supplemented by a 48V mild-hybrid system last year, and it should retain outputs of 382 hp and 368 lb-ft. With the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this model can reach 60 mph in a little over four seconds.

All 3 Series models come with RWD with the option of adding xDrive AWD, and all use a fast-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission. Based on 2022 EPA ratings, the 330e RWD is the most efficient of the bunch with a 22-mile all-electric range and gas mileage figures of 28 mpg combined or 75 MPGe.
BMW 3 Series Interior And Cargo

Inside...





From behind the wheel, the BMW 3 Series interior's changes are impossible to miss. Making a grand entrance is BMW's Curved Display that combines a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen interface. iDrive 8 brings BMW's newest infotainment tech into the 3 Series with quick data processing speeds, the best connectivity features, and the clever BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. As standard, the 3 Series comes with navigation using cloud-based BMW Maps, Connected Parking for quickly finding the closest available parking spot, and an optional Personal eSIM linked to 5G connectivity.





The BMW 3 Series' front seats are both adjustable electrically, and the luxury atmosphere is bolstered by a sport leather steering wheel, ambient lighting, and open pore fine wood oak grain trim. Inside the M340i, wood trim is traded for sportier aluminum rhombicle anthracite.

Despite the impressive standard specification, the 2023 BMW 3 Series can be upgraded with options like a head-up dislay, a surround-view camera system, wireless device charging, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
The BMW 3 Series' trunk space should be retained. At 17 cubic feet, this is still a highly practical sedan.

[AVANTI R5]

[heavyD]

Looks great. Clean yet aggressive. The only thing I don't care for is the vertical black things on the rear bumper.

[AVANTI R5]

Originally Posted by heavyD

Looks great. Clean yet aggressive. The only thing I don't care for is the vertical black things on the rear bumper.

[4S-TURBO]

Legacy gets the crab claw surrounds and this gets the oven mitt gone stapler surrounds.

[AVANTI R5]

I'll take the Touring

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[dwf137]

Why are manufacturers still using the stupid joystick interface. I have yet to experience a worse way to interact with an infotainment system.

[heavyD]

What joystick? The nub is in the place of a console shifter (blame Porsche for this). The scroll wheel has been around since the original iDrive last decade and it's great as it's the only way to interface with the infotainment system without taking your eyes off the road to touch a screen.

[n2oiroc]

Originally Posted by dwf137

Why are manufacturers still using the stupid joystick interface. I have yet to experience a worse way to interact with an infotainment system.

many people prefer it. it's also a touchscreen so you can totally ignore the wheel and use the screen like normal.

[Dex]

that wrap around monitor. They fixed the grill and goofed the lights.

Also, I have a strange feeling the big grill version will attain some sort of cult collector status in the future.