For almost 50 years, the 3 Series has represented the core of the BMW brand across seven model generations. The extensive design, powertrain, digitalisation and equipment revisions introduced in 2022 will now be followed with a fresh package of updates.
New high-voltage batteries increase the electric range of the plug-in-hybrid models to a maximum of 101km in the WLTP cycle. New chassis tuning further enhances the balance between sporting agility and comfort. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon and new BMW 3 Series Touring will also now feature BMW Operating System 8.5. This provides the basis for intuitive and comfortable operation via the upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, and new navigation functions including Augmented View.
These new technological advances are accompanied by precise design modifications for the exterior and interior. New exterior paint finishes and light-alloy wheels accentuate the sporting elegance exuded by the Saloon and Touring. Newly designed steering wheels and instrument panel and sophisticated optional features such as the Crafted Clarity glass applications further elevate the sophistication of the 3 Series interior.
The BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models are each offered in Ireland with a choice of three petrol engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology – including the powerful six-cylinder in-line unit for the M340i models.
All new BMW 3 Series Saloon and new BMW 3 Series Touring models come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. They are also complete with shift paddles on the steering wheel for quick manual interventions in the gear selection process.
The engines available for the BMW 3 Series in Ireland produce outputs ranging from 184 hp up to the range topping M340i xDrive, with its six-cylinder in-line petrol engine producing 374 hp. The six-cylinder in-line petrol unit comes with mild hybrid technology for more dynamic power delivery and greater efficiency, with the 48V starter generator putting an extra 11 hp on tap.
The plug-in hybrid BMW 330e Saloon and BMW 330e Touring models take electrification a step further - with drive technology comprising a four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission - which together generate a combined system output of 292 hp.
These latest plug-in-hybrid BMW 3 Series models boast even greater efficiency and a considerably longer electric range. This has been made possible by the switch to a new high-voltage battery with 19.5 kWh of usable energy. The product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology, it has a much higher energy density than the battery previously fitted in BMW 3 Series plug-in-hybrid models.
According to BMW, the new 330e Saloon offers electric range figures of 85 – 101 km, while the new BMW 330e Touring offers between 83 – 91 km.
The new BMW 3 Series Saloon is priced from €56,700 and BMW 3 Series Touring from €58,910. Both models will begin production from July 2024, with Ireland customer deliveries starting in the summer.
BMW Group Plant Munich will be building both models, while the BMW 3 Series Saloon will also be produced at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico.
