We’ve long regarded the 3-series as the core of the BMW brand, although it hasn’t been the U.S. sales leader since 2018. Still, it’s gratifying to see BMW making a strong effort to keep it up to date—even if we don’t love all the 2023 changes.
Outside, BMW tweaked the headlights, lower fascia, and tailpipes and, on the M340i, added a subtle rear spoiler. Mercifully, the 3-series avoids the oversize grille nostrils. Inside, BMW’s Curved Display arrives, comprising a 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen and a 14.9-inch touch-screen. Gone are the 13 climate-control buttons, as are the audio controls and radio presets. Just two audio and two defroster buttons remain, along with a volume knob. Turning on the seat heater requires navigating to the right sub-menu or giving a voice command—both…