The 2025 BMW 330i is something of a stealth superstar. Absolutely nothing about it screams “Look at me!” or even hints at the tech that’s packed into its mid-size body. It’s an innocuous looking, but sleek sedan.
But BMW clearly knows its game, having sold more than 20 million 3 Series cars since the model debuted in 1975. With the refresh for this model year, the Bavarian manufacturer has upped its game, again offering the entry level 330i as a value-packed, sporty and smart car.
The main changes for 2025 include a retuned chassis, new finishes and minor design tweaks, and the addition of the new BMW Operating System 8.5. Our tester was equipped with the M Sport package that includes sport steering and suspension along with the M leather steering wheel and M aero package. It also sported the new Arctic Race Blue Metallic paint – a deep blue grey – and 19-inch grey wheels.
Inside, Ash Grey Blue open-pored wood trim added a touch of sophistication to the dash and other surfaces. This combination of options bumped the tester from the base price of $56,900 to $64,550.
Powertrain: A 48-volt mild hybrid system helps improve fuel economy in the 330i’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder twin turbo powerplant. Over a 600-km week-long test drive on winter tires, with lots of high-speed highway driving (albeit using the Eco Pro mode almost exclusively while cruising), fuel economy averaged 7.1 litres per 100 km/h, well under the NRCan combined average of 8.0.
The hybrid system also adds power (11 horsepower) in the M340i big brother with its 6-cylinder engine. But 330i buyers will have to be content with 225 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
They’ll also have to be happy without a manual shifter as the 330i is only available with a smooth 8-speed automatic, with paddle ‘shifters’ to add to the fun. BMW says the 330i speeds from zero to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. That’s a number we weren’t able to verify, but we can say it was quick enough to elicit a big smile.
Drive: It’s both a ripper and a sipper, exhibiting a peppy attitude when driven in Sport mode, while also delivering excellent fuel economy in its Eco Plus mode. The drive modes are customizable, allowing for user-specific steering sensitivity, and there’s a choice to have sport mode default to Sport Plus, if you are so inclined.
The difference in behaviour in Sport versus Comfort or Eco Pro is dramatic, with both a display change and boosted sound effects. The engine noise effect is a bit silly, not really adding anything to the drive.
The sport suspension, however, combined with the new, stiffer chassis tuning makes for a firm and responsive ride. The car is a relaxing highway cruiser with enough handling chops to be a lot of fun on twisty back roads.
Interior: In step with the car’s unassuming nature, the cabin is clean and simple. There’s no frippery to distract you from the information on the gorgeous, curved display which stretches uninterrupted from the right side of the console to the driver’s left.
Controls are remarkably easy to use. Analog switches for powering on the sound system, starting defrost cycles and adjusting vents are beautifully simple and work well in sync with the more complicated function on the screens. The open-pore wood trim that sits just below the screens doubles as a subtle accent while also providing a non-slip brace point for using the touchscreen while in motion.
The forward cabin is spacious enough that two people don’t feel crowded. The driver’s seat is supportive and highly customizable and with the chunky, standard heated wheel the driving position is very adjustable, making it delightfully comfortable.
Rear seating space is limited. Those with longer legs will not find enough room for a longer ride. The trunk is very spacious, however, with a good-sized opening.
Exterior: The 330i is blessed with a mercifully restrained version of the polarizing new BMW kidney grille. It is framed by distinctive wedge-shaped LED lights, and a wide open ‘mouth’ in the front fascia. From its downward sloping nose and long, sculpted hood all the way back to the stubby trunk lid, the sedan’s design is elegant and understated. It screams ‘executive’ over ‘sporty’.
Infotainment: BMW’s new operating system 8.5 provides a powerful and easy-to-use interface with the car’s controls and infotainment apps. Not only can you use voice commands to perform functions like opening windows (but not closing them) and change climate control settings, the menus that you access through the touch screen or iDrive controller have been made flatter, meaning you spend less time drilling down through options before finding the one you want (or realizing you’re in the wrong place and having to start over. Icons along the bottom edge of the screen to go directly to the media, air conditioning, and main menus for phone and navigation.
The customizations available for drive modes, ambient lighting, climate control, preconditioning and much more are worth the learning curve. Taking the time to understand how to get the most out of these comprehensive offerings will up your enjoyment of the car, as it truly reflects your own preferences.
The 2025 330i really ticks the boxes for what a good contemporary car should offer. It’s got good fuel economy and is fun to drive, its understated good looks – both inside and out – are attractive but not ostentatious, and it is brimming with tech that’s not gimmicky, but really does add value for the driver.
2025 BMW 330i
Price as tested: $64,550 (CAD)
Freight: Per dealership
Configuration: front-engine/all-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: Inline 3-cylinder 2.0-litre twin turbo with 48V mild hybrid / 8-speed automatic transmission
Power/torque: 255 horsepower/ 295 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Premium (59L)
Fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 8.9 city, 6.9 highway, 8.0 combined
Warranties: 4-years/80,000km
Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes C Class
Website: BMW Canada