BMW 3 Series updated for 2022 with exterior design tweaks and Curved Display dashboard
3 Series makes up 14% of BMW’s worldwide sales
BMW has announced details of its updated 3 Series, which has been given a light refresh with a few exterior tweaks and a modernised interior.
The facelift starts with the revised front apron, and the reworked LED headlights are now slimmer than before with the daytime running lights arranged in an inverted “L” shape.
The kidney grille now features double bars, while its shape has also been slightly modified. Other small changes have taken place at the back including a revised rear apron and as standard the new 3 Series sits on a set of 17in alloy wheels.
Although the exterior changes are subtle, it’s a bigger story inside with the addition of the large Curved Display as seen on other models in the BMW line-up including the iX and new 7 Series.
The Curved Display combines a 12.3in driver’s information cluster behind the steering wheel with a 14.9in multimedia and control screen to create a single unit, slightly curved and angled ergonomically towards the driver.
The system runs the latest BMW Operating System 8, with its voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant available for tasks such as opening or closing a window, turning on heated seats or adjusting the air conditioning.
Beyond the Curved Display, the rest of the interior changes are mostly minor with redesigned air vents and gear selector for the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
That transmission is standard, which comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. Other tech features now also part of the 3 Series’ standard specification include an automatically-dimming rear-view mirror and Park Distance Control with proximity sensors at the front and rear.
In terms of its engine options, the 3 Series range is largely the same as before with a line-up ranging from the 181bhp 320i through mild- and plug-in hybrids to the top-of-the-line M340i xDrive with 369bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds.
However, the 2-litre turbocharged engine in the 330i model has seen some revisions with the exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head and an upgraded turbocharger system, meaning that it now develops 254bhp. The 320d and M340d diesels both now get 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available as an option on the 320d, 320i and 330e and is standard on the two range-toppers, the M340i and M340d.
Apart from the obvious power differences between the performance models and the rest of the range, both the M340i and M340d get their own design cues with a mesh kidney grille, exclusive 19in alloy wheels and trapezoidal exhaust pipes.
LED headlights with blue accents are now standard on both the Touring and saloon, but a carbon-fibre roof can only be optioned on the saloons.
For those that would like the M look, but not the price tag, there’s always the option of the M Sport specification that adds 18in alloy wheels as standard and an expanded range of colours.
The kidney grille gets chrome accents, and the large lower air intake features hexagonal contours and a honeycomb pattern for a sportier look, the recessed air vents at the outer edges of the front end accentuating the car’s width.
All M Sport models (except the plug-in hybrid) feature a bespoke M Sport suspension and a few small interior touches such as M-specific upholstery and trim.
Orders for the new 3 Series are open now, with production scheduled to begin in July, meaning that the updated models will likely start arriving in the UK in the autumn. Pricing for the 320i starts from £36,670.
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- After reading details about the updated BMW 3 Series for 2022, you might be interested to see our review of a prototype of the 2023 BMW XM
- Refreshed BMW X7 revealed with updated styling, revamped interior and mild-hybrid assistance
- Or, check out the best luxury cars to buy in 2022
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