So how fuel-efficient is the BMW 3 Series? The BMW 3 Series achieves 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the interstate in 2021. Continue reading to discover more details about this powerful and practical sedan.
In This Article...
Astonishing Fuel Economy Statistics for the BMW 3 Series
We can recite a long list of fuel-efficient gasoline-powered vehicles that are worth looking into to extend the duration between fill-ups. Nothing on the list would have had a BMW badge prior to today. The final number the testers had to read out during Car and Driver’s highway fuel-economy test on the BMW 330i, though, was astounding. It had maintained a speed of 75 mph while achieving 42 miles per gallon. That’s not just impressive—enough it’s for a cheeky victory dance for BMW, as that figure outperforms every rival in its category.
To put that figure in perspective, it achieves greater freeway mpg than Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Ionic Hybrid, which are famed for their fuel efficiency and which Car & Driver has evaluated in a similar manner. Ironically, the BMW 530e hybrid’s performance of 38 mpg is surpassed by the 3-Series’ 42 mpg.
Despite being the base model for the 3-Series and having a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the 330i isn’t exactly a slug either. That small engine has a jovial power output of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The test vehicle included the M Sport options to up the ante even further. The 330i was equipped with grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, so it wasn’t even rolling on rubber designed for efficiency.
The Jaguar XE with a diesel engine surpassed the 330i in its class, although getting 2 mpg less than the contemporary Toyota Camry hybrid. And if there’s still room for surprise, the new 330i achieved all of that while outperforming the model from last year in two tests’ results by 10%. It hung 0.94 g on the skidpad and came to a stop from 70 mph in 150 feet, according to Car & Driver. This dispels any concerns people may have about the engineering being up to par, regardless of how people may feel about BMW’s latest generations of vehicles.
It may even explain why so many 3 Series drivers are observed adhering themselves to the rear bumpers of other vehicles as they pass them on the freeway. They’re not rushing; they just want to keep moving at their current speed to save money.
The new BMW 328i can travel the interstate at up to 36 mpg.
What is the fuel consumption of a BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series has the lowest fuel economy, at 2.2 liters per 100 kilometers, and the worst, at 6.4 liters per hundred kilometers.
Fuel consumption is most commonly expressed as the amount of fuel needed to drive 100 kilometers, or L/100 km.
According to a BMW spokesperson, these are the fuel consumption figures for BMW 3 Series vehicles: The 2020 BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport uses 6.4 liters of petrol every 100 kilometers. The 2020 BMW 3 Series 330e M Sport uses 2.2 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers. The 2021 BMW 3 Series 330 Li M Sport uses 6.4 liters of petrol every 100 kilometers. The 2021 BMW 3 Series 320i Sport uses 6.3 liters of fuel every 100 kilometers.
Another popular indicator is fuel economy, which is determined as the distance driven per unit of fuel, such as kilometers per liter or miles per gallon, and is the inverse of fuel consumption.
A car’s fuel efficiency is mostly influenced by its size and powertrain. These elements consist of: 1. The state of the roads, traffic, and weather Driving manner 3. Speed, load, and condition of the vehicle
The most used unit of fuel consumption measurement, liters per 100 kilometers, can be calculated using the method below.
This makes it simple for you to use our fuel cost calculator to determine the monthly gasoline cost of a BMW 3 Series.
What is BMW fuel consumption?
The typical BMW car achieves combined fuel economy of 20-30 MPG by getting 13–25 MPG in the city and 20–36 MPG on the freeway. These vehicles have 15-20 gallon gasoline tanks with 260–560 mile ranges.
Examples (EPA-estimated, combined, city/highway):
- BMW 330i 2022: 26/36/30 MPG
- BMW M3 2022: 16/23/19 MPG
- BMW 430i Gran Coupe 2022 mpg: 25/34/28
- BMW M760i xDrive: 13/20/16 MPG in 2022.
- BMW 740i 2022: 22/29/25 MPH
- BMW M5 2022: 21 MPG (highway)
- BMW 550i xDrive 2022: 25 MPG (highway)
- BMW 540i 32 MPG in 2022 (highway)
- BMW 228i Gran Coupe: 34 MPG in 2022 (highway)
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worthwhile?
What Makes the BMW 3 Series Good? The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
Which BMW 3 Series offers the best value?
An illustration of a Personal Contract Purchase: Cash price PS10,000, deposit PS150, and borrowing PS8,500 for 4 years at a representative 7.4% APR (fixed). A total of PS4127.50 will be paid after 47 instalments of PS132.04. PS1833.38 is the total cost of credit. Payable in total is PS11,833.38. 8,000 miles per year as a base. If excess miles is used, there are fees. Finance subject to status; only those 18+.
The most recent 3 Series models all offer respectable fuel efficiency; when driven responsibly, even the sporty M340i can average very nearly 35 mpg. Good news for both individual car owners and company car users is that CO2 emissions are comparatively low. All values shown below are for the saloon; buyers of touring estates should account for a minor decrease in economy and a rise in emissions due to the added weight.
The mild-hybrid 320d SE, with a maximum mileage promise of 61.4 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 119 g/km, is the most inexpensive option. The specification increases emissions even more, to 130g/km, while maintaining a 57.6 mpg fuel economy. Rear-drive is still preferable unless you frequently need the four-wheel drive system’s enhanced traction in adverse weather situations.
Despite having six cylinders and 261 horsepower, the potent 330d does not significantly suffer in terms of economy. Maximum fuel economy for rear-drive vehicles is 56.5 mpg, and CO2 emissions are 132 g/km; xDrive models experience a little drop in fuel efficiency and add eight more grams of CO2 to the atmosphere every kilometer.
Those looking for even more power won’t be too shortchanged, as the M340d xDrive manages to deliver 335bhp while achieving an exceptional 46.3mpg on the combined cycle.
Is the BMW 3 Series an excellent first car?
The 3 Series is BMW’s most popular vehicle. It is a small family or executive car with excellent dynamics and lively handling.
As a safe and useful first vehicle, a BMW 3 series would be a wonderful choice. It has some great safety measures and has superb sight for the driver. However, it wouldn’t be practical for novice drivers with a limited budget.
The combined city and highway mileage for the 2.0L automatic is 30 mpg, which is acceptable.
The 3-series maintains some aspects of an affordable car while projecting a premium aura.
Which BMW 3 Series engine is the best?
The 318d and 320d four-cylinder diesel versions, in particular if you travel a lot of miles, are so fuel-efficient while yet offering plenty of performance that they remain popular even though diesel cars aren’t quite as popular as they were a few years ago.
The four-cylinder 320i and 330i petrol engines offer sporty performance without significantly losing fuel economy as compared to the diesel counterparts if you drive less kilometres.
If power and performance are your top priorities, the top-of-the-line M340i xDrive with its powerful 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine is definitely the best option. Although the M340d’s diesel engine isn’t quite as powerful, it is almost as quick. But in our opinion, the M340i with a gasoline engine is the more enjoyable vehicle to drive.
The sporty-looking M Sport trim level is by far the most popular when it comes to trim levels, but the lower-spec SE and Sport trims are still attractive and well-equipped options.
Are Audi A3’s fuel-efficient?
Although it costs a bit more than comparable BMW 1 Series models, the Audi A3 Sportback is still less expensive than the Mercedes A-Class. It should retain a significantly larger portion of its list price after three years, making its PCP finance packages more appealing. For the newest deals, check out our New Car Buying service.
Officially, the A3’s engines produce CO2 emissions and fuel economy comparable to those of its competitors. In our real-world test, the 35 TFSI petrol (with a manual transmission) averaged a very respectable 42.5mpg; this is significantly better than the BMW 118i. The 4% benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax diesel surcharge will not apply to company car users because diesel vehicles are more efficient and RDE2 compliant.
Is the BMW 320i a decent vehicle?
The BMW 3 Series 320i xDrive receives our approval. The 320i xDrive is undoubtedly a fantastic vehicle, but its brothers with two-wheel drive outperform it due to the additional weight of the four-wheel drive system.
How big is the gas tank on a BMW 3 Series?
What is the BMW 3 Series’ fuel tank capacity? Each trim level of the 3 Series has a 15.6-gallon gas tank. Even though it’s one of the very few features that stays the same in all 2022 3 Series models, the gasoline tank has adequate capacity to handle any task.
Is a family’s BMW 3 Series too small?
The brand-new BMW 3 Series may be the perfect vehicle for all of your driving requirements.
In an ideal world, we’d all want a sizable garage packed with a variety of vehicles suitable for all kinds of situations. Long-legged GT for trips up North, comfortable cruiser for the daily grind, lightweight sports car for the track, and so on.
We unfortunately live in a flawed world. But which car would you choose if you had to have just one to meet all of your needs? The new BMW 3 Series is, in all likelihood, the last car you’ll ever need. This is why:
1. Fashion and prestige appropriate for the contemporary young professional
It’s a BMW first and foremost. It is an impressive badge, and that counts for something. It exudes success and purpose and is elegant and high-end.
This latest generation model is also sleeker and sportier-looking, which is unquestionably advantageous for the contemporary young professional.
2. Because of its small size, it is easy to maneuver
Yes, some people enjoy driving large SUVs because of their commanding presence and driving positions.
But having a little, compact vehicle really makes life easier for every day use. You won’t have to stress about trying to squeeze into small parallel parking spaces or navigating packed car parks.
3. Technologies that benefit drivers and make lives easier
Modern technology is also fully integrated into the new 3 Series, including the new Operating System 7.0 and Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Everyday driving is made safer by useful features like Lane Departure Warning, Parking Assistant, and Reversing Assistant, which is essential to protect the entire family.
4. The family will have enough of daily convenience.
The 480-liter boot and comfy, roomy rear cabin of the 3 Series make it a family-friendly vehicle.
Naturally, it is also future-proof. The 3 Series can accommodate an expanding family, whether it’s transporting adolescent teenagers or fitting a child seat.
5. Stable and ready for the track
The 3 Series’ dynamic ability—smooth power delivery, muscular steering, a well-organized chassis, and excellent balance—is one of its most notable features.
You could definitely take it stock and compete on the track. Without a doubt, the 3 Series is still a pleasure car to drive even on regular roads.
6. Impressive without being very effortful
The BMW 3 Series is the only vehicle you will ever require because it is incredibly well-rounded while still being incredibly courteous.
Despite being a very well-rounded compact family vehicle, the BMW 3 Series nonetheless exudes a certain sense of understated presence (especially in this Luxury Line trim). It isn’t extremely shrill or haughty. Instead, it’s polite, sophisticated, and respectful.
The 3 Series is a vehicle that many of us can reasonably hope to own and eventually afford, which is maybe the most crucial factor. Because in all reality, it is the only car you will ever require.
If the 330i is still a bit out of your price range, why not think about the 320i instead? Fortunately, this page includes a helpful video review of the vehicle.