2024 BMW 3-Series

Overview

The BMW 3-series has been the benchmark for the sport-luxury sedan segment for decades, and for good reason. The 3-series marries its smart, subtle, and handsome exterior with a rich interior that boasts a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, giving the cabin a decidedly modern look. The 3-series also offers three excellent powertrains. The base 330i model’s turbocharged four-cylinder provides appropriate oomph and impressive fuel economy while the plug-in hybrid 330e improves efficiency and adds 23 miles of all-electric range. Sitting atop the range is the M340i, pairing a potent 382 horsepower turbocharged inline-six with a well-sorted chassis that provides deft corner-carving abilities while still gracefully handling normal daily-driving needs. Competitors like the Genesis G70 may offer more features at a lower price point, but the BMW’s combination of high-quality materials and class-leading performance means it’s still the go-to sports sedan.

What’s New for 2024?

The BMW 3-series enters 2024 with no significant updates after receiving a refresh last year that brought sleeker styling and a modernized dashboard centered around a gigantic display.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We’d choose the turbocharged four-cylinder 330i for its surprising power and inherently nimble behavior. We would equip our example with the M Sport package that brings additional features, unique styling bits, and a specially tuned suspension. With it, we’d choose the Premium package that includes hands-free passive entry, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and more. We’d also spring for the Dynamic Handling package that optimizes the sedan’s driving dynamics via adaptive dampers and upgraded brakes—and makes it feel closer to the memorable 3-series sedans of the past.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 3-series offers two smooth and potent gas-powered engines. The 330i features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and acts like it has even more power than that. The M340i comes with an overachieving, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six and a 48-volt hybrid system; the total output is 382 ponies and 369 pound-feet. The 330e plug-in hybrid combines a turbo 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor that together generates 288 horses and 310 pound-feet. The plug-in powertrain offers a harmonious relationship between the gas and electric elements, and we like the Xtraboost function that provides a burst of power that feels like a small shot of nitrous. Each powertrain pairs with a telepathic and exceptionally smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and standard rear-wheel drive. You can power all four wheels for a price but no amount of money will get you a manual gearbox. Buyers can choose between several suspension setups on the 3: the base arrangement, the tauter M Sport tuning, or the Dynamic Handling package with its adaptive dampers. The four-cylinder Bimmer proved its worth by winning a comparison test against other sports sedans. We applauded its ability to transition from relaxed-and-refined to sharp-and-playful. The 330i also secured its spot at the top of its class by thwarting the gorgeous Alfa Romeo Giulia in a two-car comparo. Our long-term M340i further proved the nameplate’s return to form, with its ripping six-cylinder and remarkable body control.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates the four-cylinder 330i will earn up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The more powerful six-cylinder M340i has ratings that top out at 23 mpg city and 31 highway. The rear-drive, plug-in-hybrid variant has a combined estimate of 28 mpg and an all-electric range of 23 miles. Both figures drop by 3 for the all-wheel-drive PHEV. We tested a rear-drive 330i on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and saw an impressive 42 mpg. Likewise, we conducted the same test with an all-wheel-drive M340i, which earned 33 mpg. For more information about the 3-series’ fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Inside, the 3 has a modern design complete with excellent materials and impressive build quality. Nothing feels cheap inside the 3-series, and its controls are well-placed. The standard sport seats are well-bolstered and supportive, and they offer extensive adjustment so it’s easy to get comfortable. The car’s extra-cost content includes a detailed head-up display, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging. The 3-series has a big trunk with an available power-operated deck lid. With 17 cubic feet of cargo space, the gas-powered sedan can fit six carry-on suitcases back there and 17 total with the rear row folded. For comparison, the Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan held one fewer suitcase in both tests and the Alfa Romeo Giulia could fit five and 15, respectively. The 330e has less trunk space (13 cubes) due to the space its battery pack eats up, and we haven’t tested its carry-on capacity.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Combined in a single panel, the 12.3-inch gauge display and 14.9-inch infotainment display float gently atop the 3-series’ dashboard. The high-resolution displays look great and are readable even in direct sunlight. BMW’s iDrive 8 interface is snappy and easy to navigate. A plethora of features are standard, including in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot; the optional Premium package adds a head-up display. A wireless smartphone charging pad is available, as is a Harman/Kardon stereo system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

BMW is skimpy when it comes to standard driver-assistance technology, providing only forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking. Other features are available, though. For example, the Parking Assistance package will practically park the car for you. For more information about the 3-series crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW’s limited and powertrain warranties align with those of rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-AMG. It provides longer complimentary maintenance than those two alternatives, but Genesis beats BMW with longer warranty terms.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

More Features and Specs