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2023 BMW 3-Series
Starting at $44.795
Highs A trio of powerful, refined powertrains, balanced ride and handling, spacious cabin.
Lows Steering feel is lacking, some optional features are standard on rivals, we yearn for a six-speed manual gearbox.
Verdict The 3-series is a chameleon with multiple personalities, able to dance down a curvy road gracefully, tip-toe through town, or blaze down an Interstate as if it were an autobahn.
Overview
Few cars are capable of serving the gods of both comfort and sportiness as well as the 2023 BMW 3-series sedan. This perennial favorite can be outfitted as a corner-carving sports sedan or a well-appointed entry-luxury car-or a combination of both. Its three available turbocharged powertrains deftly walk the line between power and polish. The entry-level 330i and plug-in hybrid 330e offer impressive performance with above-average fuel economy, while the turbocharged inline-six in the top-dog M340i packs 382 of the biggest, strongest horses this side of the Bavarian Alps. The 3-series doesn't have the style of the Alfa Romeo Giulia or the value-packed features list of the Genesis G70, but it's so well-rounded, athletic, and engaging to drive that it stands at the very top of our segment rankings.
What's New for 2023?
BMW's quintessential sports sedan gets a tech-heavy makeover for 2023 that sees updated exterior styling and a dramatic new all-digital dashboard. Keen eyes will notice that this same monolithic display that stretches two-thirds of the 3-series' dashboard is the same design as what you'll find in the brand's flagship 7-series and electric iX SUV. The wall of screens runs BMW's iDrive 8 interface and includes standard navigation, a voice assistant, and a 5G Wi-FI hotspot.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
330i: $44,795
330e: $45,895
330i xDrive: $46,795
330e xDrive: $47,895
M340i: $57,395
M340i xDrive: $59,395
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 a 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 generate 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 proves the nameplate's return to form, with its ripping six-cylinder and remarkable body control.
Read More www.caranddriver.com/bmw/3-se...
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26 май 2023
