The BMW 3 Series mid-life update will go on sale in Australia from October with a raft of improvements, matched by sharp price hikes for the 2023 model year.
The price increases come after a different batch of hikes we wrote about in August this year, which included the pre-LCI 3 Series.
Headlining the changes are subtle design updates, new lights, the latest BMW infotainment system with new screens, and a smattering of added features.
But BMW’s entry 320i sedan now costs $5400 more than the 2022 model at a starting price of $78,900 before on-road costs.
The price of entry into the current-shape 320i when it was announced in June 2019 was $64,900 – meaning the opening price has climbed nearly 22 per cent in around three years.
The 320i’s new opening gambit matches the starting price of its rival Mercedes-Benz C200, the cost of which also increased substantially with the launch of a new model earlier this year.
The volume-selling BMW 330i sedan and Touring are up by $10,100 over the 2022 models, at $93,400 and $97,400 before on-road costs respectively.
The BMW 330e PHEV is up $7100 over the MY22 model, at $97,400 RRP.
The range-topping (M3 aside) BMW M340i xDrive model is a different matter: previously BMW offered the M340i xDrive Pure and the better-equipped M340i xDrive, whereas now it just offers the one variant.
At $104,900, the latest M340i xDrive is a reasonable $1300 more than the old Pure grade, and $8700 cheaper than the full MY22 M340i xDrive.
2023 BMW 3 Series: What’s new?
The front apron and intakes are restyled, so too are the LED headlights and kidney-shaped front grille. There’s also a new daytime running light signature and new tailpipes, plus new colour options called Skyscraper Grey metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic.
Inside is a standard BMW Curved Display, comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 14.9-inch centre touchscreen in a single unit, running the new BMW Operating System 8 software with a greater suite of voice commands.
BMW has also fitted a new-look gear selector, and all grades bar the base 320i get a seat upgrade.
Basic spec walk
New features bolded.
2023 BMW 320i features:
- M Sport Package
- 18-inch M alloy wheels
- Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery
- Comfort Access system incl. BMW Digital Key
- Electric seat adjustment
- ‘Sport’ seats
- Galvanic Embellishers
- Ambient Lighting
- High Beam Assistant
- Driving Assistant
- Active Cruise Control
- Parking Assistant
- DAB+ radio tuner
- HiFi loudspeaker system
- Live Cockpit Professional w/HUD
- Connected Package Professional
- Wireless Charging Tray
2023 BMW 330i adds:
- 19-inch M alloy wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Instrument panel in Sensatec
- M Sport Seats
- Lumbar Support, front
- M Sport Brakes, blue
- Adaptive M Suspension
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Electric tailgate
2023 BMW 330e adds:
- Mode 2 charging cable
- Mode 3 charging cable
- Acoustic protection for pedestrians
2023 BMW M340i xDrive adds:
- 19-inch alloy wheels with sport tyres
- Tyre Repair Kit
- Glass Roof, Electric
- Seat Heating, Front
- Adaptive LED Headlights
- Driving Assistant Professional
- harmon/kardon premium surround sound system
2023 BMW 3 Series pricing
- BMW 320i: $78,900 (up $5400)
- BMW 330i: $93,400 (up $10,100)
- BMW 330i Touring: $97,400 (up $10,100)
- BMW 330e: $97,400 (up $7100)
- BMW M340i xDrive: $104,900 (up $1300 over M340i Pure, down $8700 over regular M340i)
Before on-road costs
MORE: BMW raises prices again across most models
MORE: 2023 BMW 3 Series launch timing confirmed
