A BMW 3 Series without a diesel engine? Yes, we’re in the future, as BMW releases a host of updates for its iconic saloon and estate.
So now your choice is between a petrol engine, a fast petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid. The latter, badged 330e, now boasts a bigger 19.5kWh battery for a longer 63-mile range – so longer journeys can be covered on mostly electric power if you keep it charged up.
Three-phase 11kW charging is now standard – even though most homes can only charge at 7kW – and the battery charges to full in two-and-a-quarter hours.
As before, both the petrol engines feature mild-hybrid tech to reduce fuel consumption, and the upshot is that the 320i manages 43mpg and the M340i returns 36mpg if you can resist the urge to put your foot down. Aluminium in the 3 Series’ construction is 50% recycled, and the new aluminium wheels are made from 70% recycled materials.
Inside, the 3 Series features the latest BMW infotainment system (iDrive 8.5, to be precise), and benefits from a brand-new QuickSelect button. Replacing the iDrive controller on the centre console, this QuickSelect button aims to make the system easier to use by putting regularly used features at your fingertips.
There’s also a new M Performtex suede-like upholstery material for M Sport models, with leather as an option, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel too.
Sport and M Sport trims make up the range, with the M Sport Pro pack being an optional extra and the M340i sitting alone at the top of the tree. Standard equipment for the Sport trim includes self-parking tech, three-zone climate control, sat nav and BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus infotainment system, which consists of a 10.25-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital dial display. A powered tailgate also features on the 3 Series Touring estate as standard.
Prices start from £39,045 for a 320i saloon in Sport trim, while the 330e plug-in hybrid is £7,000 more and the M340i kicks off at £57,845. The estate costs an extra £1,800 across the lineup. Production of the updated 3 Series starts in July, with the first customer deliveries following shortly after.
The rapid BMW M3 now only comes with xDrive four-wheel drive, but has gained a 20hp boost to 530hp.
Shop our enticing range of used BMW 3 Series cars for sale, or read our BMW 3 Series review
