BMW 3 Series facelift (2022): G20/G21 LCI with large curved display

BMW 3 Series gets a facelift

So that this success curve continues to point in the Bavarian sky, the Munich-based company is now giving the 3 Series an “LCI” (Life Cycle Impulse) – or as all other non-BMWers would say: a facelift.

3 series facelift starts just under 44,000 euros (update!)

In terms of price, the modernized 3 Series is slightly higher than its predecessor – but BMW justifies the additional price with the extended standard equipment. For the 318i as a sedan, at least 43,900 euros will be due in future instead of the previous 39,350 euros.

For the touring variant, a station wagon surcharge is required again – the minimum price is a smooth 45,000 euros.

Narrower headlights, smoother front

At first eye contact there is a positive mood. The design department from Munich, which has been heavily criticized in some cases, dared not experiment with the 3 Series.

Don’t be fooled – BMW cancels the laser light. Instead, there are blue elements for the matrix LED lights.

Wheel rim question: The new standard for the 3 Series with the facelift is 17 inches.

At the back there is a new apron and a larger tailpipe diameter (plus 1 cm). Atypical: Nothing was changed on the taillights. All in all, the cosmetic procedure can only be described as a success.

BMW 3 Series gets the i4 cockpit with big screen

The latest generation of BMW infotainment, which goes by the abbreviation “OS 8” and shifts the focus of operation away from the buttons towards touch and voice control, is making its debut with the screen landscape. As a logical step, most of the intuitive buttons for the air conditioning and audio controls disappear.

New gear selector, always automatic

This undoubtedly makes the ergonomically exemplary 3-seater cockpit look tidier; It remains to be seen whether the redesign of the controls will prove itself in everyday use. The gear selector lever of the eight-speed automatic transmission is new – the interior designers have shrunk it from the knob to the movable bar. Small but no less functional.

BMW hasn’t changed the ergonomics – fortunately, because the 3 Series also fits the front like a glove.

If you want to change gears yourself, you now get shift paddles on the steering wheel as standard. Which inevitably leads us to the subject of transmissions: the era of the manual 3 series is finally coming to an end with the facelift. Instead, the well-known engines will always work together with the proven eight-speed automatic.

engines remain the same

There is only one innovation in the engines and drives: With the facelift, the 3 Series will no longer be available with a manual transmission. Otherwise everything is known and proven.

M sports package now also with Pro extension

BMW has simplified the equipment list as part of the model revision. In the future, the 3 Series will only be available with the “Basic” equipment (according to BMW, comparable to the previous “Sportline”) or with the “M Sports Package”.

If you want to be even more sporty, you can also order the “M Sportpaket Pro”. Dark headlight inlays, sports brakes with red calipers, blackened kidneys and tailpipes should meet the professional demands for sportiness.

In the future, the 3 Series will only be available as a basic version or with an M sports package (pictured here).

So that you can still enjoy configuring despite the reduction in equipment options, there are four new colors for the 3 Series: “Skyscraper Grey”, “M Brooklyn Grey”, “Frozen Pure Grey” and – presumably so that it doesn’t become too gray – ” Frozen Tanzanite Blue metallic”.

3 series facelift gets more standard equipment