The big-selling BMW 3 Series has received a host of detailed changes inside and out for 2024.
Both the 3 Series Saloon and Touring estate have received the changes, being the second midlife update since it was launched in 2018.
With more than 20 million examples of the 3 Series sold since 1975, getting this core model right is hugely important for BMW.
As such, there is no radical facelift here, but the subtlest of enhancements to ensure BMW’s compact executive saloon and estate stay on top of their game.
Evolutionary exterior design
Only the most fastidious of BMW enthusiasts will notice the redesigned bumpers and side sills, although there are new 19-inch alloy wheels for those picking an M Sport model.
The addition of Arctic Race Blue metallic and Fire Red metallic mean there are now nine paint options to choose from.
A simple petrol lineup starts with the 184hp four-cylinder 320i, featuring a rear-wheel drive layout. A big jump takes buyers to the six-cylinder M340i, with a substantial 374hp and xDrive all-wheel drive.
An eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox is standard across the 3 Series range, but steering-wheel mounted paddles are included.
Diesel ditched for more hybrid range
The updates for 2024 have removed a stalwart of the 3 Series range, with there now being no diesel engine option available.
Instead, this leaves the plug-in hybrid 330e as the likely preferred choice for fleet managers, although it too has received extra attention.
A larger 19.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows for an official range of up to 63 miles on electric power alone.
Charging should also be easier, with speeds of up to 11kW now supported, allowing the battery to be fully replenished in 2 hours 15 minutes.
More equipment, but fewer buttons
On the inside, BMW has pared down the number of buttons on the dashboard, with the iDrive touchscreen gaining more functions. This means the climate control and heated seats are all operated through the infotainment screen, although BMW’s rotary iDrive controller remains.
The latest generation of BMW’s iDrive operating software allows for more customisation of how the central display and digital instrument panel look.
A new ‘QuickSelect’ bar is intended to let drivers reach key functions without the need to delve through endless menus.
There are also new steering wheel designs, a larger range of interior trim, and even the option of Crafted Clarity crystal-effect finishes for the gear selector and iDrive controller.
On sale now for deliveries this summer
The 3 Series range begins with Sport trim, with 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, and three-zone climate control all included. BMW’s Live Cockpit Pro digital instrument panel, and a curved infotainment screen with satellite navigation, are also standard.
Prices for the BMW 3 Series start at £39,045 for the 320i in saloon form, with the 330e plug-in hybrid requiring at least £46,080. The range-topping M340i costs from £57,845.
Orders can be placed for the updated BMW 3 Series now, with production expected to begin in July 2024. The first deliveries to customers should happen later in the summer.