As the sedan segment itselfSports sedans are a dying breed. There are only a small handful of fun-to-drive, rear-wheel-drive midsize sedans left in the US market. Fortunately, BMW isn’t giving up on the segment it practically invented. the segment leader Series 3 it’s been updated for 2023 with styling and features that should keep its loyal buyers from drifting to the dark side of jeeps. I just got back from BMW’s annual Test Fest in Southern California, where the brand brings together cars and journalists to catch up on all the new models. Here’s what you can expect from the 2023 Series 3.
BMW 3 Series 2023: classic, efficient or M3-lite
For 2023, the 3 Series lineup consists of three powertrain options for the US market. We start with what BMW calls its flagship model, the 330i. Power comes from a 255-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (because remember, The numerical names of BMW models no longer mean anything). That engine is paired only with an eight-speed automatic – you can’t get a stick shift in a base 3-series these days. The 330i is the classic choice for those who just want a no-frills 3-series sedan.
for those who want a bit of efficiencyyou can choose the 330e plug-in hybrid. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder with 181 hp is paired with a 107-hp electric motor for a total of 288 hp. There is also a 12 kWh battery pack that will allow the 330e drive up to 22 miles on electric range alone.
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The top of the 3 Series range is what I think of as “the M3 lite,” the M340i. It’s a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder with 382 hp. The big news for 2023 is the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system on the M340i, integrated directly into the eight-speed automatic transmission (again, the only transmission available). While it offers some efficiency improvements and makes the stop/start system smoother, BMW says the hybrid system’s primary goal here is to increase overtaking power and off-the-line acceleration.
Another bonus: xDrive all-wheel drive is available with all 3 Series powertrains.
2023 BMW M340i: No really, it’s an M3 Lite
BMW threw me the keys to a 2023 M340i and told me to have a few hours of fun driving through and around the San Bernardino National Forest. I wanted to see how the addition of the mild hybrid system affects the handling of this performance sedan.
The first thing you notice is how quiet the 2023 M340i is under normal driving. Coming out of the hotel and stopping at a few traffic lights, the hybrid setup meshes seamlessly with the start/stop system. Usually I have a universal hatred for this type of system as they are often annoying and rude when they get involved. But I must say that the M340i had one of the smoothest stop-start systems I’ve come across. I never actually tried to disable it, which is a first for me.
Once I hit the mountain pass, I hit the sport mode button to liven things up. I’m here to tell you that the M340i is excellent. Some Recent BMW decisions May seem to indicate which has the brand forgotten which stands for Ultimate Driving Machine, but the 2023 M340i dispels that fear. The chassis and the way the car responds to inputs are really great. I understood everything that was going on from the feedback through the steering wheel. I was confident enough to corner 15 to 20 mph faster than I would have done and I don’t wonder if the front end would wash out without warning.
The mild hybrid system acts almost like a second turbocharger that is always on. Passing slow-moving vehicles on two-lane highways is incredibly easy. And the exhaust note is glorious. BMW’s inline six-cylinder engine has always had a great voice, but I didn’t expect it to pop and bubble under throttle. It’s a fun touch, especially on a hybrid, and definitely turns heads. The level of performance is so high that a few years ago it could have been an M3.
2023 BMW 3 Series: New Styling and Features
The 3 Series gets some technology and styling updates for 2023. The 330i and 330e get sporty new front and rear bumpers, with gloss black air intakes in front of the front wheels; the headlights and DRLs are slimmer and have a more chiseled look.
The 2023 330i and 330e are available with the M Sport Appearance Package. You get M-specific front and rear skirts, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a honeycomb pattern on the front grille. It’s not all show business, either: the M Sport package brings adaptive suspension and sport steering.
You’ll really be able to set the 2023 M340i apart from the rest of the lineup, thanks to its more aggressive styling, from a mesh design on the kidney grilles to M-specific exhaust outlets and 18-inch (or optional 19) wheels. -inches) M double-spoke rims.
The interior also receives a redesign. As with so many new vehicles, the 3 Series ditches its separate instrument panel and infotainment screen and replaces them with a large curved panel that houses two screens. BMW has upgraded the 3 Series’ infotainment system with the latest iDrive 8 operating system, which runs on a 14.9-inch screen, along with a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel. Slimmer air vents and a small lever-type gear selector help make the interior sleeker and more minimalist.
The 2023 BMW 3 Series is now on sale. The base-spec 330i starts at $43,295; the 330e adds $1,000. You have to pay to play when it comes to the M340i, which starts at $55,845. Add $2,000 to add xDrive all-wheel drive to any model. All prices listed here include BMW’s $995 destination fee.
It’s great to see BMW keeping the sports sedan alive with the 3 Series. the next EV revolution We hope that a future all-electric 3 Series can continue that effort. Until then, the 2023 3 Series does a great job of living up to the brand’s legend.
