The G20 BMW 3 Series facelift was launched in Malaysia yesterday and here’s a walk-around video of the refreshed sports sedan. We’re getting the G20 LCI in three flavours – the 320i, 330i and 330e, all exclusively available in M Sport trim. Yes, this time around, every 3 Series – even the base 320i – comes with the sportiest looks. And suspension.
The CKD locally assembled 3 Series LCI range starts from RM283,800 for the 320i, going up to RM317,800 for the 330i. The 330e plug-in hybrid is priced at RM298,800, all on-the-road without insurance, but with BMW’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service. Without the extended warranty package, the prices are RM263,600 (320i), RM278,600 (330e) and RM297,600 (330i).
Under the hood of the pure petrol models is the B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the familiar eight-speed torque converter automatic sending drive to the rear axle. The 320i’s has 184 PS/300 Nm and a 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds, and top speed is 235 km/h. The 330i’s more powerful version of the same engine gets a big bump to 258 PS/400 Nm, good for a 5.8 seconds sprint and 250 km/h top speed.
The 330e is as fast to 100 km/h and has a 230 km/h top speed from a total system output of 292 PS/420 Nm. The plug-in hybrid is assisted by a 109 PS/265 Nm electric motor integrated into the ZF gearbox – when fully charged, the motor alone powers the car for an EV experience up to 50 km, below 140 km/h. The PHEV is 245 kg heavier than the 330i (1,845 vs 1,600 kg) and has a boot that’s around 100 litres smaller (375 vs 480 litres).
As mentioned, this is the first time that the entire 3 Series range is M Sport-only from launch, and BMW Malaysia says that its decision is based on customer demand.
The M Sport package includes a honeycomb mesh for the central air intake, M aerodynamics package in gloss black, Shadow Line trim, small M badges on the sides, M entry sills, M pedals (and footrest), sports seats, black headlining and an M specific instrument cluster display. There’s also M badging on the keyfob.
Amazingly, all three variants wear the same 18-inch five twin-spoke alloys with staggered tyre sizes (wider rears), which means that they all look virtually the same, which is of course a boon to 320i buyers. As for suspension, the 320i and 330i ride on M Sport suspension while the 330e gets adaptive suspension. No comfort suspension, but BMW Malaysia hinted that the upcoming LWB 330Li could have the more forgiving setup.
Inside, the big news is the introduction of the BMW Curved Display, an impressive long screen that combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, running BMW Live Cockpit Professional on the latest BMW Operating System 8, which features BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. A head-up display is standard.
Screen aside, the dashboard now matches that of the i4 EV and the traditional gear lever has all but disappeared, replaced by a stubby selector. Black Vernasca leather is the default upholstery, but 330i and 330e owners can opt for Mocha. The 320i has six speakers while the ’30’ models have 10. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and free.
In the safety department, we have Driving Assistant as standard. The pack includes Lane Departure Warning with active steering interventions, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention (AEB), Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Speed Limit Info and manual Speed Limit Assist. Still no ACC and Level 2 autonomous driving though.
The 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift starts from RM283,800 for the 320i, while the 330i goes for RM317,800. The 330e PHEV retails for RM298,800. Prices include BMW’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, which comes along with roadside assistance, the BMW Group Loyalty+ app, BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.
Watch the walk-around video above as we show you what’s new and what’s cool about the latest 3 Series. Also, check out this post comparing the LCI and original G20 side-by-side. Then, have your say in the comments below – what do you think of the 3er’s latest looks and features?
GALLERY: 2023 BMW 330i M Sport
GALLERY: 2023 BMW 330e M Sport
GALLERY: 2023 BMW 320i M Sport
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I mean no ACC or active driver safety asistance systems at RM 280,000 !?!?!
What’s going at BMW Malaysia ??? SHORTCHANGING Malaysians with more expensive cars but still same spec as 2016 cars.
You mean C Class also don’t have ACC? Are you saying this 3 Series don’t have ADAS when 3 Series got?
Your statement is ibarat friend eat shit you also eat shit
He is telling his truth, there is nothing to defend like mercedes fanbois for talking nonsense and bad about this car
Like I said, sour people can’t afford, will comment with awkward sense
Who want to believe you as you use other names but using same statement
Before you make a general comment, do drivers use ACC all the time? I have not used CC for the longest of years.
Not that I am against equipping vehicles with ACC, but I will not pay for something which I am and will not use. As far as I know, the most important ADAS features are present in all CKD models since 2021.
first time knowing dumbnuts here wanting something they’ll never use? they can flaunt that they have it. do they use it? do they know how to use it? doesn’t matter. what matters to them is that they ‘have’ it. u don’t have? i have. i better than u.
CC is low spec, nobody care to use.
Why BMW give CC low spec Passive Cruise Control..
Tesla and so many other cars have Adaptive Cruise Control.
Most of the Malaysian bought car with indicator lights but 50% of them doesn’t use them too, so why do we need ACC ?
Don’t be a wet blanket if you can’t afford the car. Bimmer buyers never complained so why should you?
Go buy your ativa tebo
Still no ACC? Not even as a cost option??? In 2023 in a “premium” car???
You mean C Class also don’t have ACC?
Competition should one-up one another, not just sit on their laurels because the other competitor isn’t also offering ACC. If you have a friend who’s doing poorly at school, would you feel good stooping down to their level instead of improving yourself?
your statement is ibarat your friend eat tahi you also eat tahi yum yum ?
He is telling his truth, there is nothing to defend like mercedes fanbois for talking nonsense and bad about this car
Wait your comment…but different names…this is so weird
Yeah, I find strange too.
Haha….mercedes salesman caught black-handed
Sorry not black handed, it is red handed
Technically the service/warranty is not free. You are paying it upfront
over rated, NHV very poor with RFT, uncomfortable on Malaysian roads… handle well that is all for RM260K compact vehicle….fr owner’s own comments
And so did you owned BMW before or you just clearly hater?
Yes he owns the paper effigy version. That’s the only one he can afford. Don’t expect paper bimmers to have good NVH. Can’t even type NVH correctly.
He is bored mercedes salesman mah
Don’t be a wet blanket if you can’t afford the car. Bimmer buyers never complained so why should you?
G20 pre-LCI owners were all quite unhappy about how stiff the suspension rides on the M Sport suspension, so I’m surprised they’re now extending that to even the 320i. If the 330e can have adaptive suspension, why not the others too?
the m sport suspension has always been hard but nowadays is gotten softer i own an e90 to the current pre facelift g20 330i. the e90 m sport suspension was way harder then the g20 m sport suspension.
My wife likes it stiff and hard
We r becoming poorer by the day. Prices going higher n higher for a basic car
All car brands are going up, what you expect then
exactly f30 LCI 320I with the b48 engine was 245k and spec almost the same as current generation also. Still no ACC
they took away my air conditioning buttons!!! stupid @$$ touch screen’s gonna be all finger prints all over.
Technology moves ahead to next level. Mercedes, Volvo and Volkswagen also doing same thing so what’s there to complain, hater??
Clearly you’re the type of person to consume excrement if everyone else is doing it. Just because its new doesn’t necessarily make it better. We can’t use our devices in cars as distraced driving causes many accidents yet manufacturers put in massive touchscreens in the cars. Maybe if you had better critical thinking skills you’d try to understand an opposing point of view instead of labelling someone a hater for not being a yesman sycophant.
Lol, when other car brands like mostly continental cars come with massive touchscreen instead of buttons, people don’t complain. But when comes to BMW with massive touchscreen with no buttons, haters here like you will complain…that doesn’t make any sense and I don’t know what’s wrong with them
Your same comment as excrement guy…but different names…this is so weird…well keep it up mercedes fanboy
He is real bored mercedes salesman
guess you ain’t a fan of keeping your eyes on the road type. please continue to consume excrement.
People can comment with facts, not like you
And so who want to believe you after I saw your same comments but come with different names. Who want to believe those liars from mercedes fanbois…people will know what kind person of mercedes fanbois not just yo u
Modern bimmers communicate with their owners thru telepathy. Who needs buttons?
So, additional RM30k++ just for the tuning between 320 and 330? And 320 is less comfortable now?