The seventh-generation BMW 3-series hits the road with the rear-wheel-drive 330i and M340i, plus their all-wheel-drive counterparts, the 330i xDrive and M340i xDrive. Updates include better weight distribution, a wider track and a body structure that is significantly lighter and stiffer than the one it replaces. Perhaps subjective, but the new 3-series also wears a face more in keeping with the current BMW lineup. The M340i and M340i xDrive also benefit from M Performance chassis tuning and an M Sport rear differential, which only enhances their capabilities.
Power in the 330i models comes from a revised twin-turbocharged 2.0L inline-four that makes 255 hp at 5,000 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque from as low down in the rev range as 1,550 rpm. This is an extra 7 horses and 37 lb-ft over its predecessor thanks to some fine-tuning of BMW's TwinPower system. BMW claims 5.6 seconds in the sprint from 0 to 60 mph with the 2-wheel-drive variant, while the xDrive shaves three-tenths from that figure. The M340i models, meanwhile, come with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six that produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. According to BMW, it will hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Both engines are mated exclusively to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and manual mode.
The 3-series is offered in Sport Line, Luxury, and M Sport trims, which differ mostly through subtle exterior design differences. Standard features include 18-inch wheels (19 for M Sports), auto start-stop, dynamic stability control, 14-way power front seats with SensaTec upholstery, fine-wood inlays, a 10-speaker premium sound system, iDrive with an 8.8-inch central screen, dynamic cruise control, a rearview camera, a multifunction steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with audio streaming, plus an automatic 3-zone climate control system, ambient lighting and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Options include remote start, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging and WiFi hotspot, a harman/kardon surround sound system, and active cruise control. A Convenience Package brings blind-spot detection and lane departure warning, LED headlights with cornering lights. The Premium Package includes a head-up display with BMW navigation and more, plus heated seats and steering wheel. A Track Handling package adds enhanced steering, suspension and tires, plus an M Sport differential and large M Sport brakes.
A Variety Of Options
Athletic Driving Feel
Fuel Efficiency
High-tech Options
Long List Of Appearance Packages And Trims
Compact Size And Maneuverability
Practicality And Comfort
BMW rolled out their redesigned 3-series in stages. For 2019 the 330i wore the new redesigned sheetmetal, but this year for 2020, the 6-cylinder powered M340i also gets the updates.
The BMW 3-series is now in its seventh generation, though the high performance M3 carries over from the sixth generation. The entire range still stands out for being athletic, responsive and fun to drive, as well as fuel-efficient. The BMW 3-series typically represents the quintessential sports sedan, with far better handling and peppier performance than the equivalent front-wheel drive mid-sized car. Sticking with tradition, the BMW continues to be rear-wheel drive based, which does wonders for the car's weight distribution and handling.
