Modern makeover for BMW 3 series marking almost half a century on the road

Now it is getting a bit of a facelift to keep it up to date. Such is the competitive nature of the segment – it is up against diesels, petrols, plug-ins, electric and hybrids – that it needs to be as smart-looking as possible.

BMW has tweaked design for the exterior and interior. The plug-in-hybrid models can now cover up to 101km on electric charge alone, thanks to a new high-voltage battery. And re-charging that battery shouldn’t take as long because there is now three-phase AC charging at up to 11kW. It has also tuned the chassis for greater balance between sporty and comfort.

BMW iDrive with QuickSelect and Operating System 8.5 are now standard across the range.

The saloon costs from €56,700 (for the 330e plug-in model) and the Touring from €58,910 (plug-in). It is due in Ireland from the summer. Watch out for the M340i xDrive (374hp) at €97,320 for the saloon and €100,350 for the estate. They have fun written all over them. And no, there is no sign of a diesel.

Since its debut in 1975, more than 20 million have been sold around the world. The current model – which is the seventh generation – accounts for almost three million of those. ​

Standard spec includes 17-inch alloys, 18-inch for plug-ins; Parking Assistant includes Park Distance Control with sensors front and rear; there is three-zone automatic climate control; and BMW Maps navigation system.