The three Sequence is the core of the BMW portfolio and has been synonymous with sporty driving and compact proportions since its inception. Subsequent generations of the three have change into faster with the stopwatch however on the expense of driving really feel and pleasure. The guide gearbox has been dropped in lots of trims, heavy all-wheel drive programs stay commonplace fare, and a few are even geared up with delicate hybrid models. But, we’d argue that this 2025 BMW 330i xDrive continues to be the quintessential sports activities sedan even on this age of swollen SUVs and zero-emission electrical automobiles.
However that doesn’t come right down to the brand new updates for 2025, that are few. The 330e plug-in hybrid has been dropped and solely the 330i xDrive and M340i xDrive stay. The iDrive infotainment system has been upgraded together with a brand new flat-bottomed steering wheel, new paint colors and wheel designs, and suspension tweaks to enhance general consolation and dealing with. Somewhat, it’s the genuine powertrain and grounded chassis that make this base mannequin shine amongst its friends.
With a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four (B48) engine up entrance, the 330i produces a stout 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque by means of an 8-speed computerized transmission, sufficient to dash from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. For 2025, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system has been added together with redesigned consumption ports and combustion chamber geometry, a revised injection, ignition, and exhaust system, and using a Miller combustion cycle as an alternative of the normal Otto cycle, all of which ought to enhance the engine’s effectivity. We averaged 9.8 L/100km over our week in winter driving situations.
With the delicate hybrid ironing out the creases, the B48 engine is without doubt one of the silkiest powertrains round, extra polished than the four-pot within the Mercedes-Benz C 300, and extra rev-happy with a broader bandwidth than the unit within the Audi A4. Velvety and clean, the 330i pulls strongly irrespective of the gear or rpm and has an actual hearth in its soul that’s desperate to impress. It could be inherently extra restricted, thrasher, and runs out of breath faster than the inline-six within the M340i, however it’s a splendidly exploitable engine and platform for inexperienced persons and lovers alike. Emitting a boisterous snort and a deliciously aggressive roar to the limiter, it sounds the half as properly. Additional, the 8-speed gearbox is a fast and forgiving gearbox that shifts unnoticed behind the scenes and doesn’t bathroom down at low speeds just like the Mercedes 9-speed unit.
Whereas the M340i is a really engine-focused automotive, right here within the 330i, it’s the chassis that shines by means of. The journey is passively damped with no adaptive springs to cushion up the journey, nor do we now have variable steering. The all-wheel-drive system is about up for rear-biased behaviour however that is as pure because it will get for the three Sequence – knock it right down to the two Sequence if you would like much more engagement for a lesser value.
The result’s a journey that may be significantly stiff over all of the street pimples and enlargement joints that litter your commute. It’s not as brittle because it sounds and the 330i settles rapidly and properly after negotiating bumps, however it’s a far cry from the absorbency of a C-Class. However what it features in compensation is a splendidly agile entrance finish and a playful rear that’s simple to gel with and discover concord on a winding street.
The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a primary for the 330i and the grips stay thick, a problem for these with small palms however the really feel and operation are constructive. The steering is lacking essential street suggestions and the shortage of a guide fails to raise the extent of driving engagement, however all it takes is a contemporary blanket of snow masking the street to actually unravel what makes the 330i such a driver’s automotive.
The brand new Arctic Race Blue is a becoming title for a becoming paint color. With traction management switched off or in Traction Mode, the latter permitting for sufficient slip to have enjoyable, the 330i is an absolute thrill in inclement climate. There’s sufficient energy to make it playful but controllable, and energy supply isn’t spiky. You don’t have to be measured or circumspect together with your preliminary steering inputs. Merely throw the automotive right into a slippery bend, permit the rear finish to progressively slip whilst you stability it with the throttle, and as soon as the rear is attached, energy on by means of and unravel the remainder of the nook. It’s a automotive that enjoys taking part in on the fringes of grip and tire limits, however you don’t want a rally license to get there.
The BMW 3 Sequence has retained a few of that driving purity that made the model value investing in within the first place. Whereas it has swelled up in each dimension and should have misplaced a pedal whereas gaining a driving axle within the course of, it stays a remarkably three-dimensional sports activities sedan with a tenacious entrance finish and a playful rear, each of which shine particularly vibrant on a snowy winter’s day.
Mannequin: 2025 BMW 330i xDrive
Paint Kind: Arctic Race Blue
Base Value: $58,400
Value as Examined: $70,150
Wheelbase(mm): 2,851
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,713 / 1,827 / 1,440
Curb weight (kg): 1,600
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 48V delicate hybrid system
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 4,500 – 6,500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gas Consumption (L/100km): 9.8
Tires: 225/45R18
