Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

BMW 3 Series review: a great car, but electric rivals are closing the gap

The BMW 3 Series offers fine performance, driving dynamics, technology and refinement, but electric rivals are catching up

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.5 out of 5

Price
£40,180 to £60,020
  • Great to drive
  • Excellent infotainment
  • Frugal yet potent engines
  • High list prices
  • Steering slightly lifeless
  • Plug-in hybrid is costlier to run than rivals
Find your BMW 3 Series
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

The 3 Series has always been great to drive, offering engaging handling and sure-footed road holding. The latest model retains its driver appeal, punchy performance and impressive frugality, but has added a more luxurious driving experience, more interior space and an impressive array of technology to its arsenal.

While prices have risen a little since the previous generation, standard equipment is significantly higher. The updated styling is a conservative evolution of what’s gone before it, but with a stronger, lighter body the car’s refinement has improved too. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

With its class-leading blend of performance and economy, the 3 Series went straight to the top of the compact executive class when it launched, and a facelift in 2022 only strengthened its hand.

About the BMW 3 Series

​When BMW first launched the 3 Series 45 years ago, it had the junior executive market more or less to itself. But over the years key rivals such as the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class have played catch up. Plus, there’s the Jaguar XE and Alfa Romeo Giulia to consider, along with upmarket family cars like the Skoda SuperbVolkswagen Arteon, and Peugeot 508. And let’s not forget the all-electric threat of the Tesla Model 3, which is offering company car buyers some very favourable tax rates and blisteringly quick performance.

In spite of ever-increasing competition, the BMW 3 Series is a phenomenally successful model, with its six previous incarnations having sold over 15 million examples. The arrival of the seventh-generation G20 model in 2019 was the latest step in this important lineage.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

In replacing its best-selling executive saloon, BMW managed to retain the previous model’s driver appeal while making improvements in interior space, cabin quality and cutting-edge technology. A refresh in 2022 introduced reworked styling inside and out – taking inspiration from the larger BMW 5 Series, with slimmed-down headlights and a larger and more aggressive lower grille for the popular M Sport trim.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The interior now features BMW’s ‘Curved Display’, with an instrument and infotainment panel that appears seamless and sits perched atop the dashboard, running BMW’s latest OS 8 software.

​​BMW has offered a wide range of engines in the 3 Series in the past, but those choices were slimmed down as part of the updates we’ve already mentioned. Gone are the 154bhp 318i, 254bhp 330i, 148bhp 318d, 282bhp 330d, and the four-wheel drive option for the 320i and 320d, to be replaced with a 182bhp 320i, a 187bhp 320d (with some 48v mild-hybrid tech), a 369bhp straight-six M340i xDrive, and a 335bhp high-performance M340d xDrive with a muscular 700Nm of torque

For company car drivers, there’s a plug-in hybrid 330e. It uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the 320i, but also adds an electric motor for a combined output of 288bhp. BMW claims its 3 Series PHEV can travel up to 38.5 miles purely on electric power, and it can also be equipped with either rear or four-wheel drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Two trim levels are available throughout the 3 Series range – Sport and M Sport. All cars are well appointed with sat nav, LED headlights, three-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlayAndroid Auto and heated seats, as well as BMW’s Live Cockpit Plus with Curved Display. BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant is also included, allowing you to operate many of the car’s functions via voice control.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The popular M Sport trim has always been the favoured choice in the UK with its more aggressive M Sport bodykit. The range-topping M340d and M340i high-performance versions go further still with 19-inch alloy wheels, unique trim detailing, upgraded brakes and sports suspension.

Used and nearly new

The BMW 3 Series is considered one of the best compact executive cars on the market, and buyers looking for a used model will find many examples up for sale at dealerships and specialist outlets. With a history dating back to 1975, many early cars are now considered classics and command high prices. If you're in the market for an older model, it's worth consulting with an expert and doing lots of research before you part with your cash.

Those seeking more modern machinery will have the choice of saloon, estate, coupe and convertible models, while the 3 Series GT five-door hatchback offers a more niche option. It may not be the class leader for practicality, but the 3 Series offers enough options for family life, while keen drivers will be happy with a great handling car and the choice of some outstanding petrol and diesel engines.

BMW 3 Series history

Used BMW 3 Series Mk6 - front

BMW 3 Series F30 Mk6: 2012-2018

A well-looked-after Mk6 BMW 3 Series should make a great used buy; comfortable, well-equipped and good to drive, the F30 range also offered powerful, efficient engines in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid form. Cars produced after July 2015 received a facelift, with sharper exterior styling and the introduction of LED headlights, along with BMW's iDrive system being fitted as standard on all models.

If you're after plug-in hybrid power, you'll be looking at a post-2016 car. Sport, Modern, and Luxury trim levels offer a slightly different look from the ubiquitous M Sport-spec versions. The Mk6 3 Series had six manufacturer recall notices during its lifetime, so be sure to check all remedial work has been done before you buy. Read our full Mk6 BMW 3 Series buyer’s guide here…

Frequently Asked Questions
We think the BMW 3 Series is one of the best cars in its class. It’s highly enjoyable to drive and boasts some excellent on-board technology, but this hasn’t resulted in the sacrifice in overall refinement. It’ll have affordable running costs for private buyers, but company car drivers may want to look at an all-electric Tesla Model 3, or the Mercedes C300e, because both have lower company car tax costs.

For an alternative review of the BMW 3 Series, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    318i SE 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £30,470

Most Economical

  • Name
    330e SE Pro 4dr Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £36,970

Fastest

  • Name
    M340i xDrive 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £48,070

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

Skip advert
Advertisement

More on 3 Series

Best cars for £15,000 or less
Best cars for £15,000 - header
Best cars & vans
18 Mar 2024

Best cars for £15,000 or less

Spending around £15,000 doesn’t get you much in the new car market these days, but it can land you a brilliant used model
Best rear-wheel drive cars 2024
Best rear-wheel drive cars - header image
Best cars & vans
15 Mar 2024

Best rear-wheel drive cars 2024

Rear-wheel drive is often praised as the drivetrain that delivers the most fun. Here are 10 cars that do exactly that
Best cars for £30,000 or less
Best cars for £30,000 or less - header image
Best cars & vans
7 Mar 2024

Best cars for £30,000 or less

Got a budget of £30,000 to spend on a new car? You may want to check out these excellent used buys first
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best fast family cars 2024
Best fast family cars - February update
Best cars & vans
1 Feb 2024

Top 10 best fast family cars 2024

Having a family shouldn't limit you to a boring hatchback or people carrier - here's our top 10 fast family cars
Best new car deals 2024
Best new car deals - header image
Best cars & vans
26 Jan 2024

Best new car deals 2024

Thinking of buying a new car? These are some of the best new car deals on the market right now…
Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024
Best plug-in hybrids - header image
Best cars & vans
25 Jan 2024

Top 10 best plug-in hybrids to buy 2024

The plug-in hybrid market has grown exponentially in recent years. Here are our electrified favourites
Top 10 best family cars to buy 2024
Best family cars - header image
Best cars & vans
23 Jan 2024

Top 10 best family cars to buy 2024

What are the best family cars on sale? Whether you're after an SUV or an affordable hatchback, our top 10 list reveals all...
Best car leasing deals 2024
Best car leasing deals header - January 2024
Best cars & vans
11 Jan 2024

Best car leasing deals 2024

Car leasing can be a cheaper alternative to other kinds of car finance deal and help get you behind the wheel of a new car for less. Here are some gre…
Best used estate cars 2024
Best used estate cars - header image
Best cars & vans
10 Jan 2024

Best used estate cars 2024

Our list of the best used estate cars will help you find a super-practical and affordable family car
Skip advert
Advertisement
Best used hybrid cars 2024
Best used hybrids - header image
Best cars & vans
10 Jan 2024

Best used hybrid cars 2024

Want to embrace electrified driving but need the reassurance of an internal combustion engine? Try one of our favourite used hybrid cars
Best used executive cars 2024
Best used executive cars - header image
Best cars & vans
10 Jan 2024

Best used executive cars 2024

If you need a fast, comfortable and stylish set of wheels, these are the best used executive cars that the market has to offer
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best executive cars 2024
Best executive cars - header image
Best cars & vans
4 Jan 2024

Top 10 best executive cars 2024

Executive cars might cost a little more, but the best ones add a real touch of class to your motoring experience…
Used BMW 3 Series GT (2013-2019) review: a five-door hatch that's easy to like
Used BMW 3 Series GT - front
Used car tests
3 Jan 2024

Used BMW 3 Series GT (2013-2019) review: a five-door hatch that's easy to like

A full used buyer’s guide on the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo that was on sale between 2013 and 2019
Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money
Best future classics - header image
Best cars & vans
3 Jan 2024

Future classics 2024: car investments that could make you money

Identifying future classic cars is a tricky but potentially lucrative business, here are our future classic recommendations
Best diesel cars 2024
Best diesel cars 2023 - header
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2024

Best diesel cars 2024

Diesel power strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy, and these are some of the best diesel cars you can buy…
Skip advert
Advertisement
Top 10 best sports cars 2024
Best sports cars 2023 - header
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best sports cars 2024

From the Alpine A110 to the McLaren 720S, these are our 10 favourite sports cars on today’s market
Top 10 best estate cars to buy 2024
Best estate cars - header image
Best cars & vans
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best estate cars to buy 2024

A good estate car delivers practicality, space and low running costs - here are the 10 best estates on sale in the UK today
Audi RS 4 Avant vs BMW M3 Touring: hot performance estates go head-to-head
Audi RS 4 Avant vs BMW M3 Touring - front tracking
Car group tests
16 Dec 2023

Audi RS 4 Avant vs BMW M3 Touring: hot performance estates go head-to-head

Updates have transformed the Audi RS 4 Avant before it bows out for good, but can it beat the BMW M3 Touring?
BMW iM3 trademark could preview all-electric M3 super saloon
BMW M3 EV
News
29 Nov 2023

BMW iM3 trademark could preview all-electric M3 super saloon

The next M3 will come with all-electric power
The most important cars of the last 35 years
Most important cars – header image
Best cars & vans
13 Oct 2023

The most important cars of the last 35 years

We’ve reviewed hundreds of models over the past 35 years, but these are the ones that our team believes really made a difference
BMW M2 vs BMW M3 CSL: 2023 twin test review
BMW M2 vs M3 CSL - M3 chasing M2
Car group tests
1 Jul 2023

BMW M2 vs BMW M3 CSL: 2023 twin test review

M Division’s latest creation goes head-to-head with one of its greatest hits to see how 20 years of progress have shaped its performance coupes
Skip advert
Advertisement
New BMW M3 CS 2023 review
BMW M3 CS - front tracking
Road tests
8 Jun 2023

New BMW M3 CS 2023 review

The CS treatment squeezes even more performance out of the mighty BMW M3, but its six-figure price is a bit difficult to stomach
New BMW 330e 2023 review
BMW 330e - front cornering
Road tests
12 May 2023

New BMW 330e 2023 review

The facelifted BMW 330e PHEV wouldn’t be our pick of the 3 Series range, but it’s still a top business choice