2020 BMW 3 Series Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
BMW 3 Series
Key Features
- New 2.0-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque and new straight-six cylinder engine with 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission with a new control unit and further enhanced gearshift dynamics
- Refreshed exterior design with a combination of precisely drawn lines and strikingly contoured surfaces
- Available Vernasca leather upholstery
- Standard Active Guard Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function
- New BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
- BMW Live Cockpit featuring iDrive 6.0 with an 8.8-inch digital touchscreen Control Display
- Standard rain sensor, automatic headlights, three-zone automatic climate control system, and hands-free phone system
About the BMW 3 Series
No other model has represented the concept of the Ultimate Driving Machine better than the iconic BMW 3 Series Sedan. With sales of over 15 million units worldwide over the past 40 years, the 3 Series embodies the heart and passion of the BMW brand. The introduction of the seventh generation of the 3 Series marks the continuation of inspired driving dynamics, premium refinement, and groundbreaking innovations which have set the benchmark for the modern sports sedan.
Synonymous with sportiness, versatility, and efficiency — the exterior styling of the 3 Series reflects its core strengths. Legendary BMW driving dynamics have been enhanced with an emphasis on lightweight materials along with the introduction of an advanced Limited Slip Differential. An updated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and a revised straight-six each provide inspired performance. Interior ergonomics, connectivity, and refinement have been improved as well. Returning to its heritage as the ultimate sports sedan, the 3 Series continues to push the limits of what’s possible.
What the Critics Say
As we eased a roughly 85 percent complete prototype out of BMW’s Nürburgring support garage, the car’s resolute tautness was apparent within the first 50 feet, telegraphing to us that the seventh generation of the Roundel’s venerable sedan is a dynamic about-face from its watered-down predecessor. It just felt right.” — Car and Driver
Redesigning the BMW 3 Series has long been a daunting task, because each generation has set a high benchmark for the category. BMW promises increased performance with this next sedan, but it’s the added space, comfort, and conveniences that may best distinguish this car from the rest of the class.” — Consumer Reports
What’s New for 2020
Following a complete redesign last year, the BMW 3 Series returns essentially unchanged for 2020. One key update is sure to excite performance enthusiasts. New this year, the BMW M340i marks the return of the legendary six-cylinder engine to the iconic 3 Series lineup. The M340i cranks out an impressive 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, similar to the output of the M3 just a few years ago.
BMW 3 Series Features
Dynamic Styling
A completely new design language found on the BMW 3 Series creates a modern interpretation of the sporting aesthetic. 2.9 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.5 inches taller than its predecessor — the 2020 3 Series represents an evolution of this iconic sedan. Increased track widths of +1.7 inches up front and +0.8 inches at the rear improve both agility and poise on the road. Signature BMW kidney grill elements are framed by standard full-LED headlights. Sharp character lines strengthen the visual impact made by the forward-surging body. Drivers will have their choice of two non-metallic colors and ten metallic shades including the new Portimao Blue metallic and Vermont Bronze metallic.
Reimagined Interior
Meticulous attention to detail and premium craftsmanship combine to produce the reimagined interior of the BMW 3 Series. A driver-focused cockpit and increased spaciousness allow you to focus solely on the road ahead. Electroplated trim strips and contours extending into the doors add a feeling of width and elegance. A revised gear selector lever is paired with the iDrive Controller along with buttons for the Driving Experience Control switch unit. Other available amenities include Vernasca leather trim, Sensatec instrument panel and door trim, and fine wood interior trim strips in high-gloss Ash grey-brown. The standard glass roof now offers a much larger surface area which can now be appreciated by rear seat occupants. Precisely positioned LED fiber-optic light guides to create a dynamic, exclusive mood with the available Ambient Lighting.
Perfected Performance
With a drag coefficient as low as 0.26 and a body weight reduction of 121 pounds, the BMW 3 Series is more agile and athletic than the previous generation. 330i models are powered by an improved 2.0-Liter Inline 4-Cylinder with 255 horsepower paired with an 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission. The lineup is expanded further to include a BMW M Performance version along with a BMW iPerformance model featuring the latest plug-in hybrid drive technology. Advanced xDrive all-wheel drive will be available as well. BMW M340i and M340i xDrive sedans are powered by a new version of the straight-six engine which cranks out 382 horsepower and peak torque of 369 lb-ft. These models also receive the Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. Available M Sport brakes provide excellent braking performance and intuitive feel, helping to slow the immense power of the 3 Series.
Groundbreaking Technology
More technologically advanced than ever before, the 3 Series provides drivers with assist systems and connectivity features which inspire every drive. An optional Harman Kardon surround sound system upgrades the system to 16 speakers and a digital seven-channel amplifier generating an output of 464 watts. With the standard Active Guard Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking function, your 3 Series is able to come to a halt in order to either avoid a collision or minimize its consequences. Choose the optional Driving Assistant Professional to receive a full complement of assistance systems for comfortable and safe motoring. Its functions include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Steering and Lane Keeping Assistant, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant.
Trims & Specs
330i Sedan
- Starting at $40,750 MSRP*
- 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder
- Driving Dynamics Control with selectable drive modes
- SensaTec upholstery and Fine Wood trim with Ash Grey-Brown high-gloss
- BMW ConnectedDrive® Services and BMW TeleServices
- 2-way power glass moonroof with “one-touch” operation and power interior sunshade
330i xDrive Sedan
- Standing at $43,300 MSRP*
- xDrive all-wheel-drive system
- Connected Package Plus with Real Time Traffic, BMW Remote Services including Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock, and BMW Connected App
- HiFi Sound System with 7-channel 205-watt amplifier and 10-speakers
- Live Cockpit Plus features multi-input iDrive 6.0 system operated by voice, touchscreen, and iDrive touchpad Controller
- 14-way power front seats and Electric Seat Adjustment
M340i Sedan
- Starting at $54,550 MSRP*
- 3.0-liter BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder
- M Sport suspension with Variable Sport Steering
- M Sport brakes and M Sport Differential
- Aerodynamic Kit and M rear spoiler
- 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M sport steering wheel with two configurable M mode buttons
M340i xDrive Sedan
- Starting at $56,550 MSRP*
- Driving Dynamics Control with ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes
- Comfort Access keyless entry with multi-function remote control including hands-free trunk-lid opening
- Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch central information display
- LED Headlights with Cornering Lights
- 18-inch M Double-spoke orbit grey wheels (Style 790M)
*MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.
