BMW 3 Series prices hiked by up to $10K

BMW Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for its 2023 BMW 3 Series line-up, and the surprise news is the facelifted mid-size luxury sedan and wagon range will start at $78,900 plus on-road costs for the 320i.

The new entry point marks an increase of $5400 compared to the outgoing 320i, which copped a $1600 price rise just last month, and brings the price of the 2023 BMW 320i exactly into line with its most direct rival, the Mercedes-Benz C 200 (also $78,900 plus ORCs), pricing for which rose by almost 20 per cent in February.

But it’s actually the smallest price hike of the entire MY23 3 Series range, with sticker prices increasing across the board by up to $10,100.

There is an exception, however, in the form of the range-topping M340i xDrive (an upgraded M3 is yet to surface), which has had $8700 slashed off its asking price and now starts from $104,900.

The most obvious changes to the 3 Series beyond the higher prices is its macho new styling, which makes the premium mid-sizer look more like a shrunken BMW 5 Series with its angular new headlights, reshaped daytime running lights, enlarged kidney grille, gaping lower intake, chiselled bumpers and more refined rear bumper.

This new attitude is complemented on the inside by the new BMW Curved Display, which encompasses both the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and the 14.9-inch infotainment interface on all variants.

BMW says it has been able to drastically reduce the number of buttons on the dash and steering wheel as a result of the new display, with most of the relevant functions and their controls now being accessed via the infotainment and voice control systems.

Other changes within the cabin include a redesigned gear lever and reorganised centre console.

Beyond the new iDrive 8 infotainment system, there haven’t been too many significant changes to the 3 Series’ standard equipment lists, save for the addition of adaptive cruise control and Comfort Access on all variants.

Other headline gear on the 320i therefore still comprises Alcantara and Sensatec upholstery, electrically adjusted sport seats, ambient lighting, High Beam Assistant, Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant, DAB+ digital radio, HiFi loudspeaker system, 18-inch alloys, Live Cockpit Professional with head-up display, Connected Package Professional and wireless phone charging.

As before, the 320i is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine good for 135kW/300Nm and driving the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission – the only transmission offered across the range.

Stepping up to the 330i (now priced from $93,400 – $4000 more than the C 300) not only brings a considerable bump in outputs to 190kW/400Nm but also adds bigger 19-inch hoops, leather upholstery, M Sport brakes, adaptive suspension and Parking Assistant Plus.

New to the 330i’s spec sheet is a Sensatec instrument panel, M Sport front seats with lumbar support and a powered boot lid/tailgate.

The more powerful (215kW/420Nm) and more efficient plug-in hybrid 330e ($97,400 plus ORCs) mirrors the 330i’s spec sheet, save for the inclusion of the electric motor and adjoining battery pack.

At the top of the new 3 Series range, the M340i xDrive builds on the 330i’s standard specification with more aggressive tyres, a tyre repair kit, electric glass roof, heated front seats, adaptive LED headlights, Driving Assistant Professional and a Harmon/Kardon premium surround sound system, 285kW/500Nm 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-petrol engine and xDrive all-wheel drive system.

With order books now open, first examples of fresh new 3 Series line-up will arrive in local showrooms next month.

How much does the 2023 BMW 3 Series cost?
320i – $78,900 (+$5400)
330i – $93,400 (+$10,100)
330i Touring – $97,400 (+$10,100)
330e – $97,400 (+$7100)
M340i xDrive – $104,900 (-$8700)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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