2024 BMW 3 Series, M3 Revealed Globally

BMW has updated the 3 Series and the M3 globally. This is not a major facelift as that happened in 2022 but both models get slightly updated design, refreshed interiors and updated powertrains. 

The cosmetic enhancements to the 3 Series are minimal. It gets slightly altered bumpers and new design for the alloy wheels. The M3 gets a new design for the headlamps which is similar to the updated BMW M4, along with new alloy wheels. The 3 Series is available in nine new colour options. 

Inside, both models get a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen which runs on BMW’s iDrive 8.5 operating system. With the new OS, HVAC as well as seat heating and ventilation controls are now housed in the touchscreen. The 3 Series and M3 also get a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and the latter gets M-specific graphics. Both models get new steering wheel designs as well. 

The biggest changes to the 3 Series and M3 are under the skin. The standard 3 Series has four petrol engines, four diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 318i, 320i and 330i get a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. In the 318i it produces 154 bhp and 250 Nm, in the 320i it produces 181 bhp and 300 Nm and in the 330i it churns out 241 bhp and 400 Nm. The M340i gets a 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 369 bhp and 500 Nm and is mated to a 48V mild hybrid tech. The 320i and 330i get BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system as an option but it is standard on the M340i.

The BMW 318d and 320d get a 2.0-litre diesel engine, while the 330d and M340d get a 3.0-litre diesel engine. In the 318d, it produces 148 bhp and 320 Nm, while in the 320d, it produces 188 bhp and 400 Nm. The diesel engine in the 330d produces 282 bhp and 650 Nm, while in the M340d, it churns out 335 bhp and 700 Nm. All the diesel engines come with a 48V mild hybrid tech which BMW says adds 11 bhp of power. 

The plug-in hybrid variants – 330e and 330e xDrive – have an increased electric-only range of up to 101 km from its 19.5 kWh battery. Assisting the hybrid tech is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and combined, the powertrain produces 288 bhp and 420 Nm. 

The M3 has also seen a bump in power from its 3.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. It now produces 523 bhp, up by 20 bhp compared to earlier. Peak torque, however, remains the same at 650 Nm. This helps the M3 to sprint from 0 - 100 kmph in 3.5 seconds and its top speed is limited to 250 kmph. The M3 continues to be available with the choice of a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox but the manual is only available with the rear-wheel drive configuration. 

BMW has also improved the chassis of the 3 Series and claims that it now provides better comfort regardless of the road conditions and selected driving modes. It has also made the steering lighter in Comfort mode for a relaxed driving experience. 

Production for the updated 3 Series and M3 will begin in July 2024 in a phased manner and will be available globally. Expect the updated models to launch in India later this year. Currently, the 3 Series is priced between ₹60.60 - ₹72.90 lakh (ex-showroom, India) and the M3 is not on sale in India.