2022 BMW 3 Series vs 2023 BMW 3 Series

The 2022 BMW 3 Series lineup included the 330i, 330e, M340i, and M3, with base prices ranging from $41,450 to $73,000, excluding a $995 destination charge. Each version had a different powertrain, with the 330i and 330e featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the latter paired with plug-in hybrid technology offering 23 miles of electric range. The M340i boasted a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, while the high-performance M3 topped the range. The M340i test vehicle, priced at $67,390, featured Barbera Red special-order paint, Cognac SensaTec upholstery, and several optional packages, including the Driving Assistance Pro and Adaptive M Suspension. The M340i's exterior design included exclusive grille and bumper designs, Shadowline trim, and blue brake calipers, with optional 19-inch wheels enhancing its sporty appeal. Inside, the SensaTec upholstery and dashboard wrap provided an upscale look, with the Cognac color adding a trendy contrast to the dark cabin. The 3 Series' interior featured quality materials and a technical design focused on driving enjoyment.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series, part of the seventh-generation model that debuted in 2019, received a mid-cycle refresh. The lineup continued with the 330i, 330e, and M340i. Exterior design changes were subtle but sporty, with a narrow kidney grille, redesigned full-LED headlights, and reshaped lower air intakes. Standard 18-inch double-spoke light alloys and optional 19-inch wheels were available. Shadowline trim became standard, with new paint options like Skyscraper Grey and Brooklyn Grey metallic. The M340i featured a mesh-design kidney grille, trapezoidal tailpipes, and a body-color M rear spoiler. Inside, the new 3 Series came standard with BMW iDrive 8 and the BMW Curved Display, totaling 27.2 inches of high-definition screens. The minimalist dashboard design and driver-centric cockpit were complemented by the M Sport package, which added an M leather steering wheel and Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite interior finish.

The 2022 BMW M340i was equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine featuring 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, producing 382 horsepower between 5,800 rpm and 6,500 rpm and 368 pound-feet of torque from 1,800 rpm to 5,000 rpm. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the M340i accelerated to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The car's M Sport differential, four-wheel ventilated-disc brakes, variable sport steering, and standard M Sport suspension contributed to its impressive driving dynamics. The optional Adaptive M Suspension further enhanced the car's handling. The M340i returned 24.9 mpg on the evaluation route, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg combined. The car's performance was thrilling, with precise steering and a responsive drivetrain, making it a perfect tool for carving canyons.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series carried over its powertrains from the previous model year. The 330i featured a twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds. The 330e, with its eDrive electric motor pairing, produced a combined output of 288 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.6 seconds and up to 22 miles of electric-only range. The M340i, with its 48-volt mild-hybrid system, offered 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Fuel economy ratings were close, with the 330i achieving 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined, while the 330e received a gas-only rating of 28 combined mpg and 75 MPGe combined in electric mode. The M340i achieved 23 city, 31 highway, and 26 combined mpg. The 330i test vehicle, equipped with the M Sport package, Dynamic Handling package, and Driving Assistance package, provided a comfortable and precise driving experience, though it lacked the sport-tuned feel of the M340i.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series offered a traditional four-door sedan design with power-adjustable front sport seats providing ample support. The driving position was perfect, with a thick-rimmed steering wheel for comfort and grip. Rear seat passengers had enough legroom for four relatively tall people, though the center rear seating position was likely to go unused. The back seat was comfortable, with good thigh support. Standard features included a three-zone automatic climate control system, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel available through the Premium package. Interior storage space was decent, with a 17 cubic-foot trunk and a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for added utility.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series provided a compact but not claustrophobic interior, with 38.7 inches of headroom and 42 inches of legroom up front, and 37.6 inches of headroom and 35.2 inches of legroom in the rear. Standard upholstery was SensaTec faux leather, with power-adjustable front sport seats offering good bolstering and adjustable thigh support. The leather steering wheel provided plenty of grip, and ergonomics were excellent, with easy access to controls. Cargo capacity was 17 cubic feet, with a 40/20/40-split folding rear seat for larger items. Standard features included a power moonroof, with available options like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, power lumbar support, keyless entry, and remote start.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series came standard with Live Cockpit Professional, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel, a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a navigation system. BMW iDrive 7.0 was intuitive to use, with multiple control options, including a center console knob, touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system were standard. Connected Package Pro technology included BMW Remote Services and Intelligent Personal Assistant. The optional Premium package added a head-up display, though it could be challenging to read with polarized sunglasses. The Driving Assistance Professional package included a surround-view camera system, parking sensors, and autonomous parking capability.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series featured the new iDrive 8 system with a curved display, combining a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The system was fast and user-friendly, with customizable widgets and easy access to controls. BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant provided natural speech recognition for various commands. Standard features included USB-C ports, enhanced Bluetooth, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a 10-speaker HiFi sound system, and a one-year SiriusXM subscription. Available options included wireless device charging, a premium Harman Kardon surround sound system, and a wireless 5G hotspot.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series included Active Guard, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, city-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The optional Driving Assistance package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driving Assistance Professional package included lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, evasive-steering assist, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA.

The 2023 BMW 3 Series received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, though the PHEV model was not rated. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2023 model, but the 2022 model earned a Top Safety Pick. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, LED headlights, BMW Assist eCall, Active Guard, and the Active Protection System. The Driving Assistance Package added active blind spot detection, lane-departure warning, park-distance control, and pedestrian and frontal collision warnings. The Driving Assistance Professional Package included semi-autonomous driving systems, lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, emergency stop assistant, and evasion aid. Additional safety options included Parking Distance Control and Drive Recorder.