BMW Australia has revealed revised pricing and equipment list for pretty much the entire range of their 3 Series sedan and Touring (wagon) for the 2018 model year. The changes themselves aren’t dramatic, but the reaction to the uniformly increased price for all variants, partially explaining the early reveal before the official launch later in November.
Like before, the 3 Series runs a wide gamut to fit the broader needs of the compact exec saloon buyer, and depending on variant can cost between $800 and $1,300 more than the existing line-up. Coming in at a new entry price of $57,300, next year’s 318i will come standard in Sport Line trim, and 18-inch double spoke Jet Black-accented light alloy wheels are now available as a no-cost option.
In addition to that, the 320i, 330i, and 330e come as standard as a Sport Line model, but as usual the M Sport package can be chosen instead, at which point a new cost-option 19-inch two-tone set of alloys become available too. It’s also important to note that the engine and powertrain specifications will not change between the existing 2017 models and those arriving next year.
That said, based on Australian customer feedback, the range-topping 340i with its powerful turbocharged straight-six engine and more performance-oriented buyers, will come as standard with a more responsive fixed-ratio power steering system, replacing the often criticised dynamic ratio system that’s fitted by default currently. However, it does still remain an option for those who do prefer it. Additionally, the 340i for 2018 can had in Luxury Line trim if M Sport isn’t to your liking while the 330i and 330e can switch from their standard Sport Line trim to Luxury Line at no cost.
The most prominent change made to the updated 3 Series surrounds BMW’s much-touted infotainment system. Called iDrive6, it now featuring a customisable an app-style active tile interface. As it did before, the horizontal control knob is used to perform all functions visible on either the 6.5- or 8.8-inch wide colour display, which in the latter is also touch sensitive.
Also new is the new multi-functional instrument display, which is optionally available on 3 Series Sedan and Touring variants. This system adapts the display to the chosen driving mode, providing key information to the driver whether in Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport or Sport+ and replaces the analogue dials and gauges with a 12.3-inch high-resolution display.
On all variants, the interior trim and upholstery can be upgraded to a new Cognac Dakota leather. BMW also says that the layout has been improved to be even more driver-focused, but we’re struggling to see too much of a difference. In either case, the new double-stitching on the instrument panel does add a further touch of class.
The Innovations Package has also undergone changes, adding the Navigation System Professional infotainment hardware that also upgrades the central display to an 8.8-inch panel in addition to Parking Assistant and Extended Smartphone Connectivity (Apple CarPlay) along with the aforementioned digital instrument cluster.
Should the 320i or 320d be selected with the Innovations Pack, Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function also joins the feature list.
2018 BMW 3 Series Sedan:
- 318i - $57,300
- 320i - $63,400
- 320d - $65,800
- 330i - $70,900
- 330e iPerformance - $73,900
- 340i - $91,200
2018 BMW 3 Series Touring:
- BMW 320i - $67,500
- BMW 330i - $75,000
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