The 2025 BMW 3 Series is one of the finest small luxury sedans you can buy. It's enjoyable to drive and offers many helpful convenience and technology features. Just be aware that many of the car's advanced driver aids are optional and not standard equipment like they are on some competing sedans.Read full review
Clint Simone has worked in the automotive industry since 2015. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Before joining Edmunds as a senior reviews editor, Clint contributed to Motor1.com and InsideEVs, evaluating mostly electric cars. Clint loves hot hatchbacks more than any other type of vehicle but secretly enjoys driving big trucks when he gets the chance. He would never admit to that.
7/30/2024(updated 2/10/2025)
The 2025 BMW 3 Series gets some slight tweaks to make it more compelling than its last update in 2022. It's now simplified to just two models: the entry-level 330i and the performance-oriented M340i. The plug-in hybrid version, the 330e, has been discontinued for 2025. The 3 Series is still a great all-around luxury sedan with a solid-built interior and excellent technology.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 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 $3.79 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
The latest BMW infotainment system has new software with redesigned menu layouts for quicker interactions. Under the hood, the M340i receives a touch more horsepower, along with mild hybrid technology for quicker response and slightly better fuel economy.
Competitors to consider
Mercedes offers a formidable competitor with the C-Class. It's a touch more luxurious inside than the BMW and offers a similar list of tech features. Additionally, Audi just unveiled a brand new A5, which will replace the longstanding A4 as the company's midsize sedan. Then there's the Genesis G70 and the Lexus IS, though both of these options are getting up there in age with less competitive equipment.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Cameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
We drove the 2025 BMW 3 Series on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.The Edmunds 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.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the 3 Series drive? We tested the M340i xDrive. At our test track, it blitzed from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds — much closer to the 3.2 seconds of the M3 Competition than the 5.7 seconds of the 330i xDrive. The transmission shifts quickly and complements the surprisingly flexible power of the engine.
The 3 Series' brakes 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. Experienced drivers might find themselves wanting a little more playfulness from the 330i, but the M340i is available to easily satisfy.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the 3 Series? This particular M340i is an example of how the right spec can separate the merely fine from the exceptional. A previously tested 330i was equipped with the M Sport suspension, which we found punishing on the road. The setup is standard on the M340i, but our test vehicle had adaptive dampers and, wow, what a difference. They effectively make this little sport sedan drivable day to day. Don't even consider an M340i without them.
Otherwise, the standard M sport seats are wonderfully supportive, with cushioning that strikes a perfect balance between firm and comfortable. They feature a range of adjustments, so even taller drivers can dial in the right position without any issue. The ride is quiet, too, with the inline-six settling into a low thrum when you aren't booting the accelerator pedal.
Our only issue is with the climate controls. We like that there are three climate zones by default, but now the front controls are hidden in the touchscreen. As a result, you have to take your eyes off the road to alter the temperature or rely on the sometimes wonky voice control system to do it for you.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? It's easy to get in and out of the 3 Series thanks to ample doorway clearance, and a wide range of seat and steering wheel adjustments afford an excellent driving position for most drivers. The 3 Series is spacious as compact sedans go, with sufficient elbow room for front and rear passengers. Visibility is average, but an array of optional cameras offer added exterior views from several angles.
BMW's iDrive interface looks fantastic, but there are so many features and controls it can sometimes be a maze to navigate. It's easy to discern the fixed buttons and controls, but the console's flat buttons require regular downward glances.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,116 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,116 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M340i trim.
How’s the tech? The 3 Series' infotainment system looks sharp. The 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is very impressive for the price and complements the standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The vehicle's advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, work well but are almost all optional instead of standard equipment.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The 3 Series offers 13 cubic feet of trunk space, which is slightly roomier than average for the segment. Only a hatchback like the Audi S5 Sportback would offer a significantly larger cargo area. A folding 40/20/40-split rear seat lies nearly flat and adds versatility.
In-cabin storage isn't abundant, but there's enough to go around between the door pockets and center console. One phone can find a home in the wireless charging tray. Easily located LATCH anchors make it a breeze to install a car seat base, but the 3 Series' inherently compact size might force a front seat occupant to move forward if you need to place a rear-facing car seat.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
9/10
How’s the fuel economy? According to the EPA, the M340i xDrive will get 29 mpg in combined driving (26 city/33 highway). These numbers are high compared to its direct competitors, and incredible when you consider it has two extra cylinders and nearly 130 hp more than the 330i xDrive, which also gets 29 mpg combined.
Value
8/10
Is the 3 Series a good value? This is an expensive luxury sedan, no doubt. But if you compare this against an M3, the M340i offers a similar level of driving excitement for a lot less money. So there's value here if you can do some mental gymnastics. The interior has high-quality materials and our test car had no fitment or build quality issues. BMW's basic and powertrain warranties are typical for the segment.
Wildcard
8.5/10
Our particular version of the M340i was an absolute blast, deftly balancing approachable performance with good road comfort. But previously tested 3 Series variants of this generation haven't been so successful, meaning your mileage may vary if you choose the wrong spec. Our advice? If you're going with the 330i, skip the performance suspension and large-diameter wheels. For the M340i, the adaptive suspension is a must-have.
Which 3 Series does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the entry-level 330i for most people since its four-cylinder packs a strong punch and this model gets all of the important technology hardware that we love on the 3 Series. But if you want a little bit more oomph out of your sport sedan, the M340i is a fantastic option to let you have a lot of fun behind the wheel without having to pay M3 prices.
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
BMW 3 Series models
The 2025 BMW 3 Series sedan lineup has two models: the 330i and the M340i. Each one has a slightly different mission. The 330i is the entry-level 3 Series while the M340i is the sportiest and most powerful. Keep reading for our editors' curated breakdown of each trim's powertrain and standard and optional features.
330i
The base trim comes reasonably well equipped with:
Turbocharged four-cylinder engine (255 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque)
Eight-speed automatic transmission
Rear-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive (BMW's xDrive)
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Power-folding, heated side mirrors
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Sunroof
Three-zone automatic climate control
Power-adjustable front sport seats
Synthetic leather upholstery
Tech features include:
Curved 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch center display
Cloud-based navigation system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
BMW connected services
10-speaker audio system
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
M340i
The M340i provides a big increase in performance thanks to its larger engine:
Turbocharged six-cylinder engine (386 hp, 398 lb-ft) with 48-volt mild hybrid system
18-inch wheels
Aerodynamic kit
More aggressive front bumper and unique grille
Rear spoiler
M Sport suspension
Upgraded M Sport brakes with blue calipers
M Sport differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
M steering wheel
Keyless entry
BMW offers a variety of options and packages for the 3 Series. Depending on the model, key choices to look out for include:
Convenience package (330i)
Keyless entry
Heated steering wheel
Parking sensors
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
M Sport package (330i)
19-inch wheels on performance or all-season run-flat tires
M Sport suspension
Aerodynamic body kit
Dark (Extended Shadowline) exterior trim
Rear spoiler
More interior trim material choices
M Sport steering wheel
Premium package
Contents of the Convenience package
Head-up display
Driving Assistance package
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the BMW and the car in front)
Dynamic Handling package
19-inch wheels on performance or all-season run-flat tires
M Sport brakes with blue or red calipers
Adaptive M suspension
Driving Assistance Professional package
Adaptive cruise control
Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (allows for hands-free operation in traffic and on certain highways)
Active lane keeping assistance with side collision avoidance (steers the 3 Series back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker and makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Front cross-traffic warning
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
2023 BMW 3 Series 330e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)
My fourth 3-series and my favorite so far. Needed a daily driver to replace an aging Chevy Bolt, my weekender being a 2014 Porsche Boxster S. With a 14 mile round-trip commute I do not need huge electric-only range, making a PHEV of some sort the right choice for me. I cross-shopped all the PHEV's under $60k and landed on the 2023 BMW 330e, which I ordered just to my liking, for which I … paid MSRP, and of which I took delivery last week.
First impressions? This is easily the quietest car I have driven. I can have a whispered conversation with my wife driving 80 mph on the freeway. Engine noise is unobtrusive and switching between gas and electric in hybrid mode is unnoticeable. I spec'd mine with the Adaptive M-suspension which I would highly recommend. Though my last three 3-series were of the F-generation making this a somewhat unfair comparison, all had Msport fixed suspension that seemed to aim more for the sporty but were also jittery and high strung. The Adaptive M-suspension in comfort mode on this car seems to strike an excellent balance between suspension comfort and drivability. The combination of a refined powertrain and smooth driving dynamics yield a level of refinement I was frankly surprised to obtain at this price point. The interior is lovely and expensive-feeling in a tasteful manner, featuring comfortable and supportive seats, high-grade materials on all surfaces, and very well laid-out controls. The large curved center screen is bright and expansive and the instrument cluster tunable to different viewing options. I've been following owners manual instructions on break-in and so have not had a chance to really get on it, but even a gentle prod of the fun pedal leads to plenty of oomph and the low end torque from the electric motor is quite palpable. So far it would appear that efficiency is as advertised. I'm 250 miles in and not even down to a half-tank running exclusively in hybrid mode. Mine is the Msport spec so I cannot speak to the standard braking feel but holy mother are the brakes good on the Msport version. Feel is perfect and stopping power feels way better than any car I have driven other than a pile of Porsches (I have own two and tracked many others).
There are a few features which I find less satisfactory. It took me quite awhile to sort through even a few of the configurable options. This version of iDrive is certainly superior to those of my past 3-series and I suppose that feature overload will not be unique to this car. I am also not super in love with certain styling aspects, not least of which is the Darth Vader look of the front fascia and splitter of the Msport spec, which you have to go with if you want the M Adaptive suspension. Likewise the instrument cluster, which has a "<" on the left showing speed and a ">" on the right showing efficiency - this is in comfort mode, with what is shown in sports mode being, I think, a speedo and a tach. These are modest gripes with what has been a major surprise. I paid $42k in 2010 for a BMW 335d, which was far less refined than this 330e for which I paid under $50k. Heck, my Bolt was $42k new. If you are looking for an stylish, smooth, quiet, and refined PHEV that doesn't seem to require any compromises this might be the one. It sure is for me.
Great car but maybe not for all
4 out of 5 stars
Howieceeya, 01/14/2024
2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
Update after one year: I am close to exchanging this car for a A4. I don’t care for the firm ride and the run flat tire situation causes me stress. I have had 2 tire incidents where I had to replace the tire after hitting potholes. I couldn’t drive away as the tire was totally deflated. If you can’t drive on the run flats then what is the point? No spare tire so had to wait an hour for … bmw to call for towing. Now I drive around with anxiety looking out for ruts in the road which is not a good experience. Note that I had the lower profile 19 inch tires. It’s a shame. The A4 at least had a donut spare wheel. Auto makers should listen to their customers - no one likes the run flats!
Old review: I’ve had the 330 xdrive for about 3 weeks now and overall I am happy with it. My previous car was an Audi S4 which is more performance oriented. I wanted something more modern and more fuel efficient without sacrificing too much performance. This car pretty much foots the bill. For anyone that is shopping in this segment you should take a hard look at the Audi A4. These two cars are very close in terms of competence but they have different flavors. The bmw is more stylish, handles better, sounds better and is just cooler. However, the bmw has a firm ride that may bother some people. I got the 19 inch wheels and it comes with run flat tires that are stiff. I didn’t test drive this exact car so my bad. If I had known I would have chosen the 18 inch wheels. This is not such a problem that I regret my decision to buy this car. However if I lived in an area with a lot of bumps and potholes I would choose the Audi. The suspension is great at soaking up everything while still good at high speeds. As for the power it’s one of the best 4 bangers I have driven. At times I miss the 330 HP of my S4 but the trade off in fuel mileage is worth it. I am getting 26mpg now vs 18. If you live in a less congested area where you can really open it up I would suggest getting the M340. However, once you get this car up to speed it is naturally fast. It just cuts through the air. It’s natural habitat is way over the speed limit.
The best compact sport sedan
5 out of 5 stars
Rali, 10/07/2022
2022 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)
I don't care what Edmunds says, but the 3 series is still the benchmark in compact sports sedans.
I have a 2022 330i RWD, and the refined driving pleasure it delivers, is second to none. The 4 cyl is powerful, and you can feel the get up and go (without no noticeable turbo lag) as the car unleashes the inner sports car driver in you.
Best non-M BMW.
5 out of 5 stars
Andrew Wu, 10/30/2022
2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)
Three months into ownership of my 2022 M340i, I still believe it's the best all-around car out there.
Pros:
Practicality is solid - suitcases, shopping bags, folded cardboard and the like all disappear into the trunk without issue.
Car feels extremely stable at speed, easily comparable to the last-generation F80 M3. It corners quite well too, tons of grip both in the dry and wet. …
Sound deadening in the cabin is surprisingly good, only very slightly worse than a 5-series.
Acceleration is fantastic. It's not an M3, but it beats C43s and Mustangs from a dig, and the power doesn't drop off all the way into felony-speeding territory.
Auto start/stop works well and is easy to get used to.
H/K audio sounds fantastic, although some tinkering with audio settings is helpful to improve the clarity.
Cons:
iDrive may be confusing for someone who hasn't previously owned BMWs.
Nothing else really. It's a very good car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 BMW 3 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3 Series since its last redesign.
First Look: BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept | Previewing an All-Electric BMW 3 Series
NOTE: This video is about the 2024 BMW 3 Series, but since the 2025 BMW 3 Series is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The BMW Vision Neue Klasse previews the next-generation all-electric BMW 3 Series, and — assuming the production version stays true to this concept — it's a massive change from the current model. But perhaps even more importantly, the Vision Neue Klasse introduces an all-new electric platform to the BMW lineup that will underpin a multitude of EVs. Learn more about it with… Edmunds' Clint Simone in the First Look video above!
BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine mantra has been muddled over the last few years. Some of its cars (like the sensational M5 CS) have nailed the brief, but that didn’t always translate in the brand’s entry-level options. As we noted in our review of the 2024 330i, our test car suffered from an overly firm ride, which put it behind some of its rivals in the compact luxury car segment.
The German brand strives to correct that with new chassis tuning for 2025, which it says “improves the balance between capable and comfortable.” Small changes all throughout the car will bring about this change, including tiny tweaks like a stiffer mounting connecting the rear dampers to the body and even lighter steering in Comfort mode.
BMW didn’t forget about the 3 Series’ aesthetic appeal on the outside either. The front and rear bumpers get slightly more flair, and two new colors are available to 3 Series buyers — Arctic Race Blue metallic and Vegas Red metallic. For an additional fee, Frozen Pure Grey metallic and Frozen Portimao Blue metallic are also offered. Choosing the 330i with the M Sport package opens up the option to choose 19-inch M alloy wheels in bi-color or Jet Black with a double-spoke pattern; these are standard on M340i models. A Y-spoke design may be selected as a BMW Individual option.
What's under the 3 Series' hood?
Along with the chassis fine-tuning, BMW tweaked the power of both the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine in the 330i and the 3.0-liter inline-six propelling the M340i.
For 2025, both models are enhanced with the 48-volt starter generator carried over from last year’s M version. BMW’s plug-in 330e, it seems, has been kicked out of the lineup in favor of a more holistic approach. The newest 330i will retain its 255 horsepower while the torque gets a tiny bump from 294 lb-ft to 295 lb-ft; the M340i improves to 386 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 4 hp and 29 lb-ft, respectively.
They're both still connected to BMW's ubiquitous eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and send power to either the rear or all four wheels.
How's the 3 Series' interior?
Inside, the 2025 3 Series benefits from two new steering wheel designs featuring illuminated buttons and gearshift paddles. New wood trims and a revised dashboard include selectable colors surrounding the central vents.
BMW says it has augmented its operating system to be easier to use; however, the automaker says the touchscreen and voice integration have led to the reduction of physical buttons and controls. As manufacturers weigh the safety and efficiency of mechanical versus digital controls, it will be interesting to see how customers feel about the changes. The 2025 BMW 3 Series starts at $46,675 for the 330i, and the more powerful M340i begins at $60,775. Adding all-wheel drive (the brand calls it “xDrive”) tacks on $2,000 to the price.
Edmunds says
We'll know for sure if the 3 Series can deliver on its promise of greater breadth soon enough. Stay tuned.
FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 3 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 3 Series gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 37 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 3 Series has 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 3 Series. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 BMW 3 Series?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 BMW 3 Series:
The 3 Series gets a small update for 2025
There's a touch more power, some new exterior looks, and a slightly revised interior
The 330e plug-in hybrid is no longer available
Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019
To determine whether the BMW 3 Series is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 3 Series. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 3 Series's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 BMW 3 Series a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 BMW 3 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 3 Series and gave it a 8.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 3 Series gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 37 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 3 Series is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 BMW 3 Series?
The least-expensive 2025 BMW 3 Series is the 2025 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $45,950.
Other versions include:
330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $45,950
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $47,950
M340i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $60,200
M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $62,200
If you're interested in the BMW 3 Series, the next question is, which 3 Series model is right for you? 3 Series variants include 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), 330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), M340i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A), and M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A). For a full list of 3 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
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