2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan Review: More Performance Than Ever
The BMW 3 Series has always held a reputation of being one the sportiest compact luxury sedans on the US market. Although in recent years BMW's dominance hasn't been as comprehensive as it may once have been, the seventh generation 3 Series is a return to form, and with the arrival of the 2020 model year, we're greeted by an all new performance derivative in the form of the M340i and M340i xDrive twins. They're no M3, but while the world waits with bated breath for a new full M car, these semi-M models will cater to the performance needs of 90% of the market. Against the ever-improving competition, like the C-Class, and recently, the Alfa Romeo Giulia, BMW needs this newest 3 Series to be great. With two available engine choices, a turbo-four and the 3.0-liter turbo-six in the M340i, a high-quality interior, and exceptional day to day manners, things are looking good for the German marque.
What’s the Price of the 2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan?
As a premium luxury sedan, the 3-Series comes in on the pricier side, for how much it has on offer, but it's on a par with other luxury rivals like the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi S4. Getting behind the wheel of the 330i will cost you $40,750. The sportier, although still not quite performance-level, M340i is significantly more expensive with its MSRP of $54,000. Each model offers an xDrive variant that adds an additional $2,000 to the base prices for an all-wheel-drive configuration. These prices exclude tax, registration, licensing, and BMW's $995 destination fee.
2020 3 Series Sedan Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185.7 in | 112.2 in | 56.8 in | 71.9 in | 62.3 in | 62.9 in | 3,582.0 lbs |
2020 3 Series Sedan Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
As one of the sportiest luxury small sedans in the USA, the BMW 3 Series doesn't disappoint once you're behind the wheel. Even the base model 330i comes with more than enough power to give you a thrill around town, but especially on the open road with just the right amount of twists and turns. Plenty of torque is on hand right from the get-go, meaning zipping between intersections around town is a breeze, and even though it is a luxury sedan, the 3 Series is small enough to nimbly weave through traffic and park without too much stress - even without all the handy parking aids.
The steering is light and precise, at least when Comfort mode is enabled, but flip the Sport switch, and you'll find the wheel delivering just the right amount of resistance to really draw you into the driving experience, especially at top speeds. Few luxury sedans really let you know what the wheels are doing, and the 3 Series is no different, failing to communicate effectively.
When it comes to handling, the 3 Series feels even smaller than it actually is, being quick, agile, and eager to respond to driver input. It is still by no means a true sports car, but it emulates the experience quite well. If you opt for the available M suspension or upgrade to the M340i, which comes with it standard, don't be surprised if you find yourself pushing the limits with the sleek little sedan when you test drive it. Heck, you may even find it encouraging you to do so, as it relaxes it's built-in safety features when in the Sport Mode setting.
Perhaps the biggest shortcoming in the sedan is its road comfort. The chassis is a bit stiff for a luxury vehicle, meaning that far too many road abrasions make themselves known to the occupants, despite the plush seating appointments. At least noise is well-dampened thanks to some innovative insulation and sound-resistant windows.
2020 3 Series Sedan Interior
2020 3 Series Sedan Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
Verdict: Is the BMW 3 Sedan A Good car?
Asking this of any BMW is usually a moot point, but this is especially the case when it comes to the 3 Series. Each model in the line-up is a great car in its own right, but the new M340i trim is an absolute delight for anyone who enjoys a bit of a thrill but doesn't want to sacrifice the practicality of a daily-driver sedan completely.
It's true that the suite of safety features is a little bare compared to rivals, and that the infotainment will give you a headache until you get used to its nuances, but the 3 Series more than makes up for this with its spacious interior and large trunk, especially for a small luxury sedan. That alone may not be enough to catapult any car into the lead, but the BMW does that with its impressively powerful engines, athletic acceleration, and nimble handling.
At a starting price of $40,750, the 330i may not be an everyman's car, but it can certainly be an everyday car for those who can afford it. And it won't ever feel like a poor investment as it brings you surprising joy, even if you just need to pop into town for grocery shopping. But out on the open road, it comes as close to a sports car experience as any non-sports car could hope to be. And if you are willing to lay down a little extra cash, you can find an even more engaging drive in the M340i.
For those who seek even greater thrills, it may be worth your time to wait and see what the future holds for the M3, but if you want an enjoyable driving experience in an affordable small sedan, the 3 Series won't leave you disappointed.
What BMW 3 Series Sedan Model Should I Buy?
While a $14k bump in the BMW 3 Series' price may seem pretty significant, it's hard to put a price tag on the enhanced driving experience offered by the M340i trims. Equipped with a superb turbocharged six-cylinder engine, and excellent handling characteristics, these models offer a degree of fun that few luxury sedans can rival. The head-up display and larger infotainment screen don't hurt either. While the M340i models may still be lacking when it comes to some advanced safety features, these can be added without the price skyrocketing over the $60k mark.
2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan Comparisons
2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan vs Audi A4 Sedan
The A4 comes in several thousand dollars cheaper than the BMW 3 Series, but you wouldn't think so looking at it, especially on the inside. The Audi is packed with tech features, both infotainment and safety, but this technophilic attitude doesn't overwhelm the stylishly designed cabin, with its upscale materials and excellent build quality. It doesn't hurt that the onboard technology, while more advanced, is even easier to use than the BMW's. In comparison, the exterior design is a bit more muted than the 3 Series', and it doesn't handle quite as well on the road. If you want a well-appointed everyday vehicle, the Audi A4 is a solid choice, but it won't present you with as many opportunities for fun. What it really comes down to is, do you want a fun ride or a comfortable one?
2020 BMW 3 Series Sedan vs BMW 5 Series Sedan
The 5 Series falls into the mid-size sedan segment, while the 3 Series is a small sedan. Naturally, this comes with several pros and cons. The 5 Series is going to cost you quite a bit more, but in return, you get a substantial amount of extra room in the cabin, as well as a few extra cubic feet of trunk space. The seats are more comfortable, and several extra tech features come standard. However, it isn't as nimble as the smaller sedan and, unless you equip the twin-turbocharged V8, it won't feel as powerful as the lighter 3 Series, although lesser derivatives are only a few tenths slower than their 3 Series counterparts. If you are willing to load up the 5 Series fully, you will find it to be an even more powerful and thrilling drive than its little brother; but, nothing can reduce the overall size of the vehicle, meaning that it might not deliver as much driver engagement and it will struggle more with nimble traffic maneuvers around town and in parking lots.