The 3 Series is the core of the BMW portfolio and has been synonymous with sporty driving and compact proportions since its inception. Subsequent generations of the 3 have become quicker with the stopwatch but at the expense of driving feel and joy. The manual gearbox has been dropped in many trims, heavy all-wheel drive systems remain standard fare, and some are even equipped with mild hybrid units. Yet, we’d argue that this 2025 BMW 330i xDrive continues to be the quintessential sports sedan even in this age of swollen SUVs and zero-emission electric vehicles.

However, that doesn’t necessarily relate to the new updates for 2025, which are relatively few. The 330e plug-in hybrid has been dropped and only the 330i xDrive and M340i xDrive remain. The iDrive infotainment system has been upgraded along with a new flat-bottomed steering wheel, new paint colours and wheel designs, and suspension tweaks to improve overall comfort and handling. Rather, it’s the authentic powertrain and solid chassis that make this base model stand out amongst its peers. 

With a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four (B48) engine up front, the 330i produces a stout 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic transmission, enough to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. For 2025, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system has been added, along with redesigned intake ports and combustion chamber geometry, a revised injection, ignition, and exhaust system, and the use of a Miller combustion cycle instead of the traditional Otto cycle. All of these enhancements are expected to improve the engine’s efficiency. We averaged 9.8 L/100 km over our week in winter driving conditions. 

With the mild hybrid ironing out the creases, the B48 engine is one of the silkiest powertrains around, more polished than the four-pot in the Mercedes-Benz C 300, and more rev-happy with a broader bandwidth than the unit in the Audi A4. Velvety and smooth, the 330i pulls strongly no matter the gear or rpm and has a real fire in its soul that’s eager to impress. It may be inherently more limited, thrasher, and runs out of breath quicker than the inline-six in the M340i, but it’s a wonderfully exploitable engine and platform for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Emitting a boisterous snort and a deliciously aggressive roar to the limiter, it sounds the part as well. Furthermore, the 8-speed gearbox is a quick and forgiving unit that shifts unnoticed behind the scenes and doesn’t bog down at low speeds, unlike the Mercedes 9-speed unit. 

Whereas the M340i is a very engine-focused car, here in the 330i, it’s the chassis that shines through. The ride is passively damped with no adaptive springs to cushion up the ride, nor do we have variable steering. The all-wheel-drive system is set up for rear-biased behaviour but this is as pure as it gets for the 3 Series – knock it down to the 2 Series if you want even more engagement for a lesser price.

The result is a ride that can be particularly stiff over all the road acne and expansion joints that litter your commute. It’s not as brittle as it sounds and the 330i settles quickly and nicely after negotiating bumps, but it’s a far cry from the absorbency of a C-Class. But what it gains in compensation is a wonderfully agile front end and a playful rear that’s easy to gel with and find harmony on a winding road. 

The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a first for the 330i and the grips remain thick, an issue for those with small hands but the feel and operation are positive. The steering is missing crucial road feedback and the lack of a manual fails to elevate the level of driving engagement, but all it takes is a fresh blanket of snow covering the road to truly unravel what makes the 330i such a driver’s car. 

The new Arctic Race Blue is a fitting name for a fitting paint colour. With traction control switched off or in Traction Mode, the latter allowing for enough slip to have fun, the 330i is an absolute thrill in inclement weather. There’s enough power to make it playful yet controllable, and power delivery is not spiky. You don’t need to be measured or circumspect with your initial steering inputs. Simply throw the car into a slippery bend, allow the rear end to gradually slip while you balance it with the throttle, and once the rear is hooked up, power on through and unravel the rest of the corner. It’s a car that enjoys playing on the fringes of grip and tire limits, but you don’t need a rally license to get there.

The BMW 3 Series has retained some of that driving purity that made the brand worth investing in in the first place. While it has expanded in every dimension and may have lost a pedal while gaining a driving axle in the process, it remains a remarkably three-dimensional sports sedan with a tenacious front end and a playful rear, both of which shine brightly on a snowy winter’s day.

Specifications:

Model: 2025 BMW 330i xDrive
Paint Type: Arctic Race Blue
Base Price: $58,400
Price as Tested: $70,150
Wheelbase(mm): 2,851
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,713 / 1,827 / 1,440
Curb weight (kg): 1,600
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, 48V mild hybrid system
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 4,500 – 6,500 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 1,600 – 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 9.8
Tires: 225/45R18