2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) unveiled with a less controversial redesigned grille
CY Foong Β· May 18, 2022 01:00 PM
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The 3 Series facelift looks sportier outside
More screens inside and a smaller nub of a gear shifter
23 variants available in total across the range
Every single news of a new or updated BMW recently is often followed by some form of controversy about its design. At the very least, the refreshed 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) seems to not be focusing on transforming into a beaver.
The mid-cycle refresh, or in BMW’s terms – “Life Cycle Impulse”, sees the G20 receive a sportier appearance with slimmer full-LED headlights and a redesigned kidney grille. The changes aren’t as massive as the 4 Series, 7 Series, or even its performance twin, the M3 with lightly modified contours and new double bars.
Elsewhere on the front, black high-gloss air intakes are positioned below the kidney grille and the optional adaptive LED headlights are identifiable by the blue accents inside the covers making them very noticeable.
In the rear, slimmer taillights, flared wheel arches, and a new rear apron continue to give the G20 facelift a sporty look. The tailpipe finishers now measure 90 or 100 mm in diameter depending on the engine variant.
Speaking of which, the G20 3 Series comes in an array of drive systems with up to 12 engine variants across its line-up ranging from plug-in hybrid, petrol, and diesel variants for both the sedan and Touring (station wagon).
Electrification in the 3er comes in the form of a plug-in hybrid and 48V mild-hybrid technology while the petrol and diesel units come with either four or six cylinders.
The most powerful engines in the range are found in the two BMW Performance models – the M340i (374 PS/500 Nm) and the M340d (340 PS/700 Nm) which are powered by 3.4-litre inline-six petrol and diesel powerplants respectively.
They are identifiable with larger 18-inch M light alloy wheels, mesh kidney grille, and trapezoidal tailpipe trims so you can find out whether it’s the real deal or a master at posing upbadging.
All engines on the refreshed 3 Series link up to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard while an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available as an option. The latter is geared towards those wanting a more dynamic experience in their Beemer as well as offering Launch Control and Sprint functions which deliver traction-optimised acceleration off the line and ultra-quick bursts of mid-range power respectively.
Stepping inside the refreshed 3 Series isn’t for those who are completely against the notion of having more screens for your car. Behind the (still) round steering wheel is a 12.3-inch BMW Curved Display that is seemlessly merged with a 14.9-inch infotainment display powered by the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8.
That massive screen isn’t just only for your usual Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, it also houses the climate control functions. Who needs annoying knobs when you can control them via the screen or even your voice?
The aforementioned standard 8-speed transmission is connected to a newly designed gear selector which is positioned in the control panel on the centre console along with the push start button, iDrive controller, parking brake, and other vehicle functions.
We can’t forget about the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) suite features that are available on the new G20 and standard equipment includes:
Front Collision Warning with cyclists and pedestrian detection
Cruise Control with brake function
Speed Limit Display with no-overtaking indicator
Manual Speed Limit Assist
Lane Departure Warning with lane return
Optional ADAS features include:
Lane Change Warning
BMW Head-Up Display
Steering and Lane Control Assistant*
Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go*
Automatic Speed Limit Assist
*These features are part of the Driving Assistant Professional package
The 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI starts from EUR 43,900 (~RM 203k) for the sedan and EUR 45,000 (~RM 208k) for the Touring in Germany. Besides Munich, the updated G20 will also be built in Mexico and in China with the latter market also receiving another variant. It could be the long-wheelbase (LWB) model which is also sold in other Asian markets including Malaysia.
As for Malaysia, we can expect the updated 3 Series would be launched much later, perhaps in 2023 or 2024 as the pre-facelift G20 was introduced here in 2020, a year after its global launch.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.