2024 BMW 3-Series

The 3-Series has the traditional sport sedan proportions of a long nose and a short deck, with shoulder and character lines that rise toward the rear, balanced by subtle wheel haunches. With bigger body kits, bigger wheels and sportier tires, and carbon-fiber trim, M models stand out from the pack.

Inside, the low-set dash offers up dual screens with plenty of digital real estate. The touchscreen absorbs some of the controls that seasoned BMW owners might expect to find in the surrounding surface. The M3 retains a single-screen layout and physical climate controls. It’s surrounded by soft synthetic leather and trimmed in aluminum, wood, or carbon fiber. The standard black upholstery is understated, though options such as cognac, mocha, and red each add their own flair.

How fast is the BMW 3-Series?

They’re all quick, and top-tier configurations might make you squeal.

The 330i can hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds thanks to its 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 paired with the quick, smooth 8-speed automatic transmission that comes standard across the line except for the standard M3.

The 330e plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor to the mix, pushing output to 288 hp and providing 23 miles of electric range. It’s just as quick to hit 60 mph and arguably even peppier at low speeds thanks to the motor, but loses some steam when speeds get higher.

Straddling the line between the 330 and the M is the M340i, which features more power, upgraded brakes to match, and a sportier suspension setup. It makes 382 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque from its turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, and in xDrive configuration can run to 60 mph in just over four seconds. A 48-volt mild-hybrid setup captures energy in a regenerative braking system, sends it to another battery, powers the electrical system and adds a bit of power, to boot.

Even with its standard suspension, the 3-Series is sporty as ever. It expands in length and girth with every generation, affecting its tossability through corners, but it carves curves with a stable, smooth confidence and light, quick steering.

The available M Sport tuning setup adds adaptive dampers that firm up the M340i’s ride, though tire choice plays a role here, too. Even at the firmest configuration, it’s worth the tradeoff for the improved handling. Tires stay planted thanks to the front double-jointed struts and five-line rear, and there’s great traction with minimal lean.

M3 performance

Weekend warriors will find track-ready handling in the M3 lineup. These models dive into corners, dice up esses, and beg to be driven even harder, particularly the Competition models. The M3 features strong standard brakes, and the optional carbon-ceramic versions can withstand laps without overheating. The staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber provides great grip, and the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires are second only to slicks.

The M3 is powered by a 473-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, which is tuned to 503 hp for the M3 Competition. The M3 Competition xDrive is the quickest of the bunch, needing just 3.4 seconds for the 0-60 mph run, while the rear-drive Competition takes 3.8 seconds and the standard M3 clocks in at 4.1 second. All are eager through the rev range, ready to launch off a stop and powerful enough to top out at 180 mph when the M Driver’s Package is selected. The base model is a tiny bit less quick than the rest, but features an engaging 6-speed manual with a natural clutch feel and smooth shifts that more than make up for that split-second difference in speed.

Even in base form, the 3-Series comes with supportive, firmly-bolstered yet comfortable seats that, combined with the low seating position, make the driver feel great. It’s one of BMW’s tricks of the trade, and it gets even more serious with options like the M3’s carbon-fiber buckets, which sacrifice some comfort in favor of keeping front occupants firmly in place. Headroom and legroom are good up front, too.

The standard synthetic leather looks and feels good, though the genuine leather is even better and complements the cabin’s other quality materials.

The rear bench is deliberately narrow, which improves safety and style but means the middle seat is better used as a package shelf. Anyone taller than about six feet will find rear legroom and headroom inadequate. Split-folding seats make the 17.0-cubic-foot trunk even more practical.

Every 2024 3-Series gets automatic emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. BMW offers adaptive cruise control, active lane control, active blind-spot monitors, a surround-view camera system, and automatic parking.

The M340i costs $58,595 and gets a sport-tuned suspension system, a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned steering, a rear spoiler, and upgraded brakes.

How much is a fully loaded BMW 3-Series?

If you want a manual transmission, stick with the regular M3, which is $76,995. The 2024 M3 Competition costs $81,195 with rear-wheel drive and $85,295 with all-wheel drive. It features M Sport seats, Merino leather, an M adaptive suspension system, sport brakes with red-painted calipers, and staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels and rubber.

The 3-Series includes a competitive 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with 3 years/36,000 miles of scheduled maintenance included.

The 330e plug-in hybrid offers an electric range of 23 miles and 68 MPGe.