Launched: 2023 BMW 3 Series LCI – 2 ICE + 1 PHEV Variants, From RM283K

BMW Malaysia has unveiled the 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift today, featuring two combustion (ICE)-powered variants plus a sole plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The facelift, or what BMW calls Life Cycle Impulse (LCI), sees the new 3 Series getting mild design updates for both the interior and exterior, as well as the inclusion of the M Sport package for all three variants.

The two ICE variants, namely the 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport, harness the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo powertrains, albeit with different state-of-tunes. In the 320i, the package outputs 184 HP and 300 NM, allowing a century sprint time of 7.4 seconds and a V-max of 235 KM/H. The 330i, on the other hand, boasts 245 HP and 400 NM instead, thus enabling it to despatch 0-100 KM/H in just 5.9 seconds whilst enroute towards a restricted V-max of 250 KM/H.

As for the electrified 330e, it gets a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain comprised of a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo mill working in tandem with a single electric motor, delivering combined outputs of 292 HP and 420 NM – essentially making this the range-topper. This stellar power output reflects on its 0 to 100 KM/H sprint time of 5.8 seconds as well – 0.1 second quicker than the 330i.

The exterior refresh sees the 3 Series don a sharper front fascia, thanks to redesigned LED headlamps and the front apron with lateral air curtain. The central air intake is now covered with a honeycomb pattern, which is part of the M Sport package. Said headlights flanks the iconic BMW kidney grille, which in the 3 Series LCI, has been restyled with a modified outline to give it a more muscular look.

All variants ride on 18-inch double-spoke M light alloy wheels finished in the 848 M Bicolour Jet Black hue. Another addition from the M Sport package is a series of M Sport badges, as well as the M aerodynamics package, the latter finished in high-gloss black.

The LCI refresh treatment gets better inside the cabin. The front dash is now primed with the borderless BMW Curved Display cluster that encompasses both the infotainment and driver’s displays. Dubbed as the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the touch-enabled, hi-res infotainment screen powered by BMW OS8 measures at 14.9-inches, while the smaller driver’s display measures at 12.3-inches with M specific display and graphics built-in.

Fortunately, the screen-laden interior still comes with physical buttons and controls, especially pertaining to safety-related and frequently-used functions. While the bulk of its climate and media controls are integrated into said display, some essential controls for both features are still present as physical buttons located just below the central air vents.

Aside from that, the lower part of the centre console houses other essential driving tools like the push start button, gear selector, plus a plethora of safety features buttons, media control pad, as well as the drive mode selector – Eco Pro, Comfort and Sport. Additionally, the M steering wheel, finished in Walknappa leather, also houses some driving-related and media controls, aside from housing the paddle-shifters.

The cabin also comes with key M Sport package furnishings such as the steel-finished M door sills, M driver’s footrest and stainless steel pedals, sporty front seats with side bolsters, M Anthracite headliner, as well as M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite trim on several parts of the interior, including the central console mentioned earlier.

The M Sport inclusion is not limited to cosmetic upgrades only, as the package also boasts a real-life performance upgrade with both the ICE variants are primed with M Sport suspension. However, said upgrade does not apply to the 330e PHEV model as the space-consuming hybrid layout hinders the installation of these sporty suspension.

Lastly, the 2023 BMW 3 Series will sport a full-swing of advanced drivers assistance system (ADAS) including Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist.

In terms of pricing, the base 320i M Sport commands RM283,800, whilst the peppier 330i M Sport is tagged at RM317,800. The partially-electrified 330e M Sport, meanwhile, caps the range off at RM298,800. All prices include the BMW Service and Repair package.

Are you digging this refreshed iteration of THE defining compact executive sports saloon from the Bavarian marque? Hit the comments below with your thoughts, then…