Usually, BMW had one facelift for each generation of its vehicles, and that’s why the automaker surprised everyone when it launched a second refresh for the 3 Series’ seventh sequel in 2024.
After almost half a century and more than 20 million units sold worldwide, the 3 Series was a successful story. The compact executive sedan had evolved from a humble two-door vehicle to a range of vehicles, including sedans, convertibles, coupes, and station wagons. Then, in 2014, the automaker split the range into the 3 Series and the 4 Series. The former nameplate remained in use for station wagons and sedans, while the latter was for convertibles and coupes with two or four doors. As a result, when BMW launched the seventh generation of the 3 Series in 2018, it offered it only as a four-door sedan or a station wagon. Then, in 2022, the automaker refreshed the lineup, so customers were expecting a completely new model for 2026. Surprisingly, though, in 2024, the German brand launched a second facelift for the G20 model. However, the car manufacturer preferred the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI for short) designation.
One of the most significant styling updates was for the headlights, which feature LEDs, adaptive LEDs, or Matrix-LEDs, depending on the grades. Along with this refreshed version, BMW phased away the already known “angel eyes” design theme represented by lit surroundings for the main beams and introduced comma-like elements for the daytime running lights. Between them, the 2025 3 Series sedan sported a redesigned, more angular-shaped, horizontal kidney grille. For the lower bumper, customers could choose between the standard, the M-Pack, and the M-Pack Pro packages. All of them featured a broad air intake in the middle and vertical side scoops for the air curtains that lowered the car’s drag coefficient. The former one had smaller vents, while the latter two were taller. In addition, the M-Pack Pro also added shiny black rims for the main grille instead of silver ones like the other two.
From its profile, the second refresh of the G20 Bimmer featured a long hood where an inline-six engine could easily fit. The flared wheel arches looked almost identical across the range, besides the mighty M3 versions. There were no significant updates to the vehicle’s overall design, albeit the automaker offered it with a choice of alloy wheels ranging between 17- and 19 inches. Out back, also depending on the grades, engines, and options, the automaker placed a black trapezoidal-shaped trim on the lower part of the bumper. In addition, sportier versions could be fitted with a broad diffuser flanked by side-mounted exhausts.
Inside, the automaker installed a curved display that united the instrument panel and the touchscreen for the infotainment system. Along with the 2025 BMW 3 Series Touring, the automaker introduced its newest BMW Operating System 8.5. This included augmented reality and new controls for the HVAC system, with touch sliders permanently kept in the same lower position of the infotainment screen. Customers could customize their vehicles with new M-badged steering wheels featuring a 12-o’clock mark. Besides the standard comfort seats, the 3 Series was available with a set of high-bolstered ones as well. On the center console, the car was available with different trims that surrounded the control panel for the buttons placed there for the automatic transmission, driving modes, and parking brake. In the back, the bench seat was wide enough for three occupants, but the tall transmission tunnel limited legroom for the one who sat in the middle.
BMW offered the 2025 3 Series Sedan with a choice of four gasoline and four diesel engines, all turbocharged and electrified using a 48-volt technology. Furthermore, the 330e plug-in version could work in EV mode only for around 101 km (63 miles), dramatically improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing comfort or performance. All engine versions were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor, which was very efficient for hybrid and mild-hybrid versions.