BMW’s C-Class rival also gets comfort-focused chassis revisions overseas.
The BMW 3 Series has received a raft of updates for 2024, including a design tweaks, a interior changes, new infotainment software, and a longer electric-only range for PHEV variants. Production of all versions are set to begin in July in Europe, however, the brand’s best-selling model will not be available in some markets like the UK in diesel form.
- BMW 3 Series gets subtle exterior changes
- 14.9-inch touchscreen runs latest BMW OS
- PHEV gets larger 19.5kWh battery with up to 101km range
BMW 3 Series: 2024 exterior updates
BMW says the 3 Series’ chassis has been tweaked to give it a “notable” increase in comfort in any driving situation and without any hindrance to driving involvement. This includes stiffer mounting points for the rear dampers, faster and more responsive steering and the option of upgraded adaptive dampers. In an effort to keep weight down, the 3 Series’ bonnet, front wheel arches, engine subframe and front spring struts are made of aluminium. A total weight figure has yet to be released by BMW.
While changes made to the exterior design are minimal, they include a cleaner and more aerodynamic front bumper, more angular sills and new 19-inch alloy wheel designs. As standard, all 3 Series models come with 17-inch alloys. Nine new paint finishes are also available.
BMW 3 Series: 2024 interior updates
Inside, BMW concentrated on a “clean, pared-back look” that does without buttons – such as that used for the heated seats and heated steering wheel – in favour of the 14.9-inch touchscreen, which runs the latest-generation iDrive system. This has introduced a widget bar that can be customised with the driver’s favourite functions, as well as augmented reality for the sat-nav, 5G connectivity and a streamlined system to connect the car with the MyBMW app.
All variants get tri-zone climate control and the 14.9-inch curved infotainment display as standard, along with the same 12.3-inch instrumentation display seen previously. Various trim pieces such as the iDrive controller, ignition button and gear selector are now available in glass as part of BMW’s Crafted Clarity application, as on the 5 Series and 7 Series. Also taken from those larger cars are the new sports steering wheel and air-vent design.
There are also new ambient lighting designs that can indicate to the driver if they have an incoming phone call or if a door has been left open. As an alternative to the standard cloth, the new 3 Series can come upholstered with M Performtex seats. This is optional on standard cars but comes as standard on the M340i and new M3. Some new interior trim pieces can also be fitted, including dark graphite matt, grey blue ash wood and carbonfibre and aluminium inserts.
BMW 3 Series: 2024 powertrain updates
Chief among the changes is a new 19.5kWh battery fitted to the PHEV, which is 7.5kWh larger than before. This results in a total electric range of 101km, which is 35km more than before. For reference, its rival, the Mercedes-Benz C 300e, can travel 115km on electricity alone. The 330e’s battery can be charged at speeds of up to 11kW for a recharge time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. It’s teamed with an electric motor and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Total system output is 300hp – 8hp more than before.
The 320i meanwhile uses a mild-hybrid 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 184hp, giving it a 0-100kph time of 7.4sec and a top speed of 250kph. The 3.0-litre straight six used in the M340i also uses a 48V starter-generator for total outputs of 374hp and 500Nm and a 0-100kph time of 4.4sec.
BMW 3 Series India details
The 3 Series is on sale in India in long-wheelbase form – 330Li and 330Ld, priced from Rs 60.60 lakh – and in standard wheelbase guise – M340i, which is priced at Rs 72.90 lakh. There’s no word on whether this update for the 3 Series will make it to India.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
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