As expected, there are significant increase in prices of the new 2023 BMW 3 Series (LCI). Where the previous model started from RM 257,800 for the entry 320i variant, inclusive of 5-year warranty and service package, the new 320i now starts from RM 283,800.

This follows an earlier announcement by BMW Group Malaysia saying that there will be an increase in prices of its 2023 models, due to global inflation and increase in manufacturing cost.

There is some consolation though. The RM 26k bump in prices of the 320i is accompanied by an increase in specifications. M Sport styling package is now standard across the range. Previously, only the 330e and 330i get the M Sport package.

Inside, there are many updates to the car’s user interface and infotainment too. More on that later.

While the 320i sees the biggest jump in prices, the higher range 330e plug-in hybrid and 330i also have their prices increased.

The 330e M Sport now costs RM 13,137 more while the 330i M Sport now costs RM 18,000 more.

All variants now get a BMW Curved Display. The previous car’s instrument panel (analogue for 320i and digital for 330i and 330e) has been replaced with a curved 12.3-inch digital screen with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which extends to a 14.9-inch infotainment touch screen running on BMW Operating System 8. There’s Head-up Display too, even on the 320i.

Finally, the 320i doesn’t look a silly purchase that one buys only for its BMW badge.

Engine and transmission remain unchanged, which is fine, as the B48 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission combo is still the best in this segment.

All variants are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged B48 4-cylinder with different state of tune and engine internals. The 320i makes 184 PS / 300 Nm, the 330i makes 258 PS / 400 Nm, while the plug-in hybrid 330e makes 292 PS / 420 Nm (combined system output). Drive is sent to the rear wheels.

Lane Departure Warning with active steering intervention, Lane Change Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Rear Cross Traffic warning, and Parking Assistant are standard. Still no adaptive cruise control though.

All 3 Series variants are still assembled (CKD) at BMW Group Malaysia’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, with locally assembled engines produced at the Sime Darby Auto Engineering (SDAE) plant, also located in Kulim.

The long-wheelbase 330 Li and 6-cylinder all-wheel drive M340i xDrive are missing from the updated 3 Series line-up, but we expect an announcement an update for these variants to be released later this year.

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