New car review – BMW 3 Series


BMW’s iconic executive saloon remains the driver’s choice in its class, combining superb handling, refined engines and cutting-edge tech. The 3 Series is the benchmark for premium fleet cars

Fleetwise score 85%

Other media scores…
What Car?                5/5
Carbuyer                  4.6/5
Auto Express           4.5/5
Autocar                    4.5/5
Carwow                    9/10
Parkers                    4.5/5
Car                           4/5
Top Gear                  8/10
Select Car Leasing  4.5/5
Autotrader               4/5
Exchange & Mart     83%



“The BMW 3 Series remains the best all-round executive car – comfortable, engaging and efficient in every form” Auto Express

In one minute…
The 2025 BMW 3 Series continues to deliver a superb balance of performance, comfort and technology that has defined the model for five decades.
Subtle updates for this latest model year bring improved efficiency, sharper connectivity and a more intuitive infotainment experience, while the range remains as broad and capable as ever.
For business users, the range-topping 330e plug-in hybrid continues to shine, pairing up to 60 miles of electric range with brisk acceleration and low company-car tax. Its blend of outright efficiency and genuine driving pleasure makes it one of the most complete fleet cars on the market.

Inside, the 3 Series combines understated luxury with BMW’s latest curved digital display system, delivering crisp graphics and seamless integration with navigation, media and vehicle controls. The materials, fit and finish are first class, with tactile switchgear and carefully chosen surfaces that elevate the cabin ambience. Seating comfort is excellent on long journeys, and the cabin remains impressively quiet at speed. Rear-seat space and boot capacity are competitive for the segment, making the 3 Series just as suitable for family duties as it is for business travel.

Out on the road, the 3 Series remains the benchmark for driver engagement. Its balanced chassis, accurate steering and composed body control make it feel agile and rewarding, whether on a motorway cruise or a twisty back road. Ride comfort is particularly impressive with adaptive suspension, smoothing out rougher surfaces without sacrificing precision. Refinement is near flawless too, with low wind noise and well-suppressed engine sound across the range.
The 2025 BMW 3 Series stands as a modern icon: efficient, beautifully built and superb to drive. For fleet managers, company-car drivers or private buyers seeking class, economy and genuine driver appeal, it remains the gold standard among premium saloons.


Spec list
• Petrol, Diesel, Mild-Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid engines 2.0-litre to 3.0-litre M340i
• Available in saloon and estate (Touring) versions, plus high-performance M3
• Manual (limited) and Auto gearboxes
• from £38,000 to £54,000 (£126,000 M3 CS)
• from £379pm
• Saloon 4-door (Touring estate also available)
• 5 seats
• 44–353mpg (depending on engine)
• Boot space 480 litres (Saloon) /410-1420 litres (Touring)
• Warranty 3 yrs/unlimited miles (Battery 8 yrs/100k miles for PHEV)
• Company-car tax rates (BIK)
20% £1780 to £3240
40% £3560 to £6480

Ready to electrify your business? Contact BMW Corporate Sales on 01252 920800 or by emailing info@bmwcorporatesupport.co.uk 



Threshold Busters
Models under the UK £50,000 ‘luxury car tax’ threshold – avoiding the early-years £474 annual charge.

318i SE (petrol) – £31,645 
318i Sport/318i M Sport (petrol) – from £33,045 
320i SE/320i xDrive SE / 320i SE Pro (petrol) – from £33,990 320i Sport/320i M Sport (petrol) – many trims below £50,000 (£41,040 – £43,175 depending on spec)  330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Sport / M Sport / SE Pro / xDrive-M Sport variants – list prices from £37,875 up to £48,535 depending on trim. 
320i Touring (entry-level estate) – £40,845
330e Touring plug-in hybrid (standard spec) – £47,880 
Note: Higher-specs or full-option ‘tech-pack/performance’ versions may exceed that threshold.

“The 3 Series’ blend of outright efficiency and genuine driving pleasure makes it one of the most complete fleet cars on the market” FleetWise

Book a BMW test drive
You can book a BMW test drive very easily in the UK. Here’s the simplest way to do it.

• Go to the BMW UK website and choose Test Drive from the menu
• Enter your postcode to find your nearest retailer
• Select the BMW model you want to drive
• Pick a preferred date and time
• Add your contact details and submit the form
• A BMW retailer will contact you to confirm the appointment
You can also book directly through a dealership by calling their sales team or walking in and asking for a test drive slot. Many retailers can arrange same-day or next-day drives if the car is available.

BMW Brand Power
Of 28 car manufacturers in the UK, BMW ranks first for Build Quality, and Brand Reputation. It ranks second for Reliability and Trust, and third for Model Range and Dealer Quality.
360 Media – Brand Tracker, Wave 6, 2025


Sample leasing deal

Lease Co leasing.com
Car BMW 330e M Sport Pro Edition Auto
Initial rental £4650
Term 24 months
Mileage per annum 8000
Monthly fee £389
Additional fees £200
(All prices excluding VAT)
Click here to get a quote from leasing.com


In depth…

Brand BMW
Model 330e M Sport Pro Edition

Spec
Power source Petrol / Diesel / Mild-Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid
Transmission Auto 8-speed (Steptronic)
Engine capacity 1998cc

Tax
CO2 26g/km (330e)
BIK 8% (330e)
P11D £46,995

Performance
Max speed 143mph
0-62mph 5.8 seconds (330e)
Max bhp 292bhp (combined)
Max torque 310lb/ft
MPG 353mpg (PHEV WLTP)

Size
4-door saloon 5 seats
Length 4713mm
Width 1827mm
Height 1440mm
Kerbweight 1715kg


BMW for fleets
Can this code to visit the BMW Fleet Website pages

Or click here.

Also consider
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Audi A4
Volvo S60




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