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The 2024 BMW 3-Series starts at $44,500 and remains one of the most rewarding sport sedans to drive, with the 330i hitting 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and returning 42 mpg on the highway in Car and Driver testing[1]. BMW’s benchmark sedan still handles beautifully, though the firm ride and lack of standard driver-assist features give rivals an opening. For buyers who prioritize driving dynamics over everything else, nothing in this segment matches the 3-Series when the road gets twisty.
What’s New for 2024
Nothing significant. BMW gave the 3-Series its midcycle refresh for 2023, so the 2024 model carries over unchanged[2]. That refresh brought updated exterior styling, the curved dual-display setup, and improved interior materials. A full redesign is rumored for 2026[2].
The current seventh-generation 3-Series launched for 2019 and hit its stride with the 2023 update. If you’re cross-shopping 2023 and 2024 models, they’re essentially identical—look for whichever has the equipment you want at the better price.
2024 BMW 3-Series Specifications
| Specification | 330i | 330e (PHEV) | M340i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 2.0L Turbo I-4 + Electric Motor | 3.0L Turbo I-6 + 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 255 hp @ 5,000 rpm | 288 hp (combined) | 382 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 1,550 rpm | 310 lb-ft | 369 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive optional) | RWD (xDrive optional) | RWD (xDrive optional) |
| 0-60 mph (Tested) | 5.2 sec (C&D) | — | 3.7 sec (C&D) |
| EPA Combined MPG | 29 (RWD) | 27 (hybrid mode) | 26 (xDrive) |
| EV Range | — | 22-23 miles | — |
| Trunk Space | 17 cu ft | 13 cu ft | 17 cu ft |
| Base MSRP | $44,500 | $45,600 | $57,600 |
Performance and Driving Experience
Here’s where the 3-Series pulls away from competitors. Car and Driver clocked the M340i xDrive at 3.7 seconds to 60 mph and through the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds at 112 mph[1]. The 330i xDrive ran to 60 in 5.2 seconds—quicker than you’d expect from 255 horsepower[1]. Consumer Reports recorded 6.3 seconds in their 330i xDrive test car[4].
What matters more than the numbers? The way this car moves. Consumer Reports called the 3-Series “a joy to steer through bends” with a “playful yet controllable character” during track testing[4]. Car and Driver praised its ability to “transition from relaxed-and-refined to sharp-and-playful”[1]. Real enthusiasts will appreciate the 0.95 g of lateral grip on the M340i—that’s serious sports car territory[1].
The catch? Steering feel. It’s accurate and quick, but the feedback through the wheel doesn’t match older BMWs[1]. You won’t feel the road surface talking to your fingertips like you could in an E46. Most buyers won’t notice, but if you’re coming from an older 3-Series, you might miss that connection.
And that ride quality. Consumer Reports noted the car “often feels tense” thanks to the taut suspension[4]. The M Sport package—which many dealers stock heavily—makes it firmer still. Edmunds found the optional sport suspension “overly firm”[2]. For daily comfort, skip the M Sport and spec the base or Premium package instead. Your spine will thank you on potholed urban roads.
Trim Levels and Pricing
| Trim | 2024 MSRP | Key Standard Features |
|---|---|---|
| 330i | $44,500 | 255 hp turbo-4, 8-speed auto, 12.3″ digital gauges + 14.9″ touchscreen, sport seats, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation |
| 330i xDrive | $46,500 | All 330i features + AWD |
| 330e | $45,600 | 288 hp PHEV, 22-mile EV range, RWD |
| 330e xDrive | $47,600 | 330e features + AWD (20-mile EV range) |
| M340i | $57,600 | 382 hp turbo-6, 48V mild hybrid, M Sport brakes/suspension/diff, 18″ M wheels |
| M340i xDrive | $59,600 | M340i features + AWD |
Car and Driver recommends the 330i with the M Sport package and Dynamic Handling package for the best balance of performance and value[1]. That combination adds adaptive dampers and upgraded brakes, making the sedan feel closer to the memorable 3-Series models of the past.
Edmunds takes a different approach: they recommend the 330e plug-in hybrid[2]. For just $1,100 more than the base 330i, you get 22 miles of electric range—enough for most commutes—plus the XtraBoost function that Car and Driver describes as feeling “like a small shot of nitrous”[1]. The tradeoff? Smaller 13 cubic-foot trunk due to battery placement.
Options add up fast. The Premium Package costs $1,350 and adds a head-up display, heated steering wheel, and hands-free passive entry[5]. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist require the $700 Driving Assistance Package—features that most competitors include standard[5]. A well-equipped 330i can easily cross $55,000.
Interior and Technology
BMW’s curved display panel—combining a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment screen—dominates the dashboard[1]. The iDrive 8 system runs everything and responds quickly once you learn its menus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, along with in-dash navigation and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot[1].
Material quality? Excellent. Car and Driver notes that “nothing feels cheap inside the 3-Series” and praises its “impressive build quality”[1]. Edmunds agrees, calling it a “tastefully modern interior”[2]. One Edmunds owner review describes it as “lovely and expensive-feeling in a tasteful manner”[6].
Front seats get universal praise. They’re well-bolstered, supportive, and adjustable enough to fit most body types comfortably[1]. With 17 cubic feet of trunk space, the 330i held six carry-on suitcases in Car and Driver testing—better than both the Mercedes C300 and Alfa Romeo Giulia[1].
Rear legroom is adequate for adults, though a 5-Series makes more sense if you frequently carry passengers in back.
Safety and Ratings
NHTSA gave the 2024 3-Series an overall 5-star safety rating[7]. Euro NCAP awarded the 3-Series maximum points in both side-impact tests, with excellent whiplash protection in frontal and rear impacts[8].
Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, tire-pressure monitoring, and a backup camera[1]. That’s… minimal compared to competitors.
Here’s where BMW frustrates buyers: features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist cost extra[2]. The Driving Assistance Package runs $700. The Parking Assistance Package adds another $700[5]. Mercedes and Genesis include much of this standard. If you prioritize driver-assist tech, factor those packages into your budget.
Competitor Comparison
| Spec | 2024 BMW 330i | 2024 Mercedes C300 | 2024 Audi A4 | 2024 Genesis G70 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base MSRP | $44,500 | $48,100 | $41,200 | $42,750 |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 255 hp | 201 hp | 252 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 sec | 5.9 sec | 6.3 sec | 5.9 sec |
| EPA Combined MPG | 29 mpg | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg |
| Trunk Space | 17 cu ft | 12.6 cu ft | 12 cu ft | 10.8 cu ft |
| Free Maintenance | 3 yrs/36k mi | None | 1 yr | 3 yrs/36k mi |
The BMW leads on performance and cargo space. The Audi A4 undercuts on price and now includes Quattro AWD as standard[9]. Mercedes brings more standard safety tech but costs $3,600 more. The Genesis G70 delivers excellent value—more features for less money—though it lacks the BMW’s driving sharpness.
Edmunds puts it honestly: choosing the 3-Series over rivals “was an easy decision” years ago, but “it’s no longer the only game in town”[2]. Competitors have closed the gap. But if driving enjoyment tops your priority list, the 3-Series remains the segment benchmark.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
EPA estimates rate the rear-drive 330i at 25 city/34 highway/29 combined[1]. The M340i xDrive manages 23/32/26[1].
Real-world numbers? Better than expected. Car and Driver recorded 42 mpg during their 75-mph highway fuel economy test in the rear-drive 330i—significantly above EPA estimates[1]. The M340i xDrive returned 33 mpg on the same test[1]. Consumer Reports saw 29 mpg overall in mixed driving with their 330i xDrive—making it the most fuel-efficient car in the compact luxury segment[4].
With a 15.6-gallon tank, the 330i delivers over 500 miles of highway range[2]. Premium fuel required.
Ownership and Reliability
BMW covers the 2024 3-Series with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, matching Audi and Mercedes[1]. Roadside assistance runs four years with unlimited mileage. And here’s the real differentiator: BMW includes three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance[2]. Neither Mercedes nor Audi (beyond the first year) matches that.
For context on long-term BMW ownership, see our guide on what mileage BMWs start to break down.
Pros and Cons
What Works
- Handling remains the segment benchmark—sharp, balanced, and rewarding on twisty roads with 0.95 g of grip on the M340i[1]
- M340i hits 60 in 3.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest compact sport sedans you can buy without stepping up to a full M3[1]
- Real-world fuel economy beats EPA estimates—42 mpg highway in testing versus the 34 mpg rating[1]
- Three years of complimentary maintenance saves hundreds versus competitors who cover less or nothing[2]
What Doesn’t
- Ride quality feels firm and busy, especially with the M Sport package—rough roads get tiresome on longer drives[4]
- Standard safety equipment is minimal—adaptive cruise and lane-keeping cost extra while competitors include them[2]
- Options stack up quickly—expect to pay $50,000+ for a properly equipped 330i with features that rivals include standard[5]
- Steering feel doesn’t match older BMWs—accurate but lacking the tactile feedback enthusiasts remember[1]
FAQs
Is the 2024 BMW 3-Series worth buying?
For driving enthusiasts, yes. No competitor matches the 3-Series’ combination of handling precision, powertrain refinement, and available performance (382 hp in the M340i). But if ride comfort, standard features, or value matter more than driving dynamics, the Audi A4 or Genesis G70 deserve consideration[1][2].
Which 2024 BMW 3-Series trim is the best value?
The 330e plug-in hybrid. For $1,100 over the base 330i, you get 22 miles of electric range for commuting, extra power via XtraBoost, and potential federal tax credits[2]. If you don’t want to plug in, the 330i with the Premium Package delivers the core BMW experience without overextending your budget.
How reliable is the 2024 BMW 3-Series?
Consumer Reports gives the 3-Series average reliability scores—neither exceptional nor problematic[4]. The B48 four-cylinder and B58 inline-six engines have proven durable across multiple applications. Common concerns include electronic gremlins with the iDrive system and higher-than-average maintenance costs once the complimentary coverage expires.
Should I buy the 330i or M340i?
The 330i handles daily driving beautifully with 255 horsepower that Consumer Reports called “plenty of propulsion”[4]. Choose the M340i if straight-line speed matters—3.7 seconds to 60 versus 5.2—or if you want the additional chassis reinforcement and M-tuned components. At $13,100 more, the M340i makes sense for enthusiasts; the 330i is enough car for most buyers[1].
References
- Car and Driver. (2024). 2024 BMW 3-Series Review, Pricing, and Specs. https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/3-series-2024
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series Prices, Reviews, and Pictures. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2024/
- BMW Carlsbad. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series Specs & Features. https://www.bmwcarlsbad.com/research/2024-bmw-3-series.htm
- Consumer Reports. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series Road Test Report. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/bmw/3-series/2024/road-test-report/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series M340i Specs & Features. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2024/m340i/st-402004579/features-specs/
- Edmunds. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews. https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2024/consumer-reviews/
- NHTSA. (2024). 2024 BMW 3 Series Sedan Safety Ratings. https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2024/BMW/3%20SERIES%20SEDAN/4%20DR/AWD
- Euro NCAP. (2019). Official BMW 3 Series Safety Rating. https://www.euroncap.com/en/results/bmw/3+series/38531
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AutoSpeedMarket. (2025). BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4 vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The Ultimate Luxury Sedan Comparison
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
