The following review is for a 2022 Model Year. There may be minor changes to current model you are looking at.

Introduction

Long a BMW classic, the 3-Series lineup stretches from zippy 330i to ferocious M3 Competition, all in sedan forms. 

Changes for 2022 are minor, but include deletion of touch inputs from the infotainment display, a wireless charging pad for devices, and ambient lighting tech as the automaker wrestles with the ongoing computer chip shortage. 

This year, the range includes turbo-4 and turbo-6 engines rated between 255 and 503 horsepower, with suspension tuning to match. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard (though a 6-speed manual can be had on the M3), and BMW offers a choice between rear- or all-wheel drive on 330i and M340i models. 

Fuel economy is very good overall, with 26 mpg city, 36 highway, 30 combined for the base 330i. With all-wheel drive, those figures slide to a still impressive 25/34/28 mpg. More power means greater fuel consumption, though even the M340i's 26 mpg is reasonable given power underhood. M3 models slip to just 19 mpg. 

The most eco-friendly model is the 330e, which offers upwards of 23 miles on electric-only power and 75 MPGe. 

BMW fits every 3-Series with automatic emergency braking, while active lane control and an adaptive cruise control which permits limited hands-free driving under ideal conditions are optional. A five-star NHTSA rating is joined by a Top Safety Pick score from the IIHS. 

Lineup

BMW offers a wide array of 3-Series models, starting with the $42,445 330i. Its feature set is hardly spartan: synthetic leather upholstery drapes the cabin, and additional equipment includes 10-speaker audio, an 8.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power front seats, and a power sunroof. All-wheel drive costs $2,000 more, while optional equipment includes a wide range of performance and style enhancements, plus additional safety and driver-assistance tech. 

The 330e costs $43,945 and is equipped about the same. 

The M340i piles on the turbo-6 engine plus a few more standard features, though it's the gateway to more tech including an adaptive suspension. 

Topping the lineup is the M3 at a hair over $71,000, though the Competition's firmer suspension and small power boost. 

Walkaround

The 3-Series wears conservative lines, just as this model has since its 1960s predecessors. There's little drama here in most versions ? BMW saves that for the related 4-Series coupe and convertible models, plus the racy, brash M3. 

Instead, look for a conventional three-box shape with clean angles that should age well over time. Optional M equipment varies by model but dresses the 3-Series up here and there with racier body kits and larger wheels. 

One special note about the M3 and its massive grilles: they're a love-it or hate-it affair and you'll definitely know which side you're on the minute you see one. 

Interior

Spacious, comfortable, and just as buttoned-up as the exterior, the inside of the 3-Series is all business. The dash sits low with digital displays mounted on the center stack and in the instrument cluster. A sliver of wood trim ? or other optional materials ? dresses things up. 

Most models leave the factory in black, gray, or tan, but BMW offers various bright hues that can be playful or downright decadent. 

A fantastic driving position afforded by the multi-adjustable power front seats reinforces these cars' performance pedigree. 

Row two is plenty spacious, with good room for 6-footers, though the middle passenger may be a bit unhappy. 

The spacious trunk swallows as much as 17 cubic feet of luggage. 

Driving Impression

There's not a slow 3-Series in this lineup. Even the 330i's 255-hp 2.0-ltier turbo-4 helps this sedan zip to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which isn't too far off of genuine performance car territory today. The 330e drives much the same, perhaps with slightly less refinement as its system decides between electric and gas power, though it's quite heavy. 

Step up to the M340i and you'll find a 382-hp turbo-6. It's just magnificent as it races to 60 mph in around four seconds. It's hard to imagine needing more ? until you step into the M3. With 503 hp in range-topping Competition spec, it serves up a massive dose of grunt. Its 0-60 mph sprint of 3.4 seconds simply flies by, but more impressive is its ability to rocket forward from any speed. 

An 8-speed automatic is standard across the line, though the M3 Competition can be ordered with a sublime 6-speed manual. 

Handling is fantastic even in base form, though adding power ? and M suspension options ? tightens up responses even more. That said, the M3 Competition can be a bit stiff for some drivers, so try before you buy. Also worth shopping are the run-flat tires that BMW will let you swap out for conventional all-season units. The run-flats are convenient, but they deliver a flinty, stiff ride when wrapped around larger wheels. 

Summary

The 3-Series is BMW at its best. These polished four-doors are spacious and comfortable for daily driving, and an absolute blast down a winding road. 

 

-by Andrew Ganz, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.