BMW 3 Series prices increased by up to $10,000 with update

The BMW 3 Seriesmid-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