The seventh generation of the BMW 3 Series receives a new update at several levels

A couple of years ago the popular BMW 3 Series received a major update in its seventh generation, which came loaded with aesthetic touch-ups, especially inside, and also, to a lesser extent, technological changes affecting the infotainment system and its operation. Now the seventh generation of the 3 Series improves even further with another update, this time more focused on its technology, handling and powertrains.

In this way, BMW takes a fairly low-key approach when it comes to the styling of the 3 Series in both Saloon and Touring bodywork, although there is some news. In this regard, the brand offers it with a colour palette that has been expanded with two solid shades and seven metallic finishes, while, as for the wheels available as an option, with the M package there will be new M wheels in 19 inches and in Jet Black or two-tone finishes, as well as for the BMW Individual range, also with a new 19-inch two-tone design.

Moving to the interior, there will also be news regarding the materials we can include. If we opt for the M Sport package or any of the M Performance models, we will have available the new M Performtex upholstery for the sports seats, an innovative velvet-quality covering that maintains the sporty character while also being more sustainable. The M Sport package also benefits from a new three-spoke M leather steering wheel, with a flat base to the rim and a central marking at 12 o’clock.

Despite being the smallest saloon in the BMW range, this does not mean it cannot convey the premium character of higher models, which is why the brand has also revised the interior trim, now fitting the Dark Graphite matt colour as standard, without forgetting a more exquisite feel, with the option of CraftedClarity glass applications.

As for the interior design, BMW has optimised the centre console of the Series by eliminating the buttons used to select temperature, fan intensity, seat heating and steering wheel heating (where fitted). These functions can now be operated via the curved screen of BMW or by voice commands, thanks to the introduction of the BMW 8.5 operating system, which also allows the BMW Maps navigation system to offer more information. In addition, the interior lighting is now fitted as standard with cascading lighting integrated into the trim surrounding the ventilation grilles on the centre console.

The petrol engines of the BMW 3 Series remain unchanged, with outputs ranging from 156 CV in the 318i to 374 CV in the M340i, while on the diesel side we start at 122 CV in the 316d and go up to 340 CV in the M340d; all of them equipped with the mild-hybrid (MHEV) 48 V technology and the eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox.

Those that do improve their characteristics are the plug-in hybrid versions, which are now reduced to the 330e and 330e Touring versions. These still maintain their 292 CV output but receive a new 19.5 kWh battery that considerably increases the range of both in fully electric mode, now between 85 and 100 kilometres for the saloon bodywork and between 85 and 91 kilometres if the Touring bodywork is chosen. In addition, it now also allows three-phase charging of up to 11 kW, so the battery can be fully charged in 2 hours and 15 minutes.

The brand has confirmed that the new BMW 3 Series will arrive in the various markets during next July, although for the moment both equipment and prices are reserved for the Spanish market, so we will have to wait to learn these last details.

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 318 versions · from 50,200 €