2021 BMW 3 Series

The only gasoline variants for the base 3 Series are the 330i model and the M340i model. However, since we consider the M340i as a separate performance trim and the hybrid options as well, the 330i is the only trim on offer. The base 330i sedan comes with a price tag of $42,245 for the RWD configuration and $2,000 extra for the AWD drivetrain. Below is the table with a brief description of the features you get with the 2021 BMW 3 Series. 

We recommend

The 2021 BMW 330i is a great choice for the segment. It offers a good list of driver assistance features. You can also customize the look of the car based on your taste. The wheels can also be customized, and you can select between 18” or 19” alloy wheels for your sedan. The interior color can also be customized by selecting between the Canberra Beige or Black upholstery. You can upgrade to the Convenience package for $900 to get features like Keyless entry and lumbar support. If you want more premium features like a Heads Up display and Live Cockpit Pro, then you can consider upgrading to the Premium package for $3,200.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan can stroll for an mpg of 26 in the city when equipped with the base powertrain. The same sedan returns a respectable mpg of 36 while cruising on the highway. With its decent fuel tank capacity of 15.6 gallons, the 3 Series can traverse 406 miles within the city and 562 miles in the countryside on a full tank of gas. These above-average figures should come as no surprise considering the high stakes for fuel economy in its segment.

The BMW 3 Series has a clear edge over its adversaries owing to its better fuel economy. The sedan’s above-average fuel economy figures outclass every other competitor in its segment, making the 3 Series a perfect choice for fuel-conscious families. The 3 Series also offers one of the class-leading ranges of 406 miles and 562 miles in the city and highway sectors. Lexus turns out to be the least frugal option offering 25 mpg combined.

Inside, the 3 Series features an excellent interior setup that looks upscale from every angle. All the controls are well within the driver’s reach, while the cabin also sports excellent outward visibility. The sedan offers sport seats with adequate bolstering and support as standard. The driver can amp up the ambiance levels by splurging in for the optional interior features like customizable ambient interior lighting and heated front and rear seats. Although reading it can be a bit confusing for newbie drivers, the instrument cluster looks as modern as ever.

Interior elements like leatherette and wood trimmings and a mixture of aluminum accents signify the high quality of the cabin. The front seats have an adequate amount of headroom and legroom, although the rear seats are only suitable for 2 passengers because of the constricted center tunnel. The sedan offers a large trunk capacity with 17 cubes of space on offer. This space is adequate to fit in about 6 carry-on suitcases, which may impress most small families. 

The 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan has one of the most spacious and luxurious cabins for its segment. The BMW offers more cargo space behind its rear seats than any other rival. With the rear seats folded, you can fit in even more luggage. Once again Lexus fails to compete with German rivals as it offers the least spacious cargo of 10.8 cubic feet. The standout interior bits inside the BMW 3 Series are:

• Power front sport seats with memory function
• Automatic 3-zone Climate Control
• Power moonroof
• Keyless Ignition
• Interior Air Filtration

What’s there to keep you entertained?

BMW offers an 8.8-inch touchscreen integrated with its iDrive infotainment system as the standard entertainment hub. BMW also offers a handy number of buttons and large knobs on the console to control the infotainment. Voice command is also a welcome asset.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard features. The Live Cockpit Pro package unlocks a bunch of juicy gizmos, like a larger 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the latest iDrive iteration. BMW’s gimmicky Gesture Control lets you control the infotainment system with the power of just hand gestures. The 2021 BMW 3 Series has a plethora of cutting-edge gizmo like:

• 8.8-inch touchscreen
• iDrive infotainment system
• 10-speaker audio system
• Live Cockpit Pro
• Gesture Control
• SiriusXM Radio
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

With most of the new BMWs opting for a large grille design, thankfully the BMW 3 Series doesn’t overdo that particular design aspect and still sports a moderate-sized kidney grille at the front. The sedan maintains almost a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, thanks to the extensive engineering efforts.

The body has grown stiffer and larger in event years, with the suspension front wings and drivetrain all making extensive use of lightweight aluminum. The 3 Series rides on elegant 19-inch alloy wheels. The side profile makes subtle use of sharp creases and taut metal that look elegant from a distance. 

The M Sport package gets its own share of unique exterior styling elements like 19-inch wheels wrapped in performance tires, LED fog lights, and an Aerodynamic kit. BMW’s weight-saving measures paid dividends, as the sedan sheds several pounds off its weight for a more composed ride. The 3 Series also rides at a higher ride height than most of its rivals. Its large wheelbase contributes to its standout interior space. The unique styling elements of the 3 Series sedan are:

• 18-inch V-spoke Bi-color orbit grey wheels
• Power-folding heated side mirrors
• Satin Aluminum exterior trim
• LED headlights and LED Daytime running lights
• Available power tailgate

The only aspect where the 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan is lacking has to be the standard safety tech. The sedan only offers forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking as standard. To eliminate the stress from regular driving in traffic, you can opt for the optional adaptive cruise control tech. Most of the advanced safety techs have to be unlocked by paying extra, such as:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear-cross-traffic alert
• Traffic jam assist
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Park assist features

2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan vs 2021 Lexus IS 300 Sedan

The Lexus IS 300 is a much more affordable pick over the BMW 3 Series. Although both the sedans offer the same powertrain, BMW’s excellence shows itself in the speed and power charts.

The Lexus IS 300 simply cannot match the Bimmer’s prowess in the performance department. The Lexus offers similar levels of luxury to the BMW and is cut above its rival with its sleek exterior styling.

2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan vs 2021 Audi A4 Sedan

The Audi A4 has always had an edge over other German rivals with its cutting-edge infotainment suite and safety techs. The BMW, however, is cut-to-cut with the Audi in terms of in-car tech.

The Bimmer is also a joy to drive compared to the Audi. The Bimmer also offers more cargo space with its trunk, which makes it a better family choice. Both the sedans are well-matched in terms of luxury, although the onus goes to the BMW 3 Series.

2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan

The rivalry between the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a subject of automotive folklore. However, both these sedans cater to different audiences. The BMW 3 Series establishes itself as a driver’s favorite machine, thanks to its exceptional handling dynamics and refined power.

On the other hand, the Merc goes all out in the luxury sector, offering top-of-the-line technology and mouth-watering creature comforts. The 3 Series wins this duel in our opinion, thanks to its above-average fuel economy and more interior practicality for a family.

The 2021 BMW 3 Series Sedan justifies itself as the king of compact luxury sedans, making everyday driving a peaceful affair with its nimble driving manners. The sedan has plenty of power under its hood to breeze to highway speed without breaking a sweat. The 3 Series also offers a long list of cutting-edge gizmo, creature comforts, and luxury features at an entry-level price. With a good trunk size as well, the BMW 3 Series will be a perfect companion for a couple of weekend joyrides as well as everyday errands.