BMW updates the 3 Series lineup with big updates on the inside and subtle on the outside in its second LCI update for the 3 series since its original launch. Let’s find out what does the 2024 BMW 3 Series updates comprises of.
This is a second technology and design update for the current generation of the BMW 3 Series Sedan and BMW 3 Series Touring. Key upgrades: longer electric range for the plug-in-hybrid models, new chassis tuning, interior design with an even greater focus on sportiness and digitalisation, introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 and latest evolution of BMW iDrive with QuickSelect on the BMW Curved
Display. Optimisations to many details building on the extensive model revisions of 2022 keep the driving experience in the globally successful BMW 3 Series at the head of the field.
⦁ BMW 3 Series has epitomised driving pleasure, sporting elegance and innovations in the premium midsize class for almost 50 years. Upgrades aim to strengthen current position as segment leader in Europe, the USA and China. Sales launch of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and new BMW 3 Series Touring with production phase-in from July 2024. Production at BMW Group Plant Munich and Plant San Luis Potosí. BMW 3 Series Sedan for the Chinese market will be
built at BMW Brilliance Automotive in Shenyang.
⦁ Constant stream of contributions to carbon footprint reduction: Extremely efficient engines, 48V mild hybrid technology, plug-in- hybrid models with increased potential for locally emission-free driving, aluminium wheels made of 70 per cent secondary material, green energy used for production.
⦁ Fresh design touches for the exterior: new Arctic Race Blue metallic and Fire Red metallic exterior paint finishes, new 19-inch light-alloy wheels in conjunction with M Sport package and in the BMW Individual range.
⦁ Interior with progressive premium character and sporting aura. New sports leather steering wheel with a polygonal rim in two-spoke design as standard, M leather steering wheel with three spokes, flat- bottomed rim and a discreet centre marking in the 12 o’clock position included as part of the M Sport package and with red centre
marker and stitching in BMW M GmbH colours for the M Performance models. All model variants have gearshift paddles on the steering wheel as standard.
⦁ Three-zone automatic climate control as standard. Climate control
system and the optional seat and steering wheel heating can now be operated by touch on the control display and by voice control. New controls for the air vents allow ventilation to be adjusted. Broad adoption of digitalisation leads to further reduction in number of buttons and controls in the cockpit.
⦁ Sport seats with black surfaces in new M Performtex are part of the M Sport package and fitted as standard in the M Performance models. Optional alternative: M Sport seats in Vernasca leather with black surfaces and blue contrast quilting.
⦁ Interior trim elements in new Dark Graphite matt finish as standard. New Fineline Light open-pored and Grey Blue Ash open-pored fine- wood trim can be found on the options list. Interior lighting now includes cascade lighting around the central seam vents. Optional instrument panel Luxury in Sensatec has a further refined surface structure. Also new: CraftedClarity glass applications for selected
controls.
⦁ Plug-in-hybrid variants for the BMW 3 Series use a new high-voltage battery from the fifth generation of BMW eDrive technology. Interior and luggage space remains unchanged, but usable energy has nearly doubled – to 19.5 kWh. Significantly increased electric range figures of up to 101 kilometres (63 miles) in the WLTP cycle.
⦁ First plug-in-hybrid models from BMW with new charging unit for three-phase AC charging at increased rate of up to 11 kW. High- voltage battery can be fully recharged from empty in 2 hours 15 minutes. Use of Connected Home Charging option for solar- optimised and load-optimised charging also possible.
⦁ Plug-in hybrid range condensed into new BMW 330e Sedan and new BMW 330e Touring. Both can be specified with either rear- wheel drive or BMW xDrive. Combination of a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission generates system output of
215 kW/292 hp.
⦁ Also available: four petrol and four diesel engines, all highly efficient, with four and six cylinders and BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with 275 kW/374 hp and
250 kW/340 hp straight-six diesel engine power the range-topping
M Performance models. 48V mild hybrid technology for all diesel engines and the six-cylinder in-line petrol engine.
⦁ All engines partner with an eight-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Intelligent all-wheel drive as standard or optional, depending on the model variant.
⦁ Comprehensive chassis upgrades. New BMW 3 Series offers noticeably enhanced ride comfort in all driving modes yet also the familiar dynamic potency. Stiffer mounting connecting the rear dampers to the body increases precision and composure and has a positive impact on acoustics when the car is handling peak forces triggered by the road surface. Reduced force needed to turn the steering wheel in Comfort mode.
⦁ M Sport suspension and adaptive M suspension available as options. Standard specification includes 17-inch or 18-inch (plug-in- hybrid and M Performance models) light-alloy wheels.
⦁ Extensive selection of assistance systems for comfortable and safe driving and parking. Standard equipment includes front collision warning, Intelligent Speed Assistance, Parking Assistant, Reversing Assist Camera and the Reversing Assistant. Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function available as an option, as is Parking Assistant Plus.
⦁ Updated BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5. Intuitive, straightforward operation by touch on the control display and natural language with the help of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. New home screen with vertically arranged widgets on a single level. QuickSelect rapid-access tech enables direct selection of functions without need to enter
submenus. Menu bar at the lower edge of the control display now also gives direct access to climate control functions.
⦁ Standard BMW Live Cockpit Plus with cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps. Optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional adds the BMW Head-Up Display and Augmented View on the control display or information display.
⦁ Linking with BMW ID and My BMW App – by scanning a QR code with a smartphone – has been simplified. My BMW App enables an
overview of the vehicle’s status, use of the “My Trips” feature including the Efficiency Trainer, various remote functions and access to the BMW ConnectedDrive Store for upgrades and additional functions. Charging and pre-conditioning for plug-in-hybrid models can also be controlled via the My BMW App.
⦁ Standard Personal eSIM enables use of the 5G mobile communications standard. Parking fees and fuel bills can now be paid digitally from the vehicle.
