2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20) LCI 320e 8AT RWD (204 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW sold more than a million units in just three years since the launch of the seventh generation of the 3 Series, and the German automaker tried to maintain its lead in the premium segment of this compact executive sedan.

With sales accounting for 14 percent of the automaker’s entire lineup, the 3 Series was the family’s cash cow. It was available in two shapes, sedan and Touring, since the Gran Turismo version was ditched due to slow sales. Furthermore, it didn’t have a coupe or convertible in the lineup since those versions were rebadged as the 4 Series, which was introduced in 2013. But there was one certain thing: in just three years since the model’s launch in 2019, the seventh generation of the 3 Series outsold any of its predecessors. Remember that all these happened despite the world pandemic and the following microchip crisis. In short, it was a beloved car not just by the brand’s fans. It also attracted customers from other automakers, too. As a result, BMW tried to keep its sales figures up and quickly introduced a refreshed version in July 2022 for both body shapes.

At the front, the most striking news was the introduction of standard LED headlights. Thanks to this crucial update, the automaker could make them slimmer since they didn’t have to accommodate bi-xenon brights as its predecessor. In addition, the daytime running lights have been modified and had a reversed L-shape. Due to these modifications, BMW had to redesign the kidney grille to look wider than before. In standard trim, the lower side of the bumper looked similar to its predecessor with its T-shaped side scoops, albeit the center air intake was broader. Customers could also opt for an M Pack, which added a more aggressive look for the apron, featuring a hexagonal wide air intake on the lower side flanked by L-shaped side scoops.

From its profile, there were no significant changes to the vehicle. Entry-level models were provided with 16-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. At the same time, the higher grades were fitted with 18-inch wheels and fat tires. On the front fenders, the 2022 BMW 3 Series Sedan (G20 in factory coding) featured a sculptured lower area, which was continued on the door panels towards the back of the car. Like its non-facelifted version, the refreshed one had a short rear deck with an integrated duck tail in the trunk’s lid. For the rear fascia, BMW prepared a fresh set of taillights that sported L-shaped lights for parking and braking, while the reversing ones were smaller and positioned on the upper area of the tail lamps. Lower, the automaker also provided a standard wrapped-around plastic bumper fitted with T-shapes echoing the ones from the front. In addition, the automaker also offered a more aggressive-looking bumper fitted with a large diffuser underneath it.

Inside, the technological package has been rich ever since the model’s introduction in 2019. But still, that version lacked some amenities. The most noticeable upgrade was BMW’s curved display, which combined the 12.3″ instrument panel and the 14.9″ screen for the infotainment system atop the dashboard featuring BMW Operation System 8. There was no instrument cluster anymore. Below, on the center console, the automaker installed a small switch for the gear selector instead of the golf-club-like shaped one as in the 2019 model year. Furthermore, there were additional options and trims, including brushed aluminum. BMW also said that it used more than 50% recycled materials for aluminum and about 16% for thermoplastics.

Under the hood, the automaker understood that the turbocharged three-cylinder engine had to go. Another improvement over its predecessor was the increased range of electrified drivetrains (mild hybrids that worked on the 48-volt architecture. Furthermore, BMW also added two plug-in hybrids in the lineup that provided 204 PS (201 hp) and 292 PS (288 hp), respectively.