What it is: BMW’s compact 3 Series is the luxury automaker’s bread-and-butter model and best-selling line. It’s available as a sedan, wagon or Gran Turismo hatchback and as the M3 performance sedan. Numerous drivetrains are offered, including turbocharged gas four-cylinder engines (320i and 330i models); a turbo-diesel four-cylinder (328d); a turbo gas six-cylinder (340i); and a plug-in hybrid (330e). The five-seat 3 Series comes with rear- or all-wheel drive (designated xDrive) and competes with the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
(Skip to details on the 3 Series Gran Turismo, 330e and M3)
A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 248 horsepower replaces an engine of the same size that made 240 hp. The models that use it are now designated 330i instead of 328i. Wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot are new options, and the M Sport package is now standard on the 340i.
- 180-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (320i)
- Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission
- Rear-wheel drive
- Fuel-saving stop-start technology
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Bluetooth streaming audio
- iDrive multimedia system with 6.5-inch screen
- Required in every new car: front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system
- 248-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder (330i)
- 180-hp, turbo-diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder (328d)
- 320-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder (340i)
- All-wheel drive
- Full-LED headlights
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front and rear seats
- Wireless smartphone charging and Wi-Fi hot spot
- Navigation system with over-the-air map updates
- Power moonroof
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go technology
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning with mitigation feature
The 3 Series Gran Turismo is a four-door, coupelike hatchback version of BMW’s compact luxury car. It’s a larger car overall, measuring nearly 8 inches longer and more than 3 inches taller. The result is a roomier cabin, especially for backseat passengers, who get 2.8 inches of extra legroom. The front and rear seats are also positioned higher for easier entry and exit.
For 2017, new more powerful four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines result in new model designations: 330i and 340i. LED headlights are now standard, and wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot are now available.
- 248-hp, turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder (330i)
- 320-hp, turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder (340i)
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive standard
- Split-folding rear seats
- Cargo area has tie-down points, hooks and underfloor storage
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The BMW 330e compact sedan is a plug-in hybrid that combines a 180-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 76-hp electric motor. A lithium-ion battery gives the 330e an EPA-estimated electric-only range of up to 14 miles before the gas engine takes over. Unlike many hybrids, the 330e uses an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of a continuously variable automatic.
- Blue grille trim for select exterior colors
- 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack under the trunk
- Rear-wheel drive
- Selectable driving modes
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The M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 Series sedan. It’s powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that’s rated at 425 hp in base form. For 2017, the adaptive M Suspension is now standard.
- Rear-wheel drive
- Six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission
- Track-optimized cooling system
- Harman Kardon surround-sound system standard
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