With good power across the lineup, even in base trim, and a great balance between handling and ride, we award points to bring the BMW 3-Series to an 8. In M trims, power and handling are tuned for some of the best sport sedans currently on sale.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard, though all-wheel drive is available across the lineup with BMW’s xDrive. In the M3, xDrive can be switched off, enabling Drift mode.
How fast is the BMW 3-Series?
They’re all quick, and top-tier configurations might make you squeal.
The 330i can hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds thanks to its 255-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 paired with the quick, smooth 8-speed automatic transmission that comes standard across the line except for the standard M3.
The 330e plug-in hybrid adds an electric motor to the mix, pushing output to 288 hp and providing 23 miles of electric range. It’s just as quick to hit 60 mph and arguably even peppier at low speeds thanks to the motor, but loses some steam when speeds get higher.
Straddling the line between the 330 and the M is the M340i, which features more power, upgraded brakes to match, and a sportier suspension setup. It makes 382 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque from its turbo 3.0-liter inline-6, and in xDrive configuration can run to 60 mph in just over four seconds. A 48-volt mild-hybrid setup captures energy in a regenerative braking system, sends it to another battery, powers the electrical system and adds a bit of power, to boot.
Even with its standard suspension, the 3-Series is sporty as ever. It expands in length and girth with every generation, affecting its tossability through corners, but it carves curves with a stable, smooth confidence and light, quick steering.
The available M Sport tuning setup adds adaptive dampers that firm up the M340i’s ride, though tire choice plays a role here, too. Even at the firmest configuration, it’s worth the tradeoff for the improved handling. Tires stay planted thanks to the front double-jointed struts and five-line rear, and there’s great traction with minimal lean.
M3 performance
Weekend warriors will find track-ready handling in the M3 lineup. These models dive into corners, dice up esses, and beg to be driven even harder, particularly the Competition models. The M3 features strong standard brakes, and the optional carbon-ceramic versions can withstand laps without overheating. The staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber provides great grip, and the optional Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires are second only to slicks.
The M3 is powered by a 473-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, which is tuned to 503 hp for the M3 Competition. The M3 Competition xDrive is the quickest of the bunch, needing just 3.4 seconds for the 0-60 mph run, while the rear-drive Competition takes 3.8 seconds and the standard M3 clocks in at 4.1 second. All are eager through the rev range, ready to launch off a stop and powerful enough to top out at 180 mph when the M Driver’s Package is selected. The base model is a tiny bit less quick than the rest, but features an engaging 6-speed manual with a natural clutch feel and smooth shifts that more than make up for that split-second difference in speed.