2023 BMW 3 Series (G20) LCI launched in Malaysia; priced from RM 284k to RM 317k

The honour of being the first to introduce new models in Malaysia this year goes to BMW, with the launch of the 2023 BMW 3 Series (G20) facelift (LCI) moments ago.

As before, there's three locally-assembled (CKD) variants, all in M Sport guise. Prices are as below:

BMW Malaysia's chart-topper last year – over 2,300 units were sold in 2022 – the LCI model hopes to continue that tradition with a new look and a bunch more tech under the skin. By the way, BMW says two new variants are coming "in March", which could point towards the 330Li and M340i.

Exterior: Aggro looks, standard M Sport

This facelift exercise is one of the better ones in recent memory. Things are largely familiar – yet the added angularity is a nice ode to Munich's more dramatic offerings like the iX – so if you liked the pre-facelift, we think you'll gel with this look just fine.

Key changes to its slightly more extroverted outlook are recontoured LED headlights, a bigger kidney grille, and the wider grille along the front bumper. This is flanked by a gloss black inserts on either side of the sedan, housing the parking sensors and intake ducts.

Also read: G20 2023 BMW 3 Series facelift (LCI) in Thailand - Price equals to RM 348k
 

In fact, gloss black remains the standard accent, as BMW sticks with M High Gloss Shadowline pack as standard on all three variants, making all three look pretty similar – the main difference is what's under the hood.

M Sport kit sees M Style 848 bicolour 18-inch alloy wheels on all three variants, and round the back there's a shapely rear bumper with a large black apron and a pair of tailpipe exits, 100 mm in diameter. The LED taillights, with their distinctive 'L' motif, remain as they were.

Interior: Curved Display, minimalist style

The bulk of your money goes to the cabin, and for the first time in a 3 Series, buyers will get BMW Curved Display as standard, even in the 320i. It's a sweet party piece; combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen, the unframed form runs BMW Operating System 8.

Don't forget that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is now free on all of BMW Malaysia's 2023 offerings, so there's that. Live Cockpit Professional is standard too, and part of that means buyers of any variant will get head-up display (HUD) as well.

However, the 320i loses out on BMW's HiFi Loudspeaker system. This is standard on the 330e and 330i.

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A major change sees the tall gear lever shrunk to a tiny nub next to the iDrive controller, but we reckon any bitterness will be eased over by the now-standard paddle shifters. Alas the redesign also means the air-conditioning buttons have been absorbed by the screen; price to pay for minimalism, it seems.

M Sport elements across the trio constitutes stainless-steel-look door sills, driver's footrest, and sports pedals. M Anthracite headliner, M Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite interior trim, and M-specific displays are stock too.

All cars get a hand-stitched M steering wheel dressed in Walknappa leather, as well as Vernasca black leather sports seats. If you're a 330i or 330e buyer, you can opt for Mocha upholstery.

Engine: B48 soldiers on

The B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines continue duty, with the 320i getting a 184 PS / 300 Nm unit. Not too shabby, with a top speed of 235 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.4 seconds.

For the 330i, there's 258 PS / 400 Nm on tap, ready for a century sprint time of 5.8 seconds and a 235 km/h top end.

The 330e M Sport, combining the B48 with an electric motor (109 PS / 265 Nm on its own) for a total system output of 292 PS and 420 Nm of torque. It'll match the 330i's 5.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint, and tops out at 230 km/h.

All are traditionally rear-wheel drive, with the eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission being standard fare.

M Sport Suspension is fitted to the 320i and 330i variants, while the 330e comes with Adaptive M suspension. Comfort suspension per the pre-LCI models are no more, at time of launch.

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Safety: Standard Driving Assistant Package + Parking Assistant

Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Cross Traffic warning, and Speed Limit information are subsumed under the standard Driving Assistant Package that's fitted to all three variants.

On the other hand there's also standard Parking Assistant, which can assist drivers in lateral and reverse parking.

Aftersales and options

For the price of admission, owners of the 2023 BMW 3 Series LCI will receive the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience.

Under this umbrella, owners get a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled services, roadside assistance and accident hotline, BMW loyalty app and privilege card, as well BMW service online.

Also read: 2022 G20 BMW 3 Series LCI vs W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class - Sporty or sensual?