Shortly before the successor is introduced as a representative of the “New Class”, BMW has sharpened the 3 Series as a sedan and touring for the second time. It is becoming more digital and is now more advanced as a plug-in hybrid – although not as far as the Stuttgart competition. But the M3 can now set itself apart even further: the strongest model in the class is getting another power boost.
In addition to new paint colors and steering wheels, it is above all the latest version of the iDrive operating system that brings the series up to date with the current range. The BMW Operating System 8.5 is introduced with the new entry screen with vertically arranged widgets on the curved display. The iDrive controller is retained.The 3-zone automatic climate control is now standard. This and the seat and steering wheel heating can now also be operated using voice control. Many functions are moved to the display.The weaker plug-in hybrid with 204 system hp is no longer available, the more powerful one – the 330e with a system output of 292 hp – gets a larger battery. The 19.5 kWh battery enables a range of 85 to 101 kilometers for the sedan, with all-wheel drive it is 81 to 96 kilometers. The Touring 330e has a range of 81 to 96 kilometers (330e xDrive: 84 to 91 kilometers). The charging power is now 11 kW.For comparison: The Mercedes C-Class is more powerful as a plug-in hybrid (apart from the AMG) in all variants and has an even greater electric range (up to 381 hp, 102 to 116 km).Best in class even stronger In the M3 Competition models with all-wheel drive, the six-cylinder engine experiences an increase in power of 20 hp to 530 hp and 650 Nm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 3.5 or 3.6 seconds (Touring). The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. If the optional M Driver’s Package is booked, the top speed increases to 290 km/h for the sedan and 280 km/h for the Touring.Here’s the comparison again: The four-cylinder engine of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 produces 421 hp. The AMG C 63 performance PHEV version, which is also four-cylinder, electrically expands the 476 hp four-cylinder to a system output of 680 hp. Market launch from July. Prices from just under 50,000 euros for the entry-level model 318i (Touring plus 1,700 euros), from 59,000 for the 330e.
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