The BMW 3 Sequence was once a crown jewel of the automotive panorama. It earned a lot reward and received so many comparability checks that automotive journalists like us had been falsely accused of being on the take. Sorry, the automobiles had been simply that nice. In recent times, although, the three Sequence misplaced its luster, and it had nothing to do with fictional stacks of unmarked payments now not exhibiting up on ink-stained doorsteps. Fairly merely, the final 3 Sequence was much less involving and enjoyable to drive, whereas its well-built-but-drab inside did not precisely wow luxurious customers. More durable nonetheless, it confronted higher competitors than ever earlier than, opponents that began to clear the lofty bar set by previous 3 Sequence.
So that is the historical past lesson. The 2021 BMW 3 Sequence is now into its third 12 months of a redesign that noticed it return largely to dynamic type, albeit in a far more related for the 2020s the place expertise, refinement and effectivity are way more essential. To these ends, the three Sequence infotainment system is among the many greatest within the luxurious realm, it has a surprisingly comfy experience for such a sporting automotive, and its gasoline economic system figures learn like these of a modest compact automotive regardless of boasting big-time energy and torque. The brand new-for-2021 330e plug-in hybrid and the M340i’s new mild-hybrid system bolster that case even additional.
So is right now’s 3 Sequence a crown jewel once more? Effectively, these opponents are solely getting more durable, and their collective turf is being quickly taken over by crossovers. Nonetheless, must you need to keep on with sport sedans (and we’re proper with you), there isn’t any higher place to begin your search than the BMW 3 Sequence.
What’s new for 2021?
The 330e plug-in hybrid mannequin debuts two years after the remainder of the three Sequence line was unveiled (you’ll be able to contemplate the brand new 2021 M3 as an addition as properly). There are additionally some key updates elsewhere. The M340i positive factors a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing gasoline economic system ever so barely and smoothing out the automated cease/begin system. Output and acceleration stay the identical. There have additionally been a lot of adjustments made to choice availability and package deal content material, which is regular after a brand new mannequin’s first 12 months in the marketplace. Customary tools now contains the beforehand unavailable Android Auto in addition to the beforehand optionally available satellite tv for pc radio, proximity entry, computerized excessive beams and the Linked Bundle Professional suite of distant providers.
What is the 3 Sequence inside and in-car expertise like?
The newest 3 Sequence inside sacrifices some ergonomic performance in favor of a extra eye-catching design with richer supplies. It was an excellent name, as the three Sequence now appears and feels extra luxurious, particularly when in comparison with section standouts such because the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo S60. On the identical time, performance hasn’t been written off – controls are nonetheless simply reached and there is ample cupboard space. We go in-depth in regards to the 3 Sequence inside within the video above and in our 3 Sequence Inside Driveway Check.
The three Sequence will be optioned with the most recent BMW iDrive 7.0 tech interface, which we assessment right here. We typically prefer it, particularly the myriad methods to perform the identical duties – knob, buttons, touchscreen, voice controls. Mainly, it means that you can function the automotive as you’d want. That stated, iDrive continues to be fairly complicated, and a few could discover its menu construction just a little overwhelming, particularly at first. Android Auto can also be added for 2021, and we’re pleased to report that we’ve not had the identical irritating connection points with Apple CarPlay in latest BMW check automobiles.
How massive is the three Sequence?
That is the largest 3 Sequence ever, rising to proportions that 20 years in the past would’ve rivaled the 5 Sequence. Whereas this is not nice information for its position as a sport sedan, it does enhance its luxurious credentials by offering a powerful quantity of backseat legroom. 4 adults can fortunately match aboard, even with tall occupants seated up entrance. You will nonetheless discover far extra space in a non-luxury sedan just like the Honda Accord or Mazda6, however the sacrifice to luxurious has positively been lessened.
The identical will be stated for trunk area, regardless that we found in our 3 Sequence baggage check that BMW’s cubic-foot trunk measurement inflates the automotive’s precise area relative to opponents. These within the 330e plug-in hybrid must also remember that its trunk area takes a substantial hit. The battery successfully raises the ground by perhaps 40% between the wheels with the same old trunk peak behind. A trick flooring panel gives the choice of max capability or a flat flooring. You possibly can see the distinction between the 2 trunks beneath (M340i left, 330e proper).
This additionally looks as if an excellent place to notice that there’s now just one 3 Sequence physique type. The wagon isn’t offered in the USA, and the oddball hatchback 3 Sequence Gran Turismo has been discontinued. After all, the redesigned 4 Sequence is successfully its coupe and convertible variations.
What are the efficiency and gasoline economic system?
Every BMW mannequin is tied to a distinct engine. The phrase “xDrive” tacked onto the top signifies the presence of all-wheel drive, versus the usual rear-wheel drive. The letter ‘i’ successfully signifies gasoline, whereas ‘e’ is for plug-in hybrid.
The 330i has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 255 horsepower and 294 pound-feet of torque. Like each 3 Sequence, an eight-speed computerized is obligatory; there isn’t a handbook out there. Tear. BMW says it will go from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with RWD or 5.3 with xDrive. That is a velocity realm as soon as occupied by the M3, so not too shabby for the bottom engine. However, gasoline economic system is outstanding at 26 mpg metropolis, 36 mpg freeway and 30 mpg mixed with RWD. Subtract 2 mpg with xDrive.
The M340i has a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, which for 2021 includes a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that improves effectivity and makes the automated cease/begin system smoother. Gasoline economic system successfully improves by 1 mpg to 23/32/26 mpg with RWD and 22/31/25 with xDrive. Output stays the identical with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, as do 0-60 occasions of 4.4 seconds with RWD and a ridiculous 4.1 seconds with xDrive. You possibly can hear what that appears like within the video beneath.
Additionally new for 2021 is the 330e plug-in hybrid. It has a 2.0-liter turbo inline-four paired with an electrical motor and batteries. Its mixed output is 288 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. BMW says it will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with RWD, however it oddly will get slower with xDrive regardless of the elevated grip. EPA vary estimates point out it will go 22 miles on a cost, which is typical for such a plug-in hybrid. For those who do not plug it in, the rear-drive 330e truly will get worse gasoline economic system than the gas-only variations, however that is actually solely a difficulty in case you’re on a highway journey and/or cannot recharge for some cause. In 286.5 miles of driving with two recharges, we averaged 66.6 mpg from the 330e.
What is the 3 Sequence prefer to drive?
The previous-generation 3 Sequence rightly caught flack for dropping the driver-focused mojo that had made its predecessors well-known. It simply wasn’t pretty much as good to drive. This newest model rights the ship, to some extent. The steering specifically has improved, imparting extra data to the driving force’s arms and gaining an increased-yet-uncontrived quantity of effort. Nonetheless, there’s nonetheless a sure numb, synthetic feeling current and normally, the steering continues to be not the benchmark it as soon as was.
The dealing with could also be, nonetheless, particularly with the M340i. It seems like a correct driver’s software with an impeccably composed suspension that means that you can keep fast, easy velocity. It would not really feel significantly gentle or playful – like different BMWs, it is going for velocity with confidence and competence – and will not essentially delight with its responses. If that is essential to you, go to the Alfa Romeo retailer.
The upside of the three Sequence dropping its edge through the years is that it is a quieter, extra comfy automotive extra in step with a luxurious sedan than a sport sedan. We had been frankly shocked at how superbly a 330e check automobile with 19-inch wheels and the adaptive M suspension sopped up brutal pavement. This, regardless of nonetheless dealing with with the poise described above. Actually spectacular.
What extra can I learn in regards to the 3 Sequence?
2019 BMW 330i First Drive
Our first assessment of the current-generation 3 Sequence and particularly the 330i. This contains extra details about its design, engineering and what modified.
What options can be found and what is the worth?
The bottom worth for every 2021 BMW 3 Sequence mannequin will be discovered beneath. Their tools is broadly the identical and there are not any trim ranges. Slightly, BMW gives copious choices, packages and tools teams (Sport Line, Luxurious, M Sport).
Customary options embrace 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, power-folding mirrors, some driver help options (see Security part), computerized wipers, a sunroof, proximity entry and push-button begin, three-zone computerized local weather management, energy entrance seats with reminiscence settings and a number of lumbar changes, a 40/20/40-split folding again seat, “SensaTec” vinyl upholstery, a no-cost selection of 5 accent trims, a 10-speaker sound system, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a previous-generation iDrive interface with an 8.8-inch show. The optionally available improve system, featured above and included within the $4,700 Premium package deal, includes a 12.3-inch all-digital instrument panel, a ten.25-inch middle show and the most recent iDrive 7.0 interface.
The M340i provides greater wheels, distinctive styling prospers and varied mechanical elements tuned and developed by BMW’s M division.
Yow will discover a full breakdown of the varied choices plus specs and native pricing right here at Autoblog for the 330i, M340i and 330e. All costs beneath embrace the $995 vacation spot price and are for the rear-wheel-drive mannequin. Including xDrive is a $2,000 choice for every.
- 330i: $42,245
- M340i: $55,695
- 330e: $45,545
Observe that this plug-in hybrid mannequin is eligible for a $5,836 federal tax credit score, in addition to potential state and native credit. For some patrons, then, it is the most affordable mannequin.
What are its security tools and crash rankings?
Each 3 Sequence comes commonplace with a fundamental “Lively Driving Assistant” suite of driver help options that encompass forward-collision warning, low-speed computerized emergency braking and lane-departure warning. BMW Help eCall emergency communications are additionally commonplace.
Every of the three choice packages embrace blind-spot warning and parking sensors, and will be upgraded with the “Lively Driving Assistant Professional” suite that upgrades the bottom options with a higher-speed computerized emergency braking system, evasive steering help and an adaptive cruise management system with stop-and-go functionality and steering help on highways (proven in motion within the images above).
The Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security named the 2021 3 Sequence a High Security Choose for its best-possible rankings in crash checks and for its accident avoidance tech.
