Updated BMW 3 Series: SA details released

The G20-gen BMW 3 Series has received a 2nd update and is due to launch in South Africa before the end of 2024. Here’s what we know about the refreshed sedan range…

Despite having benefitted from a mid-cycle refresh as recently as 2022, the G20-generation BMW 3 Series range has just been handed a 2nd update. And it’s expected to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2024.

Yes, BMW Group South Africa has confirmed that production of the updated saloon will commence in July 2024, with local availability “from the 4th quarter of the year”.

So, what will the Mzansi-spec line-up look like? Well, the German automaker’s local division says the “existing range of 1 diesel and 3 petrol engines” will be carried over (seemingly in addition to the likewise updated M340i and M3 Competition, with the new-to-SA M3 Touring also confirmed for local roads).

Based on that, the SA portfolio will again comprise the rear-wheel-drive 318i (115 kW/250 Nm), 320i (135 kW/300 Nm), 330i (190 kW/400 Nm) and 320d (140 kW/400 Nm), each employing an 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. According to the international press material, both the oil-burning 320d and the all-paw M340i (285 kW/500 Nm) will gain mild-hybrid technology, bringing an additional 8 kW to the table.

Interestingly, BMW Group SA has again opted not to launch the plug-in hybrid 330e on local shores. For the record, this PHEV model upgrades to a new high-voltage battery pack offering 19.5 kWh of usable energy, improving its claimed all-electric range to approximately 100 km. Mzansi will also again miss out on the 318d, 330d and M340d.

As you’ve no doubted already figured out, the Munich-based firm has made few changes to the 3 Series sedan’s exterior, offering only a couple of new paint colours (the Arctic Race Blue metallic finish shown here as well as a new Fire Red metallic hue) and a handful of fresh alloy-wheel designs.

However, under-the-skin tweaks include various chassis updates that ostensibly result in a “notable increase in comfort across all driving situations”. Inside, you’ll find new steering-wheel designs, “visual modifications for the instrument panel” and “modernised decorative elements”, along with fresh upholstery options.

The updated 3 Series furthermore upgrades to the latest-generation “BMW iDrive with QuickSelect”, based on BMW Operating System 8.5. Meanwhile, the interior lighting system now includes “cascade lighting” integrated into the trim around the central seam vents. There’s also a new “CraftedClarity” option, which sees the gear-selector lever, iDrive controller and start/stop button fashioned from glass.