What's New in the 2021 BMW 330e?
The bulk of the BMW 3 Series lineup is unchanged for 2021. But a new PHEV model, the 330e, has been added to the 2021 lineup. There's also a brand-new M3 sedan, powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 with 473 horsepower. In the M3 Competition, which has all-wheel drive (AWD), the engine produces a whopping 503 horsepower.
See the 2021 BMW 3 Series models for sale near youWhich 330e is the Best?
Crossover SUVs might be all the rage these days, but the 2021 BMW 3 Series is a pleasant reminder that 4-door sedans -- remember those? -- can be practical, fast and fun in everyday use while typically boasting a fuel economy advantage. And with the arrival of the new 330e and 330e xDrive plug-in hybrids, plus the potent new M3, the BMW 3 Series lineup has been enhanced by models that are easier on the environment and scintillatingly quick on the track.
Find a BMW 3 Series for saleHow Much Does a 2021 BMW 330e Cost?
In its base form, the 2020
BMW 330i ($40,760, plus a $995 destination fee) includes 14-way power adjustable front seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, a universal garage remote and simulated leather upholstery. Standard conveniences are highlighted by adaptive cruise control, an 8.8-in touchscreen with navigation and a 10-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay. In addition to its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine with 382 hp, the 2021
BMW M340i ($54,000) is distinguished by its M Sport differential, a 12.3-in digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-in touchscreen. The new
330e and
330e xDrive ($44,550, $46,550) PHEV models are equipped much like the standard 3 Series sedans. On all 2021 3 Series models, AWD is an extra $2,000, and the Luxury line adds chrome flourishes and ambient lighting. The M Sport line includes a sport suspension, variable sport steering, LED fog lights and other performance-oriented bits and aesthetics. Many other options are available in packages or as stand-alone options, such as leather upholstery, wood and aluminum interior trims and an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system. The Convenience package includes blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, a hands-free power trunk, keyless entry and lumbar support. The Driving Assistance Professional package adds semiautonomous driving abilities. Stand-alone options include heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display and a fully digital dashboard. We're surprised that blind spot monitoring is not standard on the 2021 BMW 3 Series. On the other hand, we're pleased that the BMW 3 Series is available with a Track Handling package that includes an M Sport differential, larger brakes and grippier tires that aren't of the run-flat variety. The BMW
M3 ($69,900) is a rear-drive sedan with a 6-speed manual transmission and rev-matching feature that can be tuned on and off by the driver. The M3 comes with a limited-slip differential, adaptive M suspension, heated M sport seats, 18-inch front wheels, 19-inch rears, active cruise control, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. If you order the BMW
M3 Competition ($71,800, arriving in the summer of 2021), it's equipped much the same as a standard M3 but with the 503-hp engine and all-wheel drive, plus an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, 19-inch front wheels, 20-inch rears, and extended Shadowline exterior trim. The M3s are available with an Executive Package that includes a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, a power trunk lid, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Stand-alone options on the two M3 models are many. They include carbon-ceramic brakes, black or red brake calipers, a moonroof, carbon-fiber interior trim and the M Driver's Package, which raises the M3's top speed to 180 mph and includes a voucher for BMW driver training.
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