2022 BMW 3 Series Touring 330i xDrive 8AT AWD (245 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW introduced a facelift for the seventh generation of the well-known 3 Series in the summer of 2022, just three years after the initial launch, and the updates affected both versions of the car, the sedan and the station wagon.

The German automaker didn’t like to call its facelifted models in such a way, preferring the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) designation instead. Its move came after three gruesome years affected by the 2020 world pandemic 2020 and the microchip crisis that followed. Despite all the obstacles, the seventh generation of the 3 Series was still able to reach its customers in over a million units between the initial unveiling and the July 2022 update. Not only was the car the best-selling generation in the nameplate’s history, but it also accounted for 14 percent of the carmaker’s sales. It was the cash cow of the family. Furthermore, it dominated the compact executive segment in many countries, and BMW tried to keep that winning streak on its plate. There were some noticeable exterior and interior changes and more important updates under the car’s skin.

The 2022 BMW 3 Series Touring received standard LED headlights across the range. In addition, the automaker offered the option for adaptive lights, which included non-dazzling matrix high-beam as well as dynamic headlight range control and variable light distribution. Another significant change was for the daytime running lights, which sported an upside-down L-shape. To match these modifications, BMW also had to redesign the kidney grille, making it look wider than on the non-facelifted variant. The 3 Series was available with a few options for the exterior appearance. Base versions featured a front bumper that resembled the one installed on the 2019 model year, with T-shaped side scoops but with a wider center air intake. In addition, the automaker offered the options for an M Sport package or M Sport package Pro, which added a broad hexagonal lower air intake flanked by rectangular scoops.

From its profile up to the B-pillars, the Touring, also known as the Sports Wagon in the U.S., shared its body panels with the four-door version. However, the longer wheelbase and the extended roof told a different story. They promised more interior room and a wider trunk. BMW didn’t want to trade look for space, so it created a raked forward tailgate for the G21 adorned at the top by a roof spoiler. Even though this solution reduced the loading capacity, it helped the car look more like a shooting brake than a regular station wagon. In addition, the aforementioned visual packages produced by BMW’s M Division made the Touring look faster and more aggressive. It even included aerodynamically profiled side skirts. At the same time, at the back, the rear bumper differed, depending on the packages. Base models featured T-shaped trims, while the M Sport-equipped version received a broad diffuser placed underneath the bumper flanked by vertical fake vents.

Inside, customers were greeted by a completely redesigned dashboard. It featured a curved display, which was a glass panel that covered the 12.3” digital instrument panel and the 14.9” infotainment screen placed atop the center stack. The car could now be paired with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto devices to smooth things out. In addition, an eSIM ensured 5G data transfer. The front seats were the same as in the sedan version, but the rear split-folding (40/20/40) bench seat was different. It could be partially or completely lowered to increase trunk space from 500 liters (17.7 cu-ft) to 1,510 (53.3 cu-ft).

Customers could order the 2022 BMW 3 Series Touring (G21) with a choice of three plug-in hybrids, four gasoline, and four turbodiesel engines. They all sent the power to the standard eight-speed automatic transmission. There was also a choice of five mild-hybrid drivetrains, and several models were available with rear- or all-wheel drive systems.