New BMW 3 Series banks on restyling, new tech to deliver driving pleasure

MANILA: The BMW 3 Series is the yardstick of sporty driving pleasure, and so with more than 45 years of global success under its belt, the 3 Series also embodies the heart of the BMW brand.

Today, precise design modifications shine in the new 2023 BMW 3 Series. A newly designed cockpit with BMW Curved Display brings modernity and digitalization to the interior, while subtle but distinguishing refinements to the exterior express the promise of a rewarding driving experience.

The launch of the new 2023 3 Series around the world will commence in July 2022. Vehicles for the US market will be built exclusively in BMW’s newest plant in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. 

Over 1.1 million customers have so far opted for the current generation of the BMW 3 Series introduced in 2019. This means demand has been stronger in the first three years of this generation than for any of the preceding 3 Series generations over the same time period. The BMW 3 Series accounts for around 14% of the brand's vehicle sales worldwide. 

Among the signature features of the 2023 3 Series is the range of drivetrains available. The two-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine in the 330i provides substantial power and broad torque for brisk acceleration while returning outstanding fuel economy. The 330e plug-in hybrid promises engaging driving experience with zero-emissions capability. The three-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six was enhanced with 48V mild hybrid technology for model year 2022.

A models with the designation M340i is in the pipeline as well. This model and all 3 Series models are available with optional xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. 

Carefully executed exterior design upgrades ensure that the character of the new BMW 3 Series and its emphasis on driving pleasure are now seen more clearly.

The front and rear aprons now have a sporty new design as standard. The characteristic BMW kidney grille and twin headlight accents have also been meticulously redesigned. Style can be intensified further with the optional M Sport package on 330i and 330e models. 

The standard full-LED headlights are now slimmer, with clear contours and daytime driving lights arranged in an inverted L-shape. The outer daytime driving light elements also serve as turn indicators. Lightly modified contours and new double bars give the BMW kidney grille a more powerful look while remaining instantly recognizable. Air intakes in high-gloss black positioned below the kidney grille add a dynamic styling touch while directing cool air to the front brakes. 

To mark the 50th anniversary of BMW M, the 2023 BMW M340i models will be offered with the classic BMW Motorsport roundels on the hood, trunk, and wheel center caps. With its staggered semicircles in blue, violet, and red, the anniversary emblem is reminiscent of the original BMW M trademark that was first used on racing cars in 1973. 

Inside, the standard BMW Curved Display features frameless glass surfaces angled slightly toward the driver. A 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a 14.9-inch control display merge into a single, fully digital, high-resolution unit. 

The state-of-the-art graphics and menu structure of the BMW Curved Display have been designed with a smartphone-style appearance. The user interface impresses with its striking forms, dynamic light effects, strong depth of color, and modern color worlds. Its layout can be adapted to the driving situation at hand or personal preferences. 

With its latest BMW iDrive, the 2023 3 Series infotainment also hosts various technologies such as BMW Maps, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, 5G and Personal eSIM. 

BMW Maps enables very fast and dynamic route calculation based on precise real-time traffic data. With Connected Parking, BMW Maps is also able to provide assistance when searching for a parking space close to the destination.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant gains new skills. Instructions in natural speech can now be used to adjust the climate control or open or close a side window or the sunroof. Functions of the driver assistance systems in the new BMW 3 Series can also be controlled by voice command. 

The new BMW 3 Series is moving into the era of 5G. If the customer selects the optional Personal eSIM, DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Active) capability allows both the Personal eSIM and the Vehicle SIM to be active simultaneously.

With the Personal eSIM, customers can use the communications and connectivity functions covered by their mobile agreement from their vehicle with ease. The vehicle essentially turns into another device like a smartphone or tablet. Mobile reception for data and telephone functions is significantly improved by the vehicles’ own 5G antenna system.

Photos from BMW

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