2021 BMW 3 Series Review

　　

2021 BMW 3 Series Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The current-generation BMW 3 Series sedan made its debut just a few years back, and for 2021 another new variant joins the lineup: the 330e plug-in hybrid. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and electric motor, which is integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, create a maximum combined output of 288 horsepower. That's about 30 more horses than the base 330i.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$155/mo  for 3 Series 330i

　　3 Series 330i

　　330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $41,250 MSRP330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $43,250 MSRP330e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $44,550 MSRP330e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) - $46,550 MSRPM340i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $54,700 MSRPM340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) - $56,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$164/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　On top of that it has a hybrid battery that you can recharge at home or at a public charger to provide an EPA-estimated 23 miles of all-electric range (that drops to 20 miles when equipped with all-wheel drive). After the battery runs out of juice, the 330e pretty much drives just like any other 3 Series.

　　Aside from that, the 3 Series remains relatively unchanged for 2021. It's not quite as engaging to drive as some past 3 Series iterations, but this latest model — especially in M340i guise — is undeniably impressively quick and capable. And what the 3 Series may have lost in terms of driving dynamics, it's made up for it in refinement and premium touches. The interior is handsome and comfortable, and it's available with a good array of in-car tech and driver aids.

　　So is this 2021 3 Series for you, or should you get an Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class or Volvo S60 instead? Check out the categories of our Expert Rating to help you decide.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the 3 Series drive? We tested an all-wheel-drive 330i. Its turbocharged four-cylinder is strong and responsive; you don't need to rev it much before it delivers the goods. Our test car reached 60 mph in 5.6 seconds in our testing, which is a quick time for a small luxury sedan with a base engine. The transmission shifts quickly and complements the surprisingly flexible power of the engine.

　　The brakes in the 330i are solid all around and one of the highlights of this car. The pedal is smooth and easy to control in casual driving but strong, stable and confident in hard use. We also like the car's agility when going around turns. With the M Sport package, the 330i's body motions are well controlled. Experienced drivers might find themselves wanting a little more playfulness, but nonetheless this luxury sedan is easy to drive quickly.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the 3 Series? Our test 330i suffered from a surprisingly harsh ride. We suspect the cause to be our test car's optional sport suspension (as part of the M Sport package) and possibly the rough-riding tires as well. If you're worried about comfort, we'd suggest getting a 330i without the M Sport package.

　　We do like the 330i's exceptionally quiet cabin at highway speeds. Plus, the front seats are supportive and have plenty of available adjustments. The 3 Series' climate system is capable but operating it can be puzzling at times. Some functions are odd — syncing zones must be done through the touchscreen, for instance. Also, the system won't really adjust fan speed when in auto mode, so you'll have to do that yourself.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? It's clear that BMW put a lot of thought into the front cabin comfort and design. There's ample doorway head clearance front and rear for getting in and out, and the door grabs and handles are well placed and easy to use. The front seating is roomy, although the rear seat is best suited for two — the center tunnel eats up most of the foot space.

　　We're less fond of the 3 Series' iDrive infotainment system. It has plenty of functions, but they are often hard to locate in the convoluted maze of menus. Also, the layout of physical buttons and controls is generally comprehensible, but you'll have to take your eyes off the road to find the flat buttons on the console — you can't just feel them by touch. It'll take some time for owners to get accustomed to the 3 Series' control setup.

　　

Technology

7.0/10

　　How’s the tech? You'd think that BMW would kill it here, but the reality is that some rival automakers are ahead of the game. For instance, the 3 Series' navigation system lacks the polished execution of Mercedes' new augmented-reality feature or Audi's Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster display. Also, the 3 Series has many advanced driving safety aids, but their effectiveness is hit-or-miss.

　　BMW includes one year of wireless Apple CarPlay, but after that it's a fee-based subscription. To date, BMW is the only manufacturer with a subscription model. There's still no Android Auto support. Our test car had the optional Harman Kardon audio system — we found it delivers rich, clean sound up front but less so for the rear passengers.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The trunk is sizable, and the lid hinges are shrouded so they won't crush cargo when the lid comes down. The rear seatbacks are split 40/20/40, and they fold and lie nearly flat when down. Storage space for small items in the cabin is decent.

　　For family taxi duty, the 3 Series does a respectable job. The Isofix anchors for securing child safety seats are clearly marked and easily accessible under flip-up lids. There's also enough space to fit a larger rear-facing car seat behind all but the tallest drivers.

　　

Fuel Economy

8.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? With a rating of 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the 330i xDrive is surprisingly efficient for the performance it delivers. (The rear-drive 330i is slightly more efficient, and the M340 is slightly less.) We averaged a respectable 31.3 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is above expectations. Other traffic-heavy tanks yielded mpg in the low 20s.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the 3 Series a good value? The 3 Series isn't the priciest offering in the segment, but it's also far from the best value. You get a quality product for your dollar with solid performance to match and complimentary maintenance as a bonus. But if you're looking for maximum value, you're better off checking out some of the other segment offerings. Warranty coverage is typical for a luxury brand.

　　

Wildcard

8.0/10

　　BMW can still make a capable small sedan. For most people, this 3 Series will meet expectations. But for people who love driving for fun, the 330i will likely disappoint a little. Certainly the M340i ups the excitement a little. As for design, the cabin has character, but there are some styling elements at the rear of the car that remind us of a Lexus. That's a first for a 3 Series and not necessarily a good thing.

　　

Which 3 Series does zzdcar recommend?

As much as we enjoy revving out the turbocharged inline-six in the M340i, the plug-in 330e offers much better value. It can go an EPA-estimated 20 miles or more on all-electric power — which can help save on gas if you're able to frequently recharge — and qualifies for available federal or state tax credits or incentives. Otherwise, it drives just like the base 330i. Whichever 3 Series you get, make sure to get the Driving Assistance package.

　　

2021 BMW 3 Series models

The 2021 BMW 3 Series sedan is offered in three trim levels: 330i, M340i and the new 330e plug-in hybrid. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (BMW's xDrive) is optional across the board. Although the three use different engines, all route their power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Features include:

　　330i

　　Starts you off with:

　　255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine 18-inch wheels LED headlights Sunroof Automatic climate control Power-adjustable front seats Simulated leather upholstery 8.8-inch touchscreen with navigation Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration 10-speaker audio system Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)Notable options for the 3 Series include:

　　Leather upholstery 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system Premium package Digital instrument cluster Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) Ambient interior lighting Keyless entry Executive package Includes Premium package features Gesture control (allows you to use hand gestures to operate certain infotainment functions) Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Driver Assistance package Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Parking sensors Driver Assistance Professional package Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Lane keeping assist (steers the 3 Series back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) M Sport package 19-inch wheels Sport suspension Aerodynamic body kit Dynamic Handling package 19-inch wheels Upgraded brakes Sport differential (enhances traction) Adaptive suspension 330e

　　It's similar to the regular 330i but has:

　　Plug-in hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor (combined 288 hp) 23 miles of estimated all-electric range with rear-wheel driveM340i

　　The M340i gets a big jump in performance with:

　　382-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine Contents of the M Sport and Dynamic Handling packages (minus the adaptive suspension)

　　

2021 3 Series Highlights

Type: SedanM340i xDrivePlug-in HybridM340iSedan

　　Trim: 330i330i xDrive330e330e xDriveM340iM340i xDrive330i

　　

Base MSRP	$41,250
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	30 MPG
Cost to Drive	$155/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles