Overview
Did someone say icon? The BMW 3-series has been the entry-luxury sports sedan benchmark for nearly 30 years —and for substantial reason. Aligned to classy and stylish the 2025 3-series remains to produce an excellent lovely balance that is agile. It's as satisfying to drive whether you're doing errands or bombing back roads. Entry-level 330i versions provide a 255-horsepower turbo four-cylinder power plant while the upgraded M340i swaps in a 386-hp turbocharged inline-six; both come with 48-volt hybrid systems and are available with either rear- or all-wheel drive. BMW has loaded the 3-series with remarkable electronics, including a wall of screens on the dash for infotainment and gauges, optionally augmented-reality navigation, and all the typical driver-assistance technologies—although some of these functions are optional extras. Some rivals offer more amenities at cheaper price points, notably the also-excellent Genesis G70—but even well-equipped versions of the 3-series aren’t wholly out of reach and, as drivers who favour superb handling, we think the BMW's price premium is deserved.
What's New for 2025?
Also for 2025, BMW has introduced an improved iDrive 8.5 system, has offered new colours, wheels, a fresh steering wheel look, and redesigned dashboard. There are no more plug-in-hybrid 330e while both 330i and M340i options are still available. Suspension adjustments are for providing a better feel and comfort while the Comfort driving mode reduces appreciated effort into the steering wheels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The prices for the BMW 3-series starts from $46,675 for the base model and $62,775 for the high end model of the year 2025.
We’d rather recommend the turbocharged four-cylinder 330i because of its sheer muscle and because, in its very essence, the car is a compact sedan. We would upgrade our model with the M Sport package that provides additional features, distinctive stylistic pieces, and a specifically adjusted suspension. With it, we'd pick the Premium option that features hands-free passive entry, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, and more. We'd also splurge for the Dynamic Handling option that enhances the sedan's driving characteristics with adjustable dampers and improved brakes—and makes it feel closer to the legendary 3-series sedans of the past.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 3-series has two smooth and strong gas-powered engines. The 330i comes standard with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine making 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and driving like it has far more power than that figure suggests. The M340i features an overachieving, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six and 48-volt hybrid system; the total output is 386 horsepower and 369 lb-ft. Each power plant partners with a telepathic and extraordinarily smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard rear-wheel drive. You can power all four wheels for a fee but no amount of money will buy you a manual transmission. Buyers can select between various suspension configurations on the 3: the standard arrangement, the tauter M Sport tuning, or the Dynamic Handling option with its adaptive dampers. The four-cylinder Bimmer demonstrated its merits by winning a comparative test against rival sports sedans. We admired its ability to go from relaxed-and-refined to sharp-and-playful. The 330i also earned its status at the top of its class by repelling the exquisite Alfa Romeo Giulia in a two-car comparo. Our long-term M340i further established the nameplate's return to form, with its ripping six-cylinder and outstanding body control.
Read Also: Features of the 2025 Nissan Versa
0–60-MPH Times
At our test track, the all-wheel-drive version of the M340i xDrive hit 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. You could be right but the 330i that we sampled for this comparison wasn’t balls-to-the-wall behind. This one was also an All-Wheel-Drive xDrive model and in a mustering 5.2second it hit 60 mph.
Fuel Economy and Real World MPG
The EPA also believes the four-cylinder 330i will get up to 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The xDrive six-cylinder M340i gets scores that max out at 23 mpg or city and 31 on highways. We tried the tested rear-drive 330i on our standard 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and recorded incredible 42 mpg. Our second selection for the test is an all-wheel-drive M340i, which also averaged 33 mpg on average. In particular for more information about how fuel-efficient the 3-series is, one needs to visit the EPA’s webpage.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the 3-series boasts a contemporary design complete with good materials and remarkable construction quality. Nothing seems cheap inside the 3-series, and its controls are well-placed. The basic sport seats are well-bolstered and supportive, and they enable substantial adjustability so it's easy to become comfortable. The car's extra-cost features includes a comprehensive head-up display, configurable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging. The 3-series has a spacious trunk with an optional power-operated deck lid. With 17 cubic feet of luggage capacity, the gas-powered sedan can stow six carry-on baggage back there and 17 overall with the rear seat folded. For contrast, the Alfa Romeo Giulia could accommodate five luggage in its trunk and 15 with the back seats folded.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Combined in a single screen, the 12.3-inch gauge display and 14.9-inch infotainment display float softly atop the 3-series' dashboard. The high-resolution screens look terrific and are legible even in bright sunlight. BMW's iDrive 8.5 interface is fast and easy to utilize. A wealth of technologies are included, including in-dash navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot; a head-up display is available and also delivers augmented reality navigation instructions. A wireless smartphone charging pad is offered, as is a Harman/Kardon music system.
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