2018 BMW 3 Series upgrades announced

BMW Australia has rejigged the equipment list of its volume-selling 3 Series, gifting it an up-to-date infotainment package, new cabin materials and a smattering of other cosmetic tweaks for the 2018 model year.

The changes are admittedly minor, with the only external clues being the addition of a lurid ‘Sunset Orange’ paint scheme to the palette, and new alloy wheel designs (18-inch for 318i and 320i/320d, 19-inch for the 330i, 330e and 340i).

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As before, the Sport Line grade is standard for all models in the range bar the 340i. The 340i can be had with the sportier M Sport package or Luxury Line at no cost, while Luxury Line is also a no-cost option for the 330i and 330e.

Greater changes are evident from the driver’s seat, with BMW’s latest generation of its iDrive infotainment suite now fitted across the 3 Series line-up. Displaying through either a 6.5-inch colour display on the 318i, 320i and 320d, or on an 8.8-inch touchscreen on other models, the iDrive6 system includes, among other features, a DAB+ digital radio tuner, AM/FM radio, satellite navigation and Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming.

All models in the range also feature a head-up display, which can now detect and display the speed limit for the road being travelled.

BMW says the cabin has been “redesigned with a driver-focused geometry”, but the changes are few beyond the addition of a USB port to the lower dash and a double-stitched upper dash treatment. ‘Cognac’ high-grade Dakota leather upholstery has joined the option list, however, and a dark ‘Aluminium Carbon’ trim is also available for cars equipped with the M Sport package.

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Under the bonnet, there are no changes to the 3 Series’ engine range.

Beginning with the 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged inline three of the 318i, the 3 Series petrol powertrain range also includes the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre turbo of the 320i, the 185kW/350Nm 2.0-litre of the 330i and 330e (the latter of which makes peak torque of 420Nm thanks to its additional electric motor) and tops out with the 240kW/450Nm 3.0-litre turbo inline six of the 340i.

A sole diesel option is offered in the form of the 135kW/270Nm 2.0-litre of the 320d.

PRICING

Available from November this year, prices for the 3 Series have risen across the board. See below for retail pricing, as well as their respective price increases:

BMW 318i sedan - $57,300 (+$800)

BMW 320i sedan - $63,400 (+$900)

BMW 320i Touring - $67,500 (+$1000)

BMW 320d sedan - $65,800 (+$900)

BMW 330i sedan - $70,900 (+$1000)

BMW 330i Touring - $75,000 (+$1100)

BMW 330e sedan - $73,900 (+$1000)

BMW 340i sedan - $91,200 (+$1300)