Road tested by Hugh Maguire.
Its nearly mid June and the change over to a 224 plate will soon be upon us, a time when some will consider changing their car for a new one.
Well you might like to consider the latest version of the BMW 3 Series if your in the market for a premium luxury saloon.
With a 49 year pedigree the 3 Series is well known to be the benchmark in the premium midsize saloon class though Audi and Mercedes have of late gained ground with some excellent rivals of their own.
I have always been impressed with their continued focus on making the car a rewarding driving experience. Most of the changes of late have been well received except maybe that huge front grille on the 4 Series and the latest digital dashboards which are not so attractive.
BMW are calling this a “new 3 Series” but its not all new rather a revised or refreshed version but certainly from what I have seen the updates are really worthwhile.
Prices for the latest 3 Series range start at €56,700 for the 330e and there will of course be both saloon and touring (read estate) versions.
So whats new?
Well from the outside you would want to be a BMW observer to notice the changes. There are minor styling tweaks that freshen up the look of the whole car and details in the design to give better aerodynamics. Some great new colours are available too which help freshen up the look.
How about the cabin?
Inside there are numerous small cosmetic changes including new steering wheel designs which although small these changes when combined do update the interior quite well. Drivers are greeted by that huge curved digital display. A 12.3 inch information display behind the steering wheel and a mammoth 14.9 inch display towards the centre but all merging into one simply gargantuan screen! Personally I don’t like it I think it looks bland and its too fussy. Their previous digital display was in my opinion better. Unfortunately BMW have now put the temperature selection of the climate control system via the touchscreen or voice command (no real buttons sadly). They may well regret that choice as EURO NCAP are going to deduct safety points from car manufacturers who place too much functionality via touchscreens as finally it has been acknowledged that they are distracting. Something I have been writing about for years! Give us real buttons, they work, they are intuitive and much less distracting than prodding at numerous menus in a giant touchscreen!
All versions of this 3 series get the latest Operating 8.5 infotainment system as well as a Steptronic sport transmission as standard.
There is a choice of petrol engines including a plug-in hybrid. The news here is an increased range for the PHEV claimed at up to 101km.
All models boast better standard kit including auto dimming mirrors, Park distance control, plus as standard BMW ‘Live Cockpit plus” including BMW Maps navigation system.
There will of course be the M-Sport versions too for those who want a bit more individuality and performance. Most of the changes here are I think welcome but I still really dislike that huge curved screen we have seen already in some other models. The other upgrades though are really worthwhile and the improved technology and aerodynamics will benefit fuel consumption too no doubt.
The BMW 3 Series has always delivered in terms of being a rewarding driving experience and I expect this latest version to be no different. A full road test will follow in the coming months.