BMW has made some changes to the 3 series, including updates to the design, interior, and features. This upgrade will first take place in Europe, but the diesel iterations will be limited in markets and not make it to some, like the UK. Let us look into how the best-selling BMW has changed with this facelift.
Engine Upgrades to the BMW 3 Series
The primary energy source of the 3 series is the 2L 4-cylinder petrol engine. It is helped out by a new 19.5kWh battery that powers the PHEV system. This battery is 7.5 kWh bigger than before. This battery's range is 35 km higher than before and stands at 101 km. The charging support is up to 11 kW, which can be charged in 2 hours and 15 minutes. The system can produce a total output of 300 hp, an 8 hp upgrade than before.
The 320i, on the other hand, gets a mild-hybrid system that helps a 2L 4-cylinder engine produce a total output of 184 hp. It can accelerate from a dead stop to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and go all the way to 250 km/h. The 340i, on the other hand, has a 3L straight six along with a 48V starter-generator, which can give a combined power of 374 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This sedan has a 0-100 acceleration time of 4.4 seconds.
Design Changes of BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 series' design changes are subtle. These include a sleeker and more aerodynamic front bumper and sharper sills. It is available in 9 colours. It now comes with 3 tyre options: 17-inch tyres for the standard variant, 18-inch for the plug-in hybrid versions, and 19-inch ones with the M sport package.
The first significant change is the upgraded chassis of the BMW 3 series, which has led to a considerable increase in comfort in every terrain while not affecting the driving involvement. The changes include more rigid mounting points for the rear dampers, more responsive steering, and an additional option to upgrade the adaptive dampers. BMW has reduced the weight of the three series by using aluminium to make the bonnet, engine subframe, front wheel arches and front spring struts.
Interior of the BMW 3 Series
BMW has decided to go all digital inside with a theme called the "clean, pared-back look". It does away with the buttons used for heated seats and steering and instead uses a 14.9-inch touchscreen display. This screen runs on the latest iDrive system, which comes with a customizable widget bar according to the driver's preferences. It also has augmented reality for navigation, a 5G network and connected car tech with the MyBMW app. This display is coupled with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver. A 3-zone automatic climate control handles the cooling.
Some trim pieces like the iDrive controller, ignition button and gear selector are now part of BMW's Crafted Clarity application. It also now gets a new sports steering wheel and air-vent design. New ambient lights come with the function of alerting the driver for incoming calls or an open door. The upholstery on offer is the M Performtex seats. You can get these as an option for the standard 3 series, but they are standard with the M340i and new M3. Additional upgrades are available for the interiors, including aluminium inserts, dark graphite matt, grey-blue ash wood and carbon fibre.
India Launch of BMW 3 Series
BMW has given no updates on whether this facelift will make it to India. For now, you can buy the 3 series in either a long-wheelbase version, the 330Li and 33Ld, which cost Rs 60.60 Lakh, or a standard-wheelbase option, the M340i, which will cost Rs 72.90 Lakh (Ex-showroom).
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