BMW 3 Series review

BMW has aimed to clean up and rationalise the 3 Series line-up to make the configurator feel less of an online role-playing game rich in sprawling landscapes and confusing inventory lists. Part of the G20’s 2022 update saw the base SE trim fall by the wayside and the range separated simply into Sport and M Sport trims. Both get the huge, curved touchscreen as standard, you’ll be delighted to know.

The entry level car is the 320i, with the base Sport car kicking off at £41,310, or £585 per month on a four-year deal with £5,000 down and a 10,000-mile per year limit. Alpine White paint is the only free exterior finish, while black cloth trim is your standard interior. M Sport trim adds 18in wheels, sports suspension, sports seats and M PerformTex upholstery.

Naturally anyone dabbling in a company car tax scheme will beeline for the 330e and we won’t stop them. While it’s notably heavier than regular petrol or diesel Threes, it handles almost as well and its on-paper stats steamroller much of the competition. Remember you now get up to 63 miles of all-electric range. Cash prices for that powertrain start at £47,185 for Sport trim and £48,435 for M Sport.

The M340i petrol is a bit special. It performs (and is priced) like M3s of old. It’ll be an enormously gratifying daily partner if you can stomach its £62k tag; fuel economy in the mid-30mpg zone should be eminently achievable to help counter the purchase or leasing price.

Options beyond wood trim and leather seats have mostly been grouped up into packs. The Comfort Pack adds things like a wireless charging tray, ambient lighting and an electric bootlid to base spec cars, while the Technology Pack includes extra driver assist functions, park assist and a head-up display.

You can also now spec M Sport Pro trim, which includes bits like adaptive LED headlights, M Sport brakes, ‘Shadow Line’ exterior trim and a whole load of tech as standard.