I'm stunned by the facelifted BMW 3-series

I'm stunned by the facelifted BMW 3-series
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[@hugoduff9321]

The lci car that you're looking at is an M sport car which have always had more complex bumpers, especially in the back. The regular model will probably have a more clean and simplistic design in the back.

[@joshuathomas512]

The huge diffuser and lower grille now makes sense, he's gotta compare the same trims to be fair

[@MetodiSabev]

The black grill is also available in the pre-lci generation.

[@tahay5080]

He's comparing m sport lci version with pre sport package it is kinda unfair

[@py6wo30]

Perfect comment. I have the M Sport one and this facelift means: no thanks..wait 2025.

[@Khemu-q4f]

@@py6wo30 Same here, I saw leaks of the LCI back in July and hated it so much I put in my order for the M340i and now seeing official pictures of the LCI I can 100% say I made the right choice of pre lci

[@denisten5710]

In my opinion, pre-facelifted version looks better with M-Sport package with typical M smile in the front and less aggressive diffuser in the rear, while facelifted version with regular trim looks way better than the older one.

[@heitorcruz7895]

Exactly, kinda unfair

[@D10N1S101985]

Agree. Review is not comparing apples with apples and pointless when not the same spec

[@bilaalgabru]

Agreed

[@rocket455]

Agreed! I like the pre-LCI front; was way more aggressive. If I didn't know, I would have thought the LCI was pre-LCI and vice-versa.

[@Slooot]

respect you opinion but i like the new m340i

[@alihasanain]

Same. So much better. BMWs have always been frustrating because it always feels like they just need a few tweaks to surface detailing. Proportions are usually on point.

[@GiGaSzS]

The infotainment is definitely a big letdown. Slapping a wide iPad on the dash and omitting physical buttons is really aesthetically and functionally miles worse than the best UI they have created with the previous series.

[@defjame5124]

exactly . they didnt even bother to integrate it properly to the dashboard and make some clean edges.

[@N1ckZ]

Disagree completely. It looks clean and modern as it should. If you want a car without screens buy one from 15 years ago

[@AUTOdidact77]

I guess they took it (not only the idea, but the actual part) from the new 7series - that´s why it even extends over the center console right into the passenger area 😀

[@pekiimatvrdi]

Same with new mercs

[@hamza4real]

Yes but this is the future, it's no longer 2006. Everything is digital and it allows more customization for the driver.

[@sebastianweingartner2985]

You are comparing Pre LCI non MSport with LCI MSport, which not makes really sense.

[@alonsocordaro4880]

You are right

[@trace7870]

The front looks more like the 5 series now which is awesome itself

[@Kev27RS]

Not really awesome though. It has no self-identity now...

[@coreyk288]

@@Kev27RS Brands these days aim for brand identity rather than model individuality. Which sucks for people who care, but does not matter at all to most people. All the brand wants is for people see the product and know without a doubt it is x brand, in this case BMW.

[@Kev27RS]

@@coreyk288 Agree! It's a shame! Cars have been looking pretty much the same for the past 10 years...

[@lambo344]

@@Kev27RS but it still has BMW's iconic looks

[@francescomazzarella4601]

The BMW 5 ( G 30 and G G 31) Is the model more fine of the BMW production

[@margussakk126]

If I'm honest, I liked the old one more.the new one has way too big air intake at the bottom and the kidneys now look like 5 series. But I'm glad that at least someone likes it.

[@chubbybiz]

I like the old one too.

[@tmtmolokwane6357]

10/10 for the exterior 😍. 4/10 for the interior 😨. Who the heck told BMW to take away the gear shifter, AC buttons, and slap a bridge tablet on the dash....🤷🏾‍♂️

[@elbertsarat4615]

modern society

[@alp6181]

Haha

[@p00lking]

Screens allow for update. With buttons, you're pretty much locked in. Imo, screen controls are better since you can customize it.

[@oweny7814]

Agreed, it’s awful, especially for bmw. These new pasted on screen boxes look like it is not meant to be driven, rather ride around watching Netflix or something. It’s a horrible change and is absolutely classless and tacky.

[@gregd9751]

Unfortunately that’s just the way of the future for the car companies (maybe not all yet, but most). It looks more and more like something people will have to adapt and get used to

[@R8andGT3Fan]

I liked the dip on the old headlights, but not the "T" shape on the bumpers. The new M rear bumper is horrible (the new M240i has the same problem). Interior wise, I *definitely* prefer the old one, but I'm sure this new one is cheaper, so giving the impression of being "so modern", it must be win-win for the manufacturers.

[@gunshim22]

The T shape is actually removeable in the M package

[@p00lking]

Interior will not be as cluttered. Can't complain

[@BeamerView]

That new design on the 3 may be the with the M-Sport Package, so might not be comparing apples to apples! Make sure you guys subscribe to my channel too! I’ll be making videos of the new three series as soon as it arrives. Great video Bembli!

[@anhondacivic6541]

only complaint i have is that the lower intake is too big

[@candra_abdurrahman]

At least not the grill, I’m down

[@alonsocordaro4880]

Totally agree. Looks like Audis grill 😄

[@skirmishcustoms2595]

Looks ridiculous to me but otherwise a nice car

[@forange_9271]

Its an audi grill under the bmws one Nice 👍

[@eastterminal2246]

@@alonsocordaro4880 i didn't even realise it before your comment. It's hilarious!

[@steinerg.4539]

You really need to take a look at the non-M sport facelift version, it looks soo good imo!!! Id even say it looks better than the m version and in general this has never been the case for me so far. So my ranking would be: 1. M-Sport Pre-Facelift 2. Normal Facelift 3. M-Sport Facelift 4. Normal Pre-Facelift

[@ChooseLanes]

yes thats what i was thinking

[@dylanw890]

I’ll reserve judgement til I see it in person because I like the old one better and I think the pictures make it look odd.

[@Kev27RS]

I agree!

[@ramonellince2424]

New one looks more like the 5 series Way better

[@mariowhyte2816]

It's weird times we live in when Kias and Hyundais and Genesis have less controversial designs than BMW's and Mercs. Thanks for the insight!!! Great content as usual!!!

[@edivad7888]

BMW always has got controversial design. Just look at the 7 series E65

[@JoiceVaderd]

@@edivad7888 Still the worse looking 7er, imo. The LCI made needed improvements, but that center console is a mess. My uncle has the 2008 model and even he doesn't like how they did the center console

[@razerpenguin1887]

mercs killing it rn

[@davidpettit6749]

@@JoiceVaderd you may thing the E65 was bad, but controversy sells, the bangle butt 7 is still the best selling 7 ever. Again, controversy with BMW sells.

[@JoiceVaderd]

@@davidpettit6749 Yep. Definitely the best selling 7 Series, to date. The E46 is still BMWs best selling model, to date. No wonder that one is highly regarded.

[@Kev27RS]

I don't dislike the current pre-facelift 3-Series sedan! I always appreciated that cut in the middle of the headlights, because it reminds me of the original E46 headlights. The overall car has hints here and there to the E46, even the taillights... (Overall the E46 looks better by the way...) I don't think the facelift is that much of an improvement though. Plus, the white one is a basic 3-Series and the gray one appears to have a M-Package. Not really comparable.

[@majedie821]

The facelift looks absolutely gorgeous. The only critism is the interior screens should be intergrated into the dashboard and gear selector larger with buttons for radio volume

[@javimad]

I completely agree with your comments about the interior. The preLCI shows more care in designing a housing for the IC and integrating the screens into the dash design.

[@Thechoosenone41]

Proud owner of a 2019 3 series and 2020 M4 Heritage Edition. Love BMW.

[@erikalvarez4516]

Being such a fan of the E46 and growing up with that as my favorite BMW I prefer the pre LCI because of the slight notches at the bottom of the headlight. If anything though I am very happy that they are sticking with the normal size grille

[@misterdragzon]

The front and rear bumper analysis is done with a base “luxury line” compared to LCI M Sport. Side profile is M-Sport vs LCI M-Sport

[@hamza4real]

The M340i will be the same other than bigger exhaust tips

[@ShogunsDojo]

weird to compare a pre LCI non M-sport car to the LCI M sport. New car looks good but I preferred the pre LCI M-sport car.

[@zaamuro8408]

If the leaks are anything to go by, this is the non M- Sport package. Although BMW design has two different sketches.

[@ahlsn7346]

@@zaamuro8408 You can clearly see the M sport decal on the side of the new one.

[@zainmoideen7610]

Yes this is a really bad comparison

[@yousefsaeed9873]

The problem with this video is that you are comparing the bmw sport line to the m package on the face lift. You can not do that. The sport line only comes with chrome trim. But with the m package it comes with a shadow line trim if you select it. There are many differences too with the sport line and the m package, not just the trim. I think your comparison is very unfair since you are comparing apples to oranges. You should have selected the previous model with the m package so that you have a better comparison.

[@bayside_baller]

IMO black is the best colour for both the original and LCI G20/21 - it's the colour that hides all these weird angles and flourishes. Great review, cheers

[@c3vzn]

The 3 series was the best looking car in the line up. They had to do something very wrong to ruin it. They tried pretty hard to with the rear.

[@grayknight836]

I’ve always loved BMW cockpits and dashboards. I love the new tech an incredibly HD Touchscreen 🖥, but it looks odd how it protrudes rectangularly and I wish it was more seamlessly integrated into the dashboard.

[@mattbuffo9967]

for sure the screens look like it was an after thought for how they put it on the dash I do like the stack displays on mercedes better

[@MrLarrikin]

Facelift model looks amazing! Modelled on the current G80 M3 (without the large grill of course). Well done BMW 👏

[@niklastp09]

Please compare with a M-Sport package pre-facelift next time!

[@janosojca9286]

I agree in the interior part. It takes away that feeling of the interior being build around you and looks way colder. The new 7 series made a great job with that huge Ipad screen covering it organically by parts of the cockpit. like a little roof over the speedometer. it gives it more of a feeling as if you were build into the car and not thrown onto the street

[@trombata_]

i prefer the headlighrts on the pre face lifted one and also this is the second time in recent history that bmw has made a good facelift, yk the 5 series

[@nejc3]

Facelift car has so much better proportion, specially I like the new front lights-

[@CannonCars]

I love your breakdown of all of this, however I need to point out for the front and side view you’re looking at a m-sport face lift and a non m-sport pre facelift. Because of this the bumpers are going to be completely different, if there is a picture of the face lift non m sport then you can compare the two much better

[@DarkWildSaison]

Than how can you love this breakdown when it fails at the very start?

[@TalkSteer]

CEO: How do we fix it with the new facelift? Artist: make it look like the 5 series and we're golden

[@bzilla-d4i]

The standard and M-Sport versions of BMW's cars look great, it's the M cars where they are dropping the ball

[@radudeATL]

Ugh. It might be an improvement, but I don’t end up liking either of them. 1 step forward with the simplified grille and headlights, 2 steps backward with the bumper treatment.

[@Kev27RS]

The simplified headlights are not really an improvement though. It pretty much looks like a 5-series now... The cut in the middle of the pre-facelift headlights, reminded me of the original E46 headlights, which isn't a bad thing!

[@manuelcisneros4739]

I definitely like this over the previous model. As someone who drives a lot, I prefer the larger screens to enable interaction a lot easier.

[@budja1501]

Thank GOD the grille isn’t ruined. And the side view still keeps its beautiful surfacing. But all the other details like the lower intakes and especially the terrible rear end almost invalidate the praise i just gave it

[@joshuathomas512]

I loved the prefacelift, expecially the M sport

[@mr_sparkly_face4087]

I don’t think the front end comparison is fair as the LCI is for the M340i and the car you showed us the Sport design, not the comparable Pre-LCI M340i. I prefer the Pre-LCI M340i because of the homage to the E46 as you mentioned, but the new one doesn’t look bad by any means. It actually fits the other M/M Sport models a lot better through the lineup

[@creeper65211]

The new interior looks way better. As a mercedes fan i think its super clean and feels more clean. They surely finessed the small details on the new interior.

[@michaellackie6274]

The bottom rear end looks more aggressive and less boring compared to the older model. Agree with the older dash over the new one. The separation looks much cleaner and inviting as you stated. I just ordered the 2023 M340i xdrive so I guess I'm stuck, LOL!

[@stnnvyn]

Why this angle and that angle on the bumper and the side lines. Aerodynamic bro. It’s their design language if u go through deep enough.

[@aoncars]

The E92 was such a good looking car. None of the newer 3 look as good as Mercedes

[@shubhang93]

The 2019-2022 BMW 3 Series is the most well-proportioned and best looking 3 series ever.

[@adamparkinson475]

I've got a pre-LCI M-sport on order, and I placed the order when I did on the basis that I really didn't want a giant screen instead of dials in a classic cowling - and I'm happy i guessed right! Would have been gutted to lose a proper gear stick too, and the E46 notches.

[@blueb4829]

You made the right decision. This new model leaves much to be desired, especially given the interior.

[@jimcameron2511]

Ha Ha. Guess what? Is yours in production yet? Cause if not, they're going to roll you over to a 2023.

[@matthewgrayson8]

I actually think the interior is great, really makes a statement and I think the screen brings more customization that people wanted

[@michaelmeredith912]

To me it seems they are trying to force people to use the voice commands instead of buttons and it’s ultimately a cost savings measure just having a screen that controls everything.

[@sanjs5796]

Simple graphics age so much better. Glad they took a step back and not overstyle.

[@utkuumitli4247]

u shouldve compared the m sport version of the pre facelifted version imo. the outside differs very much between them

[@TottiSchlecker]

Compared to the previous sporty Version I think it's a brillant facelift evolution. Let's hope the facelift of the regular Version is as good as this. This is a win for me.

[@luizfelipemesquita6596]

At first look, I didn’t liked the facelift. But now I really like it

[@blagovestzaimov3455]

the only two new beautiful bmw's are 5 series and 3 series. I love pre facelift version, but totally agree with you, that new one looks better. Almost as 5 CS.

[@TheCarKrazeOfficial]

What about the 8 series?

[@blagovestzaimov3455]

@@TheCarKrazeOfficial, my bad. 8 is beautiful too.

[@hitek3943]

The rear is really aweful compared to pre-LCI M-Sport, it's like they have two WTC towers on each side and then the enourmous not needed fake diffusor in the middle. The front is OK and possible to live with. For interior pre-LCI is just better. The grill like the one on M3/4 won't happen on the regular 3-series or 5-series. Also the new light design in X7 LCI and new 7-series won't either.

[@elliot747]

In my opinion the new 3 series M Sport looks much more aggressive than before

[@DarthOeron]

I wish that you would compare both M Versions instead of the pre facelifted non-M Version. That would make much more sense. I drive the current G20 with M Package and I love the design. But also I have to confess that I'm not quite sure which one looks better. Both look great but for me they're very close.

[@_IMNNO]

I still prefer the preLCI G20 design. However, the headlights are an improvement.

[@machomb]

Looks like the 5 series now, which I like.

[@elijahcarr4137]

Nice now I may be able to get one of the pre-face lifted ones on discount

[@malligrub]

100% agree with the opening statement of the video, this is the first time in a long time, at least 10 years or so now that they've made a car more attractive with a LCU or new series. Don't know what these guys are thinking with their design in general but this one looks AWESOME

[@jng8475]

I like the facelift front & grille but i prefer the DRL signature to sweep upwards like the G30 LCI. Prefer the pre-LCI rear bumper and the dashboard. The OS8 dash & instrument panel also look out of place like a piece of after market add-on. I still like the joy-stick aluminium gear lever from the F30s.

[@Lvlaple4Ever]

I actually like the old one. The new one almost look like it doesn't have eyeballs.

[@ilianstoimenov6619]

Haha, I wrote literally your opening words in our BMW forum yesterday - it is really the first improvement in design we've seen in a long time... The interior, however...

[@MIKL205]

You can not compare the exterior of two different versions of the car, the LCI is an MSport and the other is neither an Msport nor a 2021 3series

[@Chakka_Lakka]

I like the clean design of the new 3series more than the older version which is too busy at the front.

[@Kev27RS]

The simplified headlights are not really an improvement. It pretty much looks like a 5-series now... The cut in the middle of the pre-facelift headlights, reminded me of the original E46 headlights, which isn't a bad thing!

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

The new one looks dope!

[@oscar7476]

btw the older 3 series model u showing is not the m sport model, its the luxury line, so it would better to compare the previous m sport model to the new model below

[@Maxdaman715]

This facelift makes the 3 series look like the new civic!!

[@ndivhuwomuelelwa3192]

You should have compared two m sport models. The pre face-lift you used is a sport model (the m sport does not have the t shape you complained about) and the face-lift is the m sport model.

[@shikarbabulall3897]

Now they should face life the M3/M4 that needs a face lift way more .1 wierd story is that they needed that huge grill on the M3/4 to cool the car funny enough the M5 is a twin turbo V8 but has small kidney grills next to the 3.0L straight 6.

[@gundy100]

With regards to the front bumper and grills, you're comparing the cheapest, lowest spec model of the 2021 (Sport) with the new design. This is the only model that had the T-shape on the outer bumper that you kept mentioning. A proper comparison would be with the 2021 M340i or M340d (which I own). They look completely different.

[@Maximilian_Ingrosso]

Doesn’t even have to be an m model, could just be the 320d or 330e with the m-sport styling. And with that m-sport styling the pre-lci looks way better

[@KC-lg8qf]

The pre face lift was more elegant. This new one is more aggressive. I'm not quite sure which one I like better yet. They certainly have not ruined it so that's good. I think it's a good step and I'm glad they did not put those enormous grills on it.

[@wassap786]

I can accept all the changes apart the change to the gear stick.

[@MrJohanable]

The E92 and E93 facelift was also stunning!

[@grantvergottini5612]

I think they improved the top two thirds of the front and the back. But for me, the lower part of both the front and back are a continuation of BMW's crazy misadventures in ill-fitting shapes and angles.

[@markallsopp2227]

Perhaps if you compared apples for apples and had an image of a pre-facelift M sport variant with the Shadow line pack vs the LCI which is an M sport with Shadow line pack.your opinion would be worth listening to.

[@axelode45]

The old headlights look better IMO

[@JamesConnor116]

I was shocked on how good it looks. SO MUCH BETTER. Does this mean that BMW has listened? Next up is the G60 5 series and the X5 LCI. We’ll see how they look (Obviously ignoring the M3/M4 CSL models and the XM)

[@YouTubeUserLol]

I’m stunned too! 😮

[@Man-bc8wv]

I’m glad they changed it I haven’t liked the way bmw’s have looked since the early 2010’s but at least they’re making improvements

[@dennis3753]

the pre lci m340i is soo aggressive and looks extremely good

[@hegzy2516]

So i have a 2021 3 series so maybe I am biased, but I actually prefer the old headlights, and mines is portimao blue with the msport black grille, so I think the grille looks just as good. also prefer the old front bumper in msport, it looks more aggressive. I actually like the new screen though!

[@darknessislight3689]

I’m with you 👍🏾 the refresh is soooooooo much better 😍 bravo 👏🏾 BMW

[@maxstrong317]

I love series 3 and now it looks much better than previous one

[@defjame5124]

Tbh i really like the facelifted one especially the front, although i'd like it more if the front air intake was a bit narrower. the rear will look much better if they covered the parts you showed with proper bumper, the rest of it is just stunning . nothing to say about the interior, the prefacelift model is more BMW like . love your videos and cant wait to see your touch on that new 3 series . much love from Morocco

[@Tomas-ds6kf]

I really like the cut-in the bumper personally. It adds a interesting break through to the simpler upper areas for a contrast. I dissagee that everything needs to be simplistic and straight forward all the way. The bottom diffusor gives a sharper, more agresive like look and I still think it works with the primary and secondary shapes of the car.

[@Kemenyan73]

The previous fog lights with the T -shaped module were really out of place in design cohesion . Glad they clean that up

[@armandovalmont9762]

so now the 7 series has two pairs of headlights and the 3 series has two grills

[@DenisKudlik]

you could have compared it to the old M-sport spec, too and it would be a similar outcome: the facelift looks much nicer than either of the old variants. the front was always such a mess and the supposedly e46 inspired headlights had none of the e46 classy elegance, just looked bad

[@isaaclim8645]

Yeap when i saw it, i knew you would like it. It just looks so much cleaner than before despite the small changes

[@kiserleti4d4s]

There was a little throwback to e46 in the front lights. There is removed with the facelift / LCI. I don't like that, but I still love the car.

[@Leo_Zeman]

I agree with your opinion about interior. My dad and I am very sad with huge curved display. It looks as someone added it there. We love usual design with integrated display into dashboard. I don't know why they do it this way. We love BMW's car so much but this is disappointment. And exterior of both 3 series is perfect from me.

[@fredericoamigo]

This is how a proper BMW should look like. This is the best looking bmw in a long long time. Perhaps ever? In terms of the interior. I completely agree.

[@Maximilian_Ingrosso]

Look at The 2020 3-Series but m-sport, looks way better than the new one

[@NoChaserNoChaser504]

I like it, looks like a smaller 5 series

[@oscar7476]

i think all of bmw's newer models are improvements to the older model, thats just my opinion btw :)

[@freshtowels3917]

I think the refreshed car looks and nicer. I thought current gen looked like whatever and somewhat generic when it came out. The facelift looks just right. I like it.

[@wilbeugre]

My first reaction (which didn't change after a few hours) was: - Front: yes! - Side: yep! - Back: give me the usual "boring fake extractor" instead (this one goes way too much up interrupting the wide stance I personally prefer)🤦🏿‍♂️ - Dashboard: another gigantic and curved screen 🤦🏿‍♂️🤷🏿‍♂️

[@thaneshkumarmuthusamy8061]

Exactly, why the need for the oversized flatscreen? So Merc like (which I hate to be honest)

[@neilcahill5201]

The weird looking line stamped on the side is trying to mimic the hockey stick design on the more premium models. I think it makes sense, it’s part of BMWs design language

[@franciscoacosta3200]

Thank you, nice design analysis, clear and straight to the point. We say in spanish "en gustos se rompen géneros" which literally translates as "in tastes genres are broken", meaning that preferences may change from person to person. This applies to these G20 models. I agree with you about the car rear and the interior. I prefer the "old" model. But I disagree about the front. Again, I like more the "old" one. I have thought about the reasons for the designers to make these changes. It is not only beauty, but differentiation from the "old" model too. A facelifting is expected to make visible changes in the car, so design changes may be forced away. Furthermore, BMW may decide, based on production efficiency, to take elements from its higher gamma to pass them to the new G20, for example the screen on the board. But at the end of the day we all agree about one thing, both, the "old" and the new cars, are beautiful. Regards from México.

[@chickenmuffin]

Wow it actually looks great. What the hell happened with the 4 and 7.

[@mlungisidlamini2809]

The new lower intake looks absolutely perfect, and it is the major change there...I prefer the enlarged lower intake instead of the hideous kidneys in the 4 series

[@manzimucyophilemon8324]

the new one is beauty. The headlights, the grille, the front bumper!! Just a good improvement!! Love it!