Interesting that the plug-in was designed to put out almost the exact same amount of power as the "normal" model–just with better mpg.
Photography by J.A. Ackley
Which BMW 3 Series letter would complete your puzzle called life? Well, that depends.
Last week we test drove three of the newly refreshed 2023 models from the line: the standard 330i, the plug-in hybrid 330e and the M340i.
BMW refreshed the look of the BMW 3 Series for 2023–aka it’s time for an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).
This LCI consisted primarily of cosmetic changes, and nothing performance-related.
Up front, a new BMW kidney grille, with double bars, and a redesigned front apron and larger central air intake.
In the back, a redesigned rear apron, with a more prominent diffuser.
On the sides, new wheel designs.
Inside, a “refined and modern” interior, with a “reduced number of buttons/switches” and a toggle gear selector. And, yes, there’s a new central information display for you, too.
Otherwise, these models remain the same as the previous year.
We’d expect that the BMW purist wouldn’t cringe at most of these changes, and the hip, non-traditionalist would be somewhat happy with the fresh look.
Consider this the standard we measure the entire line against.
The one we tested included a couple key performance options:
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with selecting the 330i. It checks off all the boxes. It’s sporty, with an ample amount of power, good handling, plenty of brakes and it looks good. The BMW 330i starts at $42,300, which is a couple thousand less than the comparable 2023 Mercedes-Benz C 300. The two aforementioned packages add an additional $3950, bringing that total to $46,250. That’s $8600 less than the base M340i.
Key Specs
Want a 3 Series that delivers some of the benefits that a hybrid offers? This might be your answer.
The one we tested included a couple key performance options:
The xDrive makes a BMW 3 Series corner even better, and we enjoyed it. It’s available on all 3 Series cars, but this is the only one we drove that had it. The xDrive system will set you back $2000 more on any of the 3 Series cars in this article.
With the exception of xDrive, this car drove almost the same as the 330i. That may sound good on paper, but it lacked the additional torque that some hybrids offer. Plus, when you mash the pedal, you don’t get that sweet satisfaction of hearing an engine rev. Somehow, the 330e matches the 330i in the zero-to-60 department, despite less torque and additional weight, according to BMW.
However, the 330e still offers some benefits over the 330i–chiefly in the economics department. With the electric motor assisting the gasoline engine, the EPA rates it at 68 MPGe. Furthermore, the EPA sticker says that it’ll save you roughly $300 in annual fuel cost.
Another bonus is that the car’s eligible for a tax credit for up to $5836.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a more economical 3 Series as an everyday driver, this might be your choice. Plus, it’ll actually cost you less than the 330i after the tax credit.
Key Specs
Here’s the car you’ve probably been waiting to hear about.
Before we get to our thoughts, here are some key performance options on the model we tested:
The M340i has a bigger engine than the others, more power and torque, and weighs less than the 330e. Yes, as you can imagine, this car can put a smile on your face as you put the pedal down.
It also felt a bit nimbler than the others, too. We chock that up to what BMW states about the car: “a low center of gravity, lightweight components, and a suspension tuned to perfection on the grueling Nürburgring.”
Pricing starts at $54,850. Opt for those two aforementioned, game-changing options, and it’ll add only $2870, upping the price to $57,720. Go for the xDrive and shave time off the 0 to 60 number, from 4.4 to 4.1, and add an additional $2000 to the base price.
The M340i may cost you around $20,000 more than the 330i, but with it you get a quite comfortable everyday car that you can enjoy for track days, too.
Key Specs
What about the BMW M3? Yes, we drove that, too. More on the M3 coming soon.
Interesting that the plug-in was designed to put out almost the exact same amount of power as the "normal" model–just with better mpg.
In reply to Colin Wood :
That surprised me. The 330e's hybrid setup focused more on economy than performance.
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