The BMW 3 Series has received its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update and the popular sedan now boasts not only refined styling but also a host of new interior technology. See what’s changed below!

Earlier this year, BMW revealed its all-electric 3 Series or i3 and it showcased some progressive styling cues, particularly seen on the front and rear-end. Now, it appears that the updated 3 Series has adopted some of the styling cues from its electric sibling.

What’s changed?

A mild stylistic revision has given the 3 Series a fresh look as part of its mid-life update.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is seen on the front end where the 3 Series now wears a revised grille with new double bars and revised contours while the standard LED headlights are now noticeably slimmer with an inverted L motif for the LED daytime running lights (Adaptive LED headlights will be offered as an option). At the rear, the 3 Series also gains slimmer taillights and the tailpipe finishers, depending on the variant, are now either 90 or 100 mm in diameter. The exterior look is enhanced with the now standard M High-gloss Shadowline and standard 17-inch light alloy wheels.

Customers will be able to further enhance the exterior look with the optional M Sport package and the new M Sport package Pro. The M Sport package gains a honeycomb pattern grille, newly designed front and rear aprons and 18-inch M light alloy wheels while M Performance models gain a mesh grille, 18- or optional 19-inch M light alloy wheels, M mirror caps with a black high-gloss finish and trapezoidal tailpipe finishers.The M Sport package Pro adds features such asM High-gloss Shadowline trim, M lights Shadowline and an M Sport braking system with red callipers. Of course, customers can also opt for a selection of retrofit items from the BMW M Performance Parts range.

Buyers will also be able to choose from new body colours includingSkyscraper Grey metallic and M Brooklyn Grey metallic as part of the M Sport package. The BMW Individual Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic special paint finishes will also be available in addition toaround 150 additional BMW Individual special paint finishes.

New infotainment system for updated BMW 3 Series

The new curved display is a major highlight inside the updated BMW 3 Series.

The interior of the updated 3 Series now benefits from the fitment of the standard BMW Curved Display (with BMW Operating System 8) which was previewed in the electric i3 earlier this year. The systemcombines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen to create an interactive, driver-focused display panel. Touch and voice control functionality has resulted in a major reduction of physical buttons and controls inside the cabin. Another major change is that the 8-speed automatic transmission lever has also been redesigned and is now much more discreetly positioned within the centre console.

Other notable enhancements include 3-zone climate control fitted as standard as well as a standard automatic dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear park distance control (PDC). BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation is also standard.

As far as engines are concerned, the current range of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engineswill be carried over with the M340i xDrive and M3 Competition and M3 Competition xDrive topping the range.

BMW South Africa has confirmed that the updated 3 Series will reach South Africa in the second half of 2022 (Q3 or Q4).

Sadly though, it’s unlikely that theBMW 3 Series Touring (station wagon) will be offered locally.

Buy a used BMW 3 Series on Cars.co.za

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