2025 BMW 3 Series Freshens Up, Beefs Up
The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series continues to evolve two years after getting a major update. The changes are not as significant this time around, but fans of the German compact sedan will be pleased nonetheless.
On the outside, two new 19-inch wheel designs and two new body colours are available including Arctic Race Blue Metallic and Vegas Red Metallic. New design elements and features have also been introduced in the interior. Drivers are presented with one of two new steering wheel designs including one with a polygonal rim and another with a flat bottom and a stripe at the 12 o’clock position.
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Ambient lighting has been enhanced, while revisions have been made to the range of interior trim elements. For example, Galvanic controls, which add a unique luster to the window switches, door lock button and air vent adjustment stalks, are now standard equipment.
The latest version (8.5) of the BMW iDrive infotainment system is fitted in the updated 3 Series. It features a new home screen and QuickSelect rapid-access tech, enabling vehicle functions to be controlled more intuitively. A customizable widget bar can be found on the driver’s side of the control display. Optionally, the BMW Digital Cockpit Professional adds not only a head-up display but also an augmented reality function.
More Power
For 2025, the inline six-cylinder engine in the M340i xDrive features revised 48V mild hybrid technology. The auxiliary electric motor can provide 11 hp of boost, resulting in a maximum system output of 386 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission to propel the car from 0-100 km/h in only 4.3 seconds.
Mild hybrid technology is now applied to the base four-cylinder engine, as well, along with a redesign of the intake ports and combustion chambers, plus innovations in the areas of camshaft control, injection, ignition system and exhaust gas routing. However, output is unchanged at 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
On all 2025 3 Series models, the chassis has been updated with a stiffer mount connecting the rear dampers to the body. As a result, drivers will enjoy a notable increase in comfort without any loss of dynamic capability, BMW claims. Furthermore, steering effort has been reduced in Comfort mode.
What About the M3?
The top performer in the 3 Series has not been left out, obviously. Newly designed LED headlights consolidate low and high beams in a single module, while forged M alloy wheels in a new bright silver finish have been added to options list. The interior benefits from similar enhancements to the rest of the lineup (steering wheel, trim elements, infotainment, etc.).
While the standard M3 continues to deliver 473 hp through a six-speed manual gearbox, the M3 Competition with M xDrive develops an extra 20 hp thanks to optimized configuration of the engine management system. The straight-six now generates 523 hp at 6,250 rpm and summons its peak torque of 479 lb-ft between 2,750 and a now higher 5,730 rpm, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, or nearly half a second quicker than before—and just one tenth slower than the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E Performance, which generates up to 671 hp and 752 lb-ft thanks to an electrified four-cylinder engine.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series models for the Canadian market will begin production in August in San Luis Potosí (Mexico) and Munich (Germany). Below are the base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices:
- 2025 BMW 330i xDrive - $56,900
- 2025 BMW M340i xDrive - $69,900
- 2025 BMW M3 - $92,250
- 2025 BMW M3 Competition with M xDrive - $99,200
Curiously absent from the list and the press releases are the 330e and 330e xDrive plug-in hybrid models. Stay tune for more information.
