2023 BMW 320i LCI review
Some of the most evident price hikes over the last few years have been seen in the luxury vehicle sector. The 2023 BMW 320i has long been the entry-level variant in the BMW 3 Series range, but its price has jumped a whopping $14,000 or so since the generation launched in 2019.
Since turning a corner with this new G20-generation facelift, BMW has bumped up pricing for the entire 2023 BMW 3 Series range. It now begins at $78,900 before on-road costs for the 320i, before rising sharply to $93,400 for the next step up 330i, and then again to $97,400 for the plug-in hybrid 330e.
Back to the entry-level 320i – let’s outlay what an owner can expect with their purchase. The 2023 BMW 320i introduces revised styling at the front end with a pinned-back fascia (with LED headlights) and a tweaked kidney grille. There are new 18- and 19-inch wheel designs along the side, while the rear end is treated to lower bumper with an accentuated lower black portion.
This latest invigoration with the large single-pane screen is a brilliant update to an already modern and tech-infused 3 Series cabin. Materials used throughout the interior are high quality and befit the price point and positioning. They also feel built to last the distance with a sturdy fit and finish.
Space in the front row is decent, though I found my leg was encroached upon by the transmission tunnel. For reference I’m 194cm tall, so shorter drivers are unlikely to suffer the same fate. You’re treated to a low driving position, the seats are comfortable and supportive (with adjustable bolstering), and everything falls ergonomically to hand.
BMW is one of the latest to introduce a little nib shifter in place of its traditional gear selector wand. It does mean there’s more room to wave your hand over the centre console, but it does take some getting used to (if you’re a BMW traditionalist you’ll be continually reaching for the old gear selector).
Unfortunately, BMW’s moved a majority of the climate controls to the infotainment screen, which is plainly a bad idea. It means you must cycle through several screens just to adjust the temperature. There’s a dizzying array of content on the screen to waft through too, but more on the infotainment next.
Moving back, the second-row seats are a squeeze behind my own driving position and are best reserved for young kids or adults you’re not fond of. There is enough room to not be cramped, but the lack of foot room and knee space will annoy on longer drives.
BMW has a reputation for its innovative and easy-to-use infotainment systems, but unfortunately the new iDrive 8.0 is not the simplest user experience. The layout arrangement of menu lists and the content-rich home page are confounding, while you’re often overwhelmed to complete simple tasks. The amount of icons on the app screen is bewildering, and it almost seems as though the designers have filled out the page full of icons to look populous.
Thankfully BMW’s still included the rotary controller to navigate the screen, but there’s little doubt the system is designed to be touched. I’ve loved the simple rotary controller that accurately takes you to the right infotainment function, but it’s tricky to prod your finger on the screen and maintain focus on driving.
The entire BMW 3 Series range was tested by ANCAP at the vehicle’s launch in 2019 – it scored a full five stars. However, the criteria it was tested against have been updated in recent years, which means it may be more difficult for this car to achieve a full five-star rating today.
It rides firmly, steers with intent, shifts ratios diligently, and the engine is punchy enough for a spirited back-road blast. You need to know this going into the purchase, because it’s the diametric opposite of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class that prioritises luxury with a wallowy drive experience and soft ride comfort.
There’s no doubt it’s still a thoroughly polished car with its well-presented interior, high-end materials and build quality, refined powertrain, and sharp handling. But it’s also missing a note with buyers by overcomplicating the infotainment system and giving the car a firm suspension tune. Perhaps that’s what some 3 Series buyers are after, but it’s unlikely they’re shopping at the entry level of the range.
You’re going to really have to want a BMW 3 Series to pick this over a better value Audi A4 or a more polished product in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But for the BMW diehards who appreciate it for what it is – a sporty sedan with a dizzying array of tech – there will be no other option.
As part of the Drive content team, Tom covers automotive news, car reviews, advice, and holds a special interest in long-form feature stories.
He understands that every car buyer is unique and has varying requirements when it comes to buying a new car, but equally, there’s also a loyal subset of Drive audience that loves entertaining enthusiast content.
Tom holds a deep respect for all things automotive no matter the model, priding himself on noticing the subtle things that make each car tick. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t learn something new in an everchanging industry, which is then imparted to the Drive reader base.
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