Tuesday, January 10, 2023

BMW Malaysia Unveils the Latest Edition of the New BMW 3 Series - 3 Variants with Prices Starting at RM283K Onwards

The facelift of the current BMW 3 Series has officially made it to Malaysia. The latest generation of the highly successful BMW 3 Series is now available in two petrol variants and one plug-in hybrid variant – the New BMW 320i M Sport, the New BMW 330i M Sport and the New BMW 330e M Sport. Like the officially sold pre-facelift models, these are locally-assembled, and prices start at RM283K onwards.

The BMW 3 Series remains BMW Malaysia's best-selling model to date, and last year, over 2,300 units were delivered to customers here. While this is a facelift of the current G20 3 Series, the New 2023 BMW 3 Series features completely redesigned and modernised interior aside from the changes to the front and rear on the outside. The cabin now features the inclusion of the BMW Curved Display for the first time, the driving experience of the premium executive sedan is taken to a whole new level. 

The interior is truly the highlight of the facelift. The BMW Curved Display really lifts the front of the interior up a notch or two in terms of its overall looks and feel. You do feel like you are in the cabin of something very 2022 (the official unveiling of this facelift). There are two digital displays connected together and it makes as one long expansive viewing screen. Going bezel-less also helps in terms of the looks and aside from that, and the lack of a traditional gear knob in the center console makes this  very modern cabin. There are redesigned air-vents in the dashboard too. The materials used for the interior is also class leading these days. Everything inside seems proper in terms of its premium-ness as well as sportiness. 

While most details are in the press release below, I have to add that BMW Malaysia have launched three models for now and all are M Sport variants with M Sport suspension fitted to them. However, with the knowledge of local road conditions, BMW Malaysia has found it necessary to specify all these three variants with 18inch wheel and tyre combinations. They are differentiated by their different wheel designs between the variants. Personally, a sensible choice as our roads can be terrible especially after the rainy season. Many larger than 18 inch alloy combos have actually been damaged is one reason for this sensible choice.

Aside from that, M Sport for all 3 Series variants is actually a very nice thing. You get M Sport trim inside and out. Ultimately, this specification is what most customers want in the end. 

As for the exterior styling, the designers have made the current 3 Series a little better. The kidney grille seems to integrate well into the bonnet lines especially now since the grille actually curves as part of the bonnet. The lower bumper up front also has larger side vents with help break up the expanse of empty space on each side when comparing with the pre-facelift model.

As for what powers these variants, all have the 2.0liter 4 cylinder turbocharged engine in various state of tune as well as one which has an electric motor added to the picture. The New BMW 320i M Sport houses an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 184hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating the sedan from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds with top speed capped at 235 km/h. 

The New BMW 330i M Sport makes a maximum of 258 hp (190 kW) and 400 Nm of torque. 0 – 100 km/h is achieved in just 5.8 seconds while top speed is capped at 250 km/h. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the New BMW 330e M Sport brings a maximum combined output of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm of torque, with an electric motor that delivers 109 hp (80 kW) and 265 Nm of torque on its own. This allows for a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds, while top speed is capped at 230 km/h (electric top speed is capped at 140 km/h).

Overall, this facelift has made BMW's popular 3 Series into something of an even better proposition if you are looking for a compact sports sedan. 

And on a similar note, BMW Malaysia will also be releasing two more variants in a couple of months time. No other details at the moment but I hope there will be a 316i for those that want something more basic and also the M3 for those that want the ultimate 3.

2023 BMW 3 Series Facelift Malaysia Official Press Details - Prices Down Below.

Distinctive design and unmistakable presence.

The latest BMW 3 Series remains as iconic as ever, characterised by a hallmark sportiness that begins with its front section, where the familiar kidney grille takes on a modified outline for an even more muscular look. The LED headlights have been redesigned to further emphasise the width of the sedan, with expressive daytime running lights arranged in the shape of an inverted L. Likewise, the front apron has a new unmistakable look, while still housing the lateral Air Curtains that are a signature BMW feature. The aprons flank the central air intake that houses a honeycomb pattern, courtesy of the M Sport Package that arrives as standard for all three variants.

From the side, the New BMW 3 Series takes on the tried-and-proven silhouette that conveys the sedan’s sporty character at a glance – featuring a long wheelbase, long bonnet and short overhangs. This is complemented by 18-inch M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour with staggered tyres. As part of the standard M Sport Package, the New BMW 3 Series also feature the M designation on the side profile, along with M Sport Suspension for both the petrol variants, while the New BMW 330e M Sport will arrive with the Adaptive M Suspension.

The rear of the New BMW 3 Series is defined by two distinctive tailpipes which have been increased to 100 millimetres in diameter for a sportier look, accompanied by a strongly contoured diffuser.

Accentuating the overall dynamic look of the sedan are the M Aerodynamics package and M High gloss Shadowline – both standard inclusions of the M Sport Package.

Modern and sophisticated interior.

The introduction of the BMW Curved Display lends a new level of sophistication and digitalisation to the interior of the New BMW 3 Series, with a 12.3-inch Information Display and 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display integrated into a slender, unframed form. On the front passenger side, a larger and wider trim strip creates a particularly elegant effect.

While the BMW Curved Display houses a myriad of functions, safety-related and frequently used functions are still button-controlled by the driver – seamlessly integrated under the redesigned air vents in the centre of the instrument panel. Here, an equally tidy layout puts functionality at the fore, with the classic gear selector now featuring a highly minimalist design. Moreover, all models come with steering wheel paddles as standard. Making for a sportier seating experience, the tall centre console in the New BMW 3 Series establishes clearly defined areas for the driver and front passenger.

With the standard inclusion of the M Sport Package, elements of M furnish the interior, making for a sportier driving feel. These include M entry sills with a stainless-steel look, M driver’s footrest and M pedals with a stainless-steel look, sport seats for driver and front passenger, hand-stitched M leather steering wheel in Walknappa leather, vehicle key with exclusive M designation, M Anthracite headliner, instrument cluster with M specific display and M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim. Upholstery is offered in the standard Vernasca leather Black, while the New BMW 330i M Sport and BMW 330e M Sport will also be offered an additional Mocha variant.

Performance and sporty dynamics with every choice.

The New BMW 3 Series continues the tradition of offering sporting excellence. Its characteristic 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, a wide track, high body rigidity, a low centre of gravity and high-quality chassis technology ensure superior driving dynamics across powertrains.

The New BMW 320i M Sport houses an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 184hp (135 kW) and 300 Nm of torque, accelerating the sedan from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds with top speed capped at 235 km/h. For the New BMW 330i M Sport, its inline four-cylinder engine delivers a maximum of 258 hp (190 kW) and 400 Nm of torque, 0 – 100 km/h is achieved in just 5.8 seconds while top speed is capped at 250 km/h. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the New BMW 330e M Sport brings a maximum combined output of 292 hp (215 kW) and 420 Nm of torque, with an electric motor that delivers 109 hp (80 kW) and 265 Nm of torque on its own. This allows for a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds, while top speed is capped at 230 km/h (electric top speed is capped at 140 km/h).

As standard, the New BMW 3 Series variants all come equipped with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.

Stay comprehensively connected and safe.

Standard equipment for the New BMW 3 Series includes the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, powered by the latest version of the BMW Operating System 8. A suite of features allow for multiple intuitive ways to interact with the vehicle and control its functions: natural language via the BMWI ntelligent Personal Assistant, touchscreen operation using the Control Display, the BMW iDrive Controller and the touch-only direct access controls. As part of BMW Live Cockpit Professional, the BMW Head-Up Display is also included.

Other standard digital features of the New BMW 3 Series are Comfort Access, Remote Software Update and BMW ID. The Connected Package Professional, which includes the digital services such as Remote Services, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto TM will also be seen in the New BMW 3 Series – an offering that is now standard equipment in all BMW models from 2023 onwards. With the My BMW App, drivers can also access a suite of support functions that make for a new mobility experience.

A comprehensive range of standard driver assistance systems ensure peace of mind from the start of the journey to the destination. The Driving Assistant that comes standard with the New BMW 3 Series includes features such as 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. On the other hand, the Parking Assistant features Park Assist, Active Park Distance Control (PDC), Lateral Parking Aid and Reversing Assist Camera. Also standard is the Reversing Assistant, which keeps a record of up to the last 50 metres driven forward and is able to drive back the exact same way in reverse if desired.

Complete premium ownership experience.

Owners of the New BMW 3 Series will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia PremiumOwnership experience which includes:

• BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme

• BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

• The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card

• BMW Service Online

The retail pricing for the New BMW 320i M Sport, the New BMW 330i M Sport and the New BMW330e M Sport with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive as well as Sales and Service Tax (on theroad, without insurance) are:

The New BMW 320i M Sport RM 283,800.00

The New BMW 330i M Sport RM 317,800.00

The New BMW 330e M Sport RM 298,800.00





















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