Body Styles

The BMW 3 Series is available in two main body styles: a 4-door sedan (G20) and a 5-door Touring (station wagon, G21). The sedan offers a sleek silhouette with a long wheelbase and short overhangs for sporty proportions. The Touring variant adds increased practicality while retaining dynamic lines. Both styles are offered globally, with the wagon being especially popular in Europe.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The "3 Series" is BMW’s core compact executive car and one of the most iconic nameplates in the brand’s history. First introduced in 1975, the 3 Series became a benchmark for sport sedans across generations. Each trim designation (e.g., 330i, 330e) reflects engine size or power hierarchy, with "e" indicating plug-in hybrid status and "d" signifying diesel. The G20 platform marks a significant leap in tech and dynamics, with M-lite versions like the M340i bridging the gap to full M models.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

"3 Series" is universally recognized and carries legacy status across global markets. The simple numeric naming convention—318i, 320d, 330e—makes it adaptable to all languages, while "i" denotes petrol, "d" diesel, and "e" electrified variants. This logical system helps BMW maintain consistency and clarity across diverse customer bases worldwide.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

BMW 3 Series (G20), especially after its 2022 facelift (LCI), continues to define the modern sport sedan formula with a balance of sharp design, driving dynamics, and premium features. Its visual identity is supported by a refined selection of exterior paints, interior materials, and wheel designs, all of which vary subtly across trim levels such as the base 330i, plug-in hybrid 330e, and the performance-focused M340i xDrive.

The body color palette reflects a range of personalities — from classic and elegant to bold and performance-driven. Standard tones like Alpine White and Jet Black provide a clean, timeless look, while metallic options such as Melbourne Red, Portimao Blue, Mineral Grey, Black Sapphire, and Phytonic Blue add depth and flair. BMW Individual finishes, including Tanzanite Blue II, Dravit Grey, and Frozen Pure Grey, bring a bespoke edge for those seeking exclusivity, particularly on M Sport and M Performance trims. The M340i adds special trim accents like Cerium Grey exterior details and darker grille finishes that visually distinguish it from the rest of the lineup.

Inside, the 3 Series offers a selection of high-quality upholstery and trim combinations designed to appeal to both sporty and luxury-oriented drivers. Standard interiors are finished in Sensatec (synthetic leather) in Black, Canberra Beige, or Cognac, with available upgrades to Vernasca leather in the same tones plus Oyster and Mocha. The M340i variants introduce sportier cabin elements such as aluminum tetragon or carbon fiber trim, red stitching, M seat belts, and optional contrast piping. Across all models, the post-2022 interior features BMW’s new curved display, iDrive 8 interface, and ambient lighting that enhances the modern and digital cabin environment.

Wheels vary widely across the 3 Series range, balancing aesthetics, ride comfort, and performance. Base models typically ride on 17- or 18-inch multi-spoke alloys with silver or bi-color finishes. M Sport packages introduce more aggressive 18- or 19-inch designs, including Y-spoke, double-spoke, and orbit grey wheels with gloss accents. The M340i receives exclusive 19-inch wheels with lightweight construction and shadowline or cerium finishes to emphasize its performance role. Optional packages such as the Shadowline or Track Handling package further customize the look and functionality of the wheels, adding features like M Sport brakes, staggered sizing, and higher-performance tires.

Top Expensive Options

• Driving Assistant Professional (ADAS suite): $1,700
• Adaptive M Suspension: $1,000
• Laserlight Headlamps: $1,200
• Harman Kardon Surround Sound: $875
• Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: $850
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 8: $950
• Parking Assistance Plus (with 3D View): $800
• M Sport Package Pro (brakes, lights, trim): $2,500
• Shadowline Package with Extended Contents: $400
• Panoramic Glass Roof (Touring only): $1,200

vs Competitors

The 3 Series continues to dominate the compact luxury sedan segment. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it offers sharper steering and more driving engagement. Against the Audi A4, it delivers better RWD balance and chassis feel, though Audi’s tech is more minimalist. The Genesis G70 challenges it with value and style, but the 3 Series wins in drivetrain refinement and brand cachet. Plug-in 330e models rival the Volvo S60 Recharge in efficiency but maintain BMW’s edge in handling.

Fun Fact

The current G20 3 Series uses a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, even in AWD trims, and has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient sedans in its class. In addition, over 15 million units of the 3 Series have been sold globally since 1975 — making it the best-selling BMW model of all time.