Photo: screenshot
The facelift for the current 3 Series came at just the right moment. With the new C-Class from Mercedes out and on the prowl and the Jaguar XE hunting anything else in its path, the 3er needed a couple of small improvements here and there.
Apart from the added tech in terms of lighting, software and suspension, the biggest news is that there will be two new models introduced starting this year. We’re referring to the 330i and 340i that will be replacing two of the most popular choices people had, the 328i and 335i models.
The USA configurator is now showing the 340i but, unfortunately, the 330i is still missing, unlike on the German website where all the new models are being showcased and ready to be configured. Could this point to a late reveal of the 330i in the US? Is it possible that BMW is looking to keep the 328i as a US-alone option? It’s too early to tell. Either way, we're pretty sure the fan base won't be too happy about it migrating to a 2-liter four-pot.
Either way, the US customer is now limited to the 320i, 328i and 340i models in terms of petrol-powered 3 Series versions. If you want a diesel alternative, the 328d is waiting while in other shapes and sizes (such as the Gran Turismo) you can still get the old 335i.
As we mentioned a while back, the 3 Series GT didn’t receive the LCI treatment such as his Touring and Sedan brothers.
The 340i now comes with a new-age B58 engine under the bonnet making 326 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is also supposed to offer better mpg numbers. You can have it with or without the optional xDrive all-wheel drive system which sheds 0.2 seconds off the 5.1 seconds it takes a rear-wheel drive model to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).
Prices start at $45,800 MSRP and can go up quite a lot if you choose the latest optional features available such as the LED headlights for example.
The USA configurator is now showing the 340i but, unfortunately, the 330i is still missing, unlike on the German website where all the new models are being showcased and ready to be configured. Could this point to a late reveal of the 330i in the US? Is it possible that BMW is looking to keep the 328i as a US-alone option? It’s too early to tell. Either way, we're pretty sure the fan base won't be too happy about it migrating to a 2-liter four-pot.
Either way, the US customer is now limited to the 320i, 328i and 340i models in terms of petrol-powered 3 Series versions. If you want a diesel alternative, the 328d is waiting while in other shapes and sizes (such as the Gran Turismo) you can still get the old 335i.
As we mentioned a while back, the 3 Series GT didn’t receive the LCI treatment such as his Touring and Sedan brothers.
The 340i now comes with a new-age B58 engine under the bonnet making 326 HP and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque that is also supposed to offer better mpg numbers. You can have it with or without the optional xDrive all-wheel drive system which sheds 0.2 seconds off the 5.1 seconds it takes a rear-wheel drive model to reach 100 km/h (62 mph).
Prices start at $45,800 MSRP and can go up quite a lot if you choose the latest optional features available such as the LED headlights for example.
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