I’ve driven well over 2,000 cars, SUVs, and pickups in more than 40 years of vehicle testing. While I can’t remember them all, the BMW 3 Series is one that stands out. I’ve driven many over the years, including coupes, sedans, convertibles, and wagons, with a variety featuring four-cylinder, six-cylinder, and diesel engines. My fascination began with a lovely 1983 320i two-door, a car that, despite its modest 101 horsepower, delivered exceptional handling for its time.
My first experience with the M3, a yellow 1997 model, is also etched in memory. More recently, I got behind the wheel of the 2025 330i xDrive. My hope was to find a sport sedan that still embodies the joy of driving across seven generations spanning 50 years.
What’s New for 2025
For 2025, the 3 Series sees some updates following significant upgrades in 2022. These include new chassis tuning for enhanced balance, an upgraded BMW iDrive with QuickSelect for intuitive operation, and extended navigation functions like Augmented View. Optional cosmetic changes include new 19-inch M alloy wheels and BMW Individual 19-inch alloy wheels. The Arctic Blue Metallic paint on the test vehicle, paired with burnished wheels, presents a particularly appealing combination.
Performance and Powertrain
The 330i xDrive is powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine now incorporates 48-volt mild-hybrid technology, the Miller-cycle combustion process, redesigned intake ports, and combustion chambers, and improvements to camshaft control, fuel injection, ignition system, and exhaust gas routing. It’s a beautifully engineered engine. Performance is smooth, quiet, and responsive, whether in Comfort, Sport, or Eco Pro mode.
Cabin and Technology
The interior of the 330i xDrive is clean and modern, with a tech-forward design. The cognac-hued leather complements the ash grey blue open-pored wood trim, which is a $250 option. The car has a two-spoke sport leather steering wheel or a three-spoke M leather steering wheel for the M Sport Package. The infotainment system features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 14.9-inch screen. The iDrive home screen features the map in a large format or individually selectable views. QuickSelect functionality makes it easier to select the desired function directly from the screen. Voice activation works very well, allowing control over cabin temperature, fan speed, and seat/steering wheel heating. The $4,000 Premium Package includes the BMW Digital Cockpit Professional and a head-up display with Augmented View.
Driving Experience
The 330i xDrive offers the simple pleasure of a well-engineered gasoline-fueled sport sedan. The car achieves an ideal balance of power, handling, and comfort. The M Sport package, at an additional $2,000, provides variable sport steering and M Sport suspension. The handling is nimble and balanced, the car feeling light on its feet. The ZF eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly. The car accelerates to 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. Winter weather also revealed the car’s competent handling on snow, with the Pirelli snow tires assisting the excellent four-wheel traction.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series remains a top contender in the compact luxury/sport sedan segment. While its competitors include the Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class, Genesis G70, Cadillac CT4, and Lexus IS, the BMW 330i xDrive stands out as a great car.
Final Thoughts
The 330i xDrive retains the driving enjoyment and feeling of quality expected from a premium sport sedan. While the M340i xDrive might be preferable with a bigger engine, the 330i xDrive is a fun and well-equipped package. The car delivers on its promise to spark joy and provide a sense of maturity in driving.
Pros:
- Superb drivability
- Surprisingly good winter performance
- Distinct feeling of quality
Cons:
- Rear seat space is limited.
- Needs more physical buttons.
- Optional packages are expensive.
