BMW 3 Series range update on the way

BMW has announced new 3 Series sedan and wagon models due Down Under in Q4 this year, however the range appears relatively unchanged compared to the more significant mid-life facelift it received in 2022.

According to BMW, there is more technology, an updated interior, mechanical improvements and subtle changes to exterior styling. The images, though, confirm this is a very minor update.

Despite entering the market in 2018, with a major ‘LCI’ update to follow in 2022, the current ‘G20’ 3 Series looks set to remain until 2027 when a new model range is rumoured to be on the cards. That means the G20 will run for an unprecedented nine years, compared with the typical seven-year lifespan of a BMW model generation.

On the technology front, BMW has updated the infotainment with its latest Operating System 8.5 and more ambient lighting features have been added. The updated operating system opens up additional navigation functions like ‘augmented view’.

The interior gets a few other upgrades like redesigned air conditioning vents and adjustment knobs, a flat-bottom M leather steering wheel and M Sport seats. New 19-inch alloy wheel designs are offered, too, which account for the exterior changes.

BMW has confirmed that the new lineup will include existing 330i and M340i xDrive variants, with high-performance M3 sedan and touring updates also locked in.

The 330e PHEV, however, was pulled from Australia earlier this year and it is unclear as to whether BMW plans to bring it back. It is also not yet known whether Australia will receive the mild-hybrid M340i available in Europe as part of this range update.

It is expected that 330i and 340i models will have the same powertrains, but it has not yet been confirmed. The 330i is currently powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 190kW/400Nm, while the 340i gets a 3.0-litre six-cylinder producing 285kW/500Nm.

BMW has, however, confirmed a performance bump for all-wheel drive M3 xDrive models, with outputs of 390kW/650Nm - 15kw more than the outgoing model - and a 0-100km/h sprint time as low as 3.5 seconds for the sedan.

The M3 xDrive sedan will also hit 200km/h in 11.8 seconds, while the touring does it in 12.4 seconds - both 0.5 seconds quicker.

Standard rear-wheel drive M3 sedans still score 353kW/550Nm, and the six-speed manual option is here to stay, too.

Despite the long run of the current 3 Series G20 model generation, of which BMW has sold almost three million units globally, local registrations of sedan and touring models were up 27 per cent in April compared with the same period last year.

The range is available from mid-year in Europe, making its way to Australia by the fourth quarter with pricing to be confirmed in July.