BMW 3 Series Saloon Sedan, starting at 39900 £

The BMW 3 Series Saloon Sedan impresses with 530 HP 101 km and an attractive starting price of 39900 £ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from about £39,900
3 Series Saloon

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • Engine Type : Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 150 - 530 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.4 - 10.1 L
  • Electric Range : 96 - 101 km

Design & Presence

The BMW 3 Series Saloon keeps the classic long-hood, short-deck silhouette that made the model famous, but everything is sharper and more grown-up than flashy; proportions read sporty from a distance without shouting. The new face is more sculpted, with a prominent grille and tight lights that give the car a purposeful stance on the road, helped by a length around 4,713 mm and a width near 1,827 mm. Road presence is measured rather than theatrical, which suits buyers who want a luxury saloon that still looks like it enjoys being driven.

Interior & Usability

Cabin quality is a clear step up: soft-touch materials, neat seams and an ergonomically placed driver zone combine to feel premium without being showy, and the seats are supportive for long commutes. The digital cockpit and central display are large and bright, with intuitive menus once the learning curve is passed, while physical controls remain for climate and common functions to avoid menu diving. Practical touches such as good switchgear, sensible storage and optional upgraded leather keep the daily experience comfortable and durable.

Space & Everyday Practicality

The saloon seats five and the boot swallows a sensible 480 litres, which covers weekly shopping, luggage for a weekend and most family needs without fuss. Rear legroom is generous for the class, though a sloping roofline trims headroom slightly for very tall passengers; compact-crossover-sized families might prefer roomier alternatives. Fuel tank choices (typically around 40–59 litres) and curb weights that vary with trim mean load and range depend on specification, so choose equipment with real-life needs in mind.

Driving & Handling

Handling is the 3 Series’ core message: a rear-wheel-drive bias, precise steering and balanced chassis tuning deliver engaging, predictable manners whether cruising or pushing on a twisty road. Powertrains span modest efficiency-focused diesels and petrols up to serious performance versions — entry diesels around 150 hp will cover daily duties with 0–100 km/h times in roughly the high-7 to mid-8 second band, while M-badged models and the M340i climb into sub-5 and even sub-4-second territory. Suspension tune offers a tidy compromise between comfort and control, with optional adaptive dampers available for buyers who want sharper body control without destroying ride quality.

Efficiency, Consumption & Range

Mild-hybrid diesels such as the 318d return very respectable economy figures, roughly 4.9 L/100 km on the combined cycle, which translates to strong motorway range and lower fuel bills for high-mileage drivers. Petrol options sit in the mid-6 L/100 km region for the 320i, while performance variants like the M340i and M3 push consumption into the 7–10 L/100 km area — trade-offs that match their extra performance. The plug-in 330e offers an electric-first commute option with around 96–101 km WLTP electric range and a 19.5 kWh battery, meaning most urban miles can be electric if regularly charged, and combined fuel figures drop into the low single digits on paper.

Assistance & Infotainment

Driver assistance is comprehensive: adaptive cruise, lane-centring, and automated parking make the daily grind easier and can take the stress out of congestion and tight spaces, though some systems still need driver oversight and can feel cautious in complex situations. The infotainment package is modern, with wireless smartphone integration, navigation and over-the-air updates keeping software fresh; the touchscreen plus rotary controller layout suits different user preferences. Overall the tech leans toward convenience and safety rather than gimmickry, but higher-spec options unlock the full suite of semi-autonomous features.

Who is it for?

The 3 Series Saloon targets buyers who want a premium, driver-focused executive saloon that covers a broad set of needs: efficient diesels for long-mileage professionals, petrol and M models for those who prioritise performance, and the 330e plug-in for commuters who can charge at home. It suits drivers who prefer a composed, sporty feel without sacrificing daily usability, and who value build quality and brand refinement in a compact executive package. For anyone torn between sportiness and practicality, the 3 Series remains a sensible, well-rounded choice in its segment.

Costs and Consumption

Price
39900 - 91000 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
co2
54 - 227 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 59 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1575 - 1960 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Length
4713 - 4714 mm
Width
1827 - 1903 mm
Height
1440 - 1446 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
218 - 250 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Engine capacity
1995 - 2998 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
Brand
BMW
What drive types are available for the BMW 3 Series Saloon?

The BMW 3 Series Saloon is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.