Like the same sedan pieceSports sedans are a dying breed. There are only a few midsize rear-wheel drive sedans and fun-to-drive sedans on the US market. Fortunately, BMW is largely not giving up on the part it invented. The Class 3 Leader – Series Updated for 2023 with a design and features that will prevent loyal buyers from veering into The dark side of SUV. I just got back from BMW’s annual test festival in Southern California, where the auto brand and journalists gather to catch up on all the new models. Here’s what you can expect from the 2023 3-Series.
2023 BMW 3 Series: Classic, Active or M3-lite
For 2023, the 3-Series range consists of three powertrain options for the US market. We start with what BMW calls its base model, 330i. Power comes from a 2.0-liter, four-turbocharged engine with 255 horsepower (remember, Digital BMW model names mean nothing anymore). This engine is only paired with an eight-speed automatic—you can’t get a gearshift on a basic 3-series today. 330i is the classic choice for those who just want 3-Series Sedan No Frills.
Whoever wants a bit of efficiencyyou can choose 330e . hybrid. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 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 allows this 330e For driving 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,” M340i. 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine with 382 hp. The big news of 2023 is the addition of 48V Light Hybrid System on the M340i, integrated directly into the eight-speed automatic transmission (again, the only transmission available). While it does provide some efficiency improvements and makes the engine’s stop/start system smoother, BMW says the main purpose of the hybrid system here is to increase cross-country ability and off-line acceleration.
Another plus: xDrive all-wheel drive is available with every powertrain in the 3 Series.
2023 BMW M340i: No seriously, it’s the M3 Lite
BMW threw me the car keys in 2023 M340i And she told me to enjoy a few hours of driving in and around the San Bernardino National Forest. I wanted to see how adding the mild hybrid system affects the handling of the high-performance sedan.
The first thing you notice is how quiet the 2023 M340i is under normal driving. Pulling out of the hotel and stopping at some lights, the hybrid setup seamlessly turns the on/off system. I usually Universal hatred for these kinds of regimes Because they are often annoying and rough when sharing. But I have to say, the M340i had one of the smoothest shutdowns I’ve ever had. I’ve never tried to deactivate it, and this is a first for me.
Once I made it to the mountain pass, I hit the Sport mode button to spice things up. I’m here to tell you that the M340i is excellent. some BMW’s recent decisions mayo seems to indicate owned by the brand forgotten What the ultimate driving machine is, but the 2023 M340i dispels that fear. The chassis and the way the car responds to inputs are really excellent. I understood all the feedback that was going on through the steering wheel. I was confident enough to take 15-20mph faster curves than I would and not wondering if the front end would wash out without warning.
The mild hybrid system operates almost like a second always-on turbocharger. Passing slow-moving vehicles on two-lane roads is very easy. And note the exhaust Glorious. The BMW six in a row has always sounded great, but I wasn’t expecting it to go off and stutter when idle. This is a fun twist, especially on the hybrid, and it definitely catches the eye. The level of performance is very high, a few years ago this M3 would have been.
2023 BMW 3 Series: Elegance and New Features
The 3 Series gets some design and technical updates for 2023. The 330i and 330e models get new sportier front and rear bumpers, with gloss black air intakes in front of the front wheels; Headlights and DRLs are slimmer with a more patterned look.
The 202330i and 330e are available with the M Sport Appearance Package. You get M-specific front and rear axles, 19-inch alloy wheels and a honeycomb pattern on the front grille. Not just the show, but the M Sport package offers 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 design throughout, from the grille on the kidney grilles to the M’s own exhaust ports and the optional 18-inch (or 19-inch) M split wheels.
The interior is getting a redesign too. As with many new vehicles, the 3 Series forgoes a separate instrument cluster and infotainment screen and replaces it with a large curved panel that houses two screens. BMW has updated the 3-Series infotainment system with the latest iDrive 8 operating system, which works on a 14.9-inch screen, along with a 12.3-inch screen behind the steering wheel. The slimmer air intakes and a small gear selector help make the interior more elegant and simple.
The 2023 BMW 3-Series is now up for sale. 330i base specs start 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. You earn $2000 for adding an xDrive all-wheel drive system to any piece. All prices listed here include the $995 BMW destination fee.
It’s great to see BMW maintain the sporty sedan life with the 3 Series. with The next electric car revolution There is hope that in the future the all-electric 3-Series will be able to continue this effort. Until then, the 2023 3-Series is doing a great job of living up to the brand’s legend.
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