BMW 3 Series Review 2022
BMW 3 Series At A Glance
More spacious than before. Upgraded engines. Very refined.
Saloons not as practical as SUVs in many people's eyes.
Insurance Groups are between 24–42
On average it achieves 78% of the official MPG figure
The BMW 3 Series is wider, longer and lighter than its predecessor - with BMW insisting that it will remain at the top of its class in terms of handling. Still clearly a 3 Series, the latest model features a larger kidney grille and headlights similar to the bigger 5 Series.
A longer wheelbase translates to a roomier cabin. BMW is promising an extra 11mm of rear legroom and more headroom for those in the front and back. Larger doors should make getting in and out of the new 3 Series easier, while the rear seats can accommodate three child seats. With the rear seats left up, boot space is 480 litres, while the rear seats can be dropped 40:20:40 to increase luggage capacity.
There's more kit as standard, with the entry-level model featuring an 8.8-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, increasing to a 10.3-inch system on the M Sport model. Apple CarPlay is standard across the range, although drivers will have to pay for a subscription service after the first year.
Like the Mercedes-Benz 'Hey Mercedes' personal assistant that made its passenger car debut in the A-Class, drivers and passengers in the new 3 Series will be able to access functions and retrieve information by saying 'Hey BMW'.
Described as 'the ideal co-driver', the personal assistant will learn your routines and habits allowing it to answer questions and even provide casual conversation ('Hey BMW, what is the meaning of life?' is an example provided by BMW).
The 3 Series comes with a digital key as per bigger models in the range, allowing it to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone.
From launch, buyers can choose from a range of four-cylinder engines in the 320d diesel and 330i petrol. The diesel produces 190PS with peak torque of 400Nm, taking it to 62mph in 7.1 seconds (automatic: 6.8 seconds), while the four-wheel-drive xDrive version takes 6.9 seconds.
Car seat chooser
Child seats that fit a BMW 3 Series
Our unique Car Seat Chooser shows you which child car seats will fit this car and which seat positions that they will fit, so that you don't have to check every car seat manufacturer's website for compatibility.Real MPG average for a BMW 3 Series
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
78%
Real MPG
30–60 mpg
MPGs submitted
51
Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.
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