Old vs New: Just how different the 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI is from the pre-facelift?

• The changes are frankly mild outside...
• ...but it's not quite as mild inside
• Do you accept the change or not?

The 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI (facelift) is unveiled and while there may be little controversy outside with a regular-looking kidney grille, this being a BMW in the 2020s mean that there are some changes that might be a bit of an oversight on the Bavarian automaker.

Despite the world coming to accept crossovers, the 3 Series is still one of BMW’s best-selling models. In Malaysia, for instance, the 3er contributed 28 percent of BMW cars’ sales figures in 2021, so it’s quite an important model.

Though we might have to wait at least a year or two for the refreshed G20 to make it here, let’s check out what’s new on the 3 Series.

Exterior – Sportier, but is it too much?

BMW is known for its excellent driving dynamics which is shown the moment you introduce it to a corner but on the latest update, the Bavarians want to literally show off its sporty prowess the moment you stare at it even when stationary.

Also read: Review: 2020 (G20) BMW 320i Sport – Drives superbly, but at what cost?

Compared to the pre-facelift, BMW has upped the aggressive stance with a new bumper design that incorporates a larger gaping mouth air intake. At least the kidney grille is mostly left intact to the relief of many long-time BMW fans.

Also read: What’s the deal with BMW’s grille?

Besides the redesigned bumper, the refreshed G20 also gets a newer headlight design. Gone are the little bumps at the bottom of the lights – inspired by the E46 – and in their place is a flat sleeker design.

Also read: Buying your first BMW: From RM 15k, a used E46 BMW 3 Series is a perfect starter’s choice

The redesign isn’t just confined to the bottom of the headlights but above too with an inverted L-shape housing for the daytime running lights (DRLs). The optional adaptive LEDs are also now more recognisable with a blue hue.

Moving on to the side and there is not much difference between the older pre-facelift and the updated model. It still can’t beat the cleaner proportions seen on the F30 though.

Also read: F30 BMW 3 Series: Still the best 3, tips to buy good used ones for RM 100k

The redesigned bumper treatment is also shown in the rear with the updated G20 sporting a bigger horizontal rear apron and vertical side trims.

The exhaust exits now measure 90 or 100 mm depending on the engine variant but BMW Performance variants like the M340i (shown on most of the “old” photos in this article) receive a trapezoidal tailpipe.

Also read: Review: BMW M340i xDrive, is this the four-door Toyota GR Supra?

Interior – Bigger in some places, smaller in one

Remember how we mentioned during the G20 LCI’s debut that BMW courts controversy with every recent launch? If you want to start debating on which direction the Bavarians might be heading for the 3 Series, stepping inside might fuel that conversation.

Also read: 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) unveiled with a less controversial redesigned grille

No, BMW has not yet switched the round steering wheel for a yoke like Tesla or Lexus, but it has expanded the screen coverage of the new 3er. This consists of a 12.3-inch BMW Curved Display for the driver and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Also read: Digital dials are crap, and here's why

Dwarfing the pre-facelift's 10.25-inch unit, the massive infotainment touchscreen is merged with the equally huge driver’s display to create a seemingly seamless unit and is powered by the latest generation of the BMW Operating System 8.

While the bigger screens might mean better visibility to stream music or get navigation, it’s also where the climate control switches are located. Now you must search for the controls on the screen instead of simply touching some buttons to increase the fan speed or reduce the temperature which in Malaysia is quite a common necessity.

Another ‘revolution’ in the updated 3 Series’ interior is the gear selector which sees the regular and visible gear knob being reduced to a little nubbin that appears hidden among the switches for the drive modes, the EPB, and the iDrive controller.

At least the seats still look like something out of a BMW and appear functional. Shame that there might be a few misses in ergonomics but we’ll leave that experience for the review.

Powertrain – Same as before but not all will make it here

In Germany, where the refreshed G20 is making its debut, the 3 Series is available with 23 variants in total for both sedan and Touring (station wagon) models. Out of these 23 variants, not all will be arriving in Malaysia.

Still, the powertrains remain unchanged across the updated 3 Series. In Malaysia, the pre-facelift G20 is available in five variants which are:

Just like the pre-facelift, the facelifted G20’s powerplants are paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission which powers either the rear wheels or all wheels on the xDrive variants.

In the end, the G20 looks more aggressive on the outside with similar mechanicals and powertrains as the pre-facelift. However, the BMW controversy whirlwind now takes place inside but whether it’s an improvement or not can only be decided once and for all when we take a spin in the metal.