by Aiden Eksteen
If you're a BMW fanatic, you'll know that the automaker has been executing some really unorthodox vehicle designs and builds lately, particularly with the Bugs Bunny-looking 4 Series and the front-wheel drive 2 Series Gran Coupe. This is, however, not the case with the esteemed 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan. It's instantly recognisable for its implicit BMW aesthetic and with either a 255-horsepower turbo-four or 382-hp turbo-six under the hood, it packs the punch any BMW devotee would expect from a car in this league. Of course, those perks are met with plenty of driver engagement, despite the sedan's use of a 8-speed automatic transmission, and proficient handling dynamics by virtue of a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive layout. The 3 Series Sedan is the driver's choice against the likes of the Audi A4, Genesis G70, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
The 2021 BMW 3 Series is about halfway through the seventh-generation, so the company has made a few small but welcome upgrades to the range. SiriusXM with 360L and a one-year subscription is now standard, along with Android Auto integration. Other standard features over the 2020 version now include automatic high beams, keyless entry, and the Connected Package Pro for the 330i variants. For M340i models, ambient lighting and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system are the new additions. Many other changes have been made to the optional packages and the color palette, such as the addition of lane departure warning for the Driving Assistance Package, the addition of Live Cockpit Professional availability for the 330i models, and the removal of the previously available Luxury Package.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
330i Sedan |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$41,250 |
330i xDrive Sedan |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$43,250 |
330e Plug-In Hybrid Sedan |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$44,550 |
330e xDrive Plug-In Hybrid Sedan |
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
All-Wheel Drive
|
$46,550 |
M340i Sedan |
3.0L Turbo Inline-6 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$54,700 |
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
BMW's cars have become synonymous with fun, proficiency, and balanced driving experiences - qualities the 2021 3 Series Sedan packages seamlessly into its suave and authoritative 4-door composition. With either a turbo-four or potent inline-six mill, it's certain to exhilarate and its sharp steering and finely tuned suspension inspire confidence in the driver to push it to the limits through corners. With this concerted focus on performance, it's no surprise the 3 Series' ride quality is a little on the firmer side. Fortunately, both powertrains still manage to maintain fairly impressive fuel economy showings, and the commodious, upscale cabin keeps things comfortable, even if the styling is uninspired. From the IIHS's review of the 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan came an excellent safety rating, which along with some promising reliability expectations, make the 2021 BMW 3 Series sedan's premium price well-worth paying.
The 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan is presented in a four-trim lineup in the USA. If you want to get the most out of the sedan's performance potential, then the M340i model in RWD guise is the way to go for its impetus and vehemence. It also gets some cool shadowline exterior trim, an aerodynamic body kit, and an M-sport differential. However, at $10,000 more than the 330i sedan, which stands at $41,250, it's quite expensive considering it doesn't come with much more in terms of features. In that light, we'd recommend either of the 330i trims, the xDrive of course offering improved all-weather traction benefits over the RWD option. We'd review the options list, too, and suggest going for the Driving Assistance Package and the Premium Package.
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