A lot of things have happened in the Bavarian lineup since late 2018, which is why the 3 Series is more than ready to be revamped and get all the optional bells and whistles that have since become available on some of its newer brothers – despite the fact that the model was originally unveiled less than three years ago
Among those options is the iDrive 7.0 that comes in the BMW iX, alongside a curved and much larger display, which obviously includes a touchscreen above the centre console. As a matter of fact, it’s the model’s interior that will get some of the biggest upgrades, from the design of the centre console to new materials, and the much-improved infotainment system, of course.
That said, the exterior will also get its fair share of modifications, with restyled front and rear bumpers and new headlight clusters, which seems to feature a modified ‘Angel Eyes’ daylight driving lights arrangement.
Closer inspection of the pre-production prototypes spotted around the company’s Munich development centre (Estate) and Sweden test centre (Sedan) reveals that the headlight clusters will get a bit thinner, while the DRLs start from the top instead of the bottom like on the current 3-Series G20. A slightly revamped engine grille is also in the cards, but no huge increase in size in the footsteps of the controversial 4-Series.
On the powertrain side, the 2023 BMW 3-Series gets even more serious about electrification, with an i3 all-electric version not being out of the question as well.
Most of the huge assortment of inline-three and -four gasoline and diesel modular engines on the current model will be carried over, with each and every one of them getting a mild-hybrid 48-volt system, while the plug-in hybrid range will be improved with new, more powerful versions.
Either way, models like the M340i and M340d aren’t as probable to make a return, as the EU is slowly but surely getting near the Euro 7 emissions standard, which would render them almost unsellable after the year 2025. The two nameplates could stay but powered by electrified four-cylinders instead of straight-sixes, though.
The 2023 Alpina B3 Sedan and Estate will follow in the footsteps of the 3-Series LCI. As a result, it will feature the same tweaked headlights and taillights, complemented by new bumpers.
However, Alpina will leave its mark on the latter parts, which will look sportier. The camouflage does a very good job at keeping the refreshed design a secret, but it cannot hide the quad exhaust pipes and model-specific wheels, nor the beefier brakes with blue callipers on the scooped prototype.
The Alpina badges will continue decorating the B3 Sedan and Estate both inside and out, and the model will further set itself apart from the facelifted 3-Series, on which it builds, with exclusive upholstery and trim. A hand-stitched steering wheel with fine leather, dedicated kickplates, and a plaque showing the production number should be included as well, in addition to the metal emblems that will be found on the seat backrests and floor mats.
In all likelihood, the 2023 B3 will soldier on with the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six engine, made by BMW and reengineered by Alpina, though we don’t know yet whether it will be updated. In the current iteration, it is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF and xDrive-based intelligent all-wheel drive system, pumping out 455 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The B3 can do the 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, and hit a maximum speed of 303 km/h.
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