In replacing its best-selling executive saloon, BMW has managed to retain the previous model’s driver appeal while making improvements in interior space, cabin quality and cutting-edge technology. The updated styling is a conservative evolution of what’s gone before it, but with a stronger, lighter body refinement has risen too. The 3 Series offers a class-leading blend of performance and economy and while prices have risen a little since the previous generation, standard equipment is significantly higher. The latest 3 Series goes straight to the top of the compact executive class. The BMW 3 Series is a phenomenally successful model, with its six previous incarnations having sold over 15 million examples. The arrival of the seventh-generation G20 model in 2019 was the latest step in this important lineage. When BMW first launched the 3 Series 43 years ago, it had the junior executive market more or less to itself. But over the years key rivals such as the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class have played catch up. Plus there’s the Jaguar XE, Lexus IS and Alfa Romeo Giulia to consider, along with upmarket family cars like the Skoda Superb, VW Passat and Peugeot 508.

The plug-in hybrid 330e uses the same 182bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine as the 320i, combined with an electric motor that adds 67bhp. It offers a good combination of performance and economy along with a claimed all-electric range of 41 miles. All engines are available across both the 3 Series saloon and Touring model ranges, with the exception of the 330e plug-in hybrid which isn't offered in the estate lineup. Three trim levels are available – SE, Sport and M Sport, with the option of upgrading to the M Sport Plus Edition. All cars are well specified with sat nav, adaptive LED headlights, three-zone air conditioning, cruise control, Apple CarPlay and heated seats. BMW’s new Intelligent Personal Assistant is also included, and this allows you to operate many of the car’s functions via voice control. Sport models add more aggressive front and rear bumpers and exterior trims, along with sports seats and leather upholstery. The range-topping M Sport has always been a popular choice in the UK, and if you can stretch to this model it offers a host of additional equipment including an M Sport bodykit, more advanced sat nav with a larger central display and increased functionality, as well as BMW’s new Live Cockpit Professional which has a 12.3-inch digital instrument display that apes Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. 18 Entry-level, BMW 318i ownership starts at over £30,000, while the new 318d is around £35,000 for the M Sport model. Moving up to the 320d M Sport version will set you back almost £39,000. While this represents a price increase over the previous 3 Series, there’s considerably more standard equipment.