The BMW 3 Series has long been the definitive benchmark for driver-focused luxury mid-size sedans and wagons, and this latest G21 LCI update continues the legacy. It blends performance, efficiency, enjoyable handling, long-distance comfort, and genuine practicality like few others in the segment.
After testing the 2025 330i Touring on the Nurburgring, along Germany’s high-speed autobahns, and up and over Italy’s Stelvio Pass, this feels like the most complete version yet. And, in turn, potentially the best all-rounder in this class.
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Specifications (Aus spec)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder
Output: 190kW@5000-6500rpm / 400Nm@1550-4400rpm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: Rear-wheel drive
Wheels: F: 19×8.0, 225/40 R: 19×8.5, 255/35
ANCAP: Five stars
Kerb weight: 1600kg
Power-to-weight: 8.42:1 (kg:kW)Official consumption: 6.8L/100km
Our consumption: 8.8L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 59L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 27.94kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.03 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.24 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.83 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.15 seconds at 165.2km/h*
100-0km/h braking: Not tested
Starting price: $95,900
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day using the 330i Touring xDrive German spec model. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: How much does it cost?
In Australia the BMW 330i is available in sedan and Touring (wagon) form, but only with rear-wheel drive. Prices start from $95,900 (excluding on-road costs). This figure has jumped up quite a bit in recent years. In fact, in 2020, this same model, the G21 330i Touring M Sport, started from $79,900, featuring the same engine and platform.
For this review we’re testing the German specification, which comes with xDrive all-wheel drive as standard. It doesn’t change much, aside from the addition of a front differential and around 60kg in weight. Aside from that, it’s basically the same car as the Aussie spec.
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Interior & packaging
BMW’s latest interior updates are immediately noticeable. The 330i Touring now features a curved 14.9-inch touch-screen running Operating System 8.5, which is sharp and fluid, if still occasionally fiddly for some climate controls. The convenient iDrive hand controller remains – finished in ‘CraftedClarity’ crystal glass on this test car – so you can easily make selections on-the-go without reaching up to the screen.
The graphics and presentation are superb. With screens, they tend to take away design merit. But here it looks like considerable time has been spent on developing some unique colour themes and backgrounds, and it all looks consistent and refined. Even so, personally, I’d rather have mechanical dials any day.
Materials and fit-and-finish are right up there with the best of them. And that’s the way it ought to be considering the recent price hikes. One of the more pleasant surprises is the fabric upholstery option seen here. It comprises a suede-like cloth and perforated fabric combo that’s grippy and breathable, especially useful during spirited driving. It’s a welcome change from the sea of black leather dominating the segment, and it suits the Touring’s understated club sport character.
As for practicality, the Touring offers a wide, flat boot with easy access. Metal sliders are embedded into the carpet to reduce scuffing and tearing, with buttons to drop the rear seats on the side and netting to secure smaller items. There’s also a 12V socket and some under-floor storage. Cargo space is measured at 500L and up to1510L with the rear seats folded flat.
During our trip we had three large luggage cases. Two of them fit into the boot area with three backpacks down the sides. The third case had to be stored on the back seat. However, if we removed the security blind assembly, which simply pops out, we might have had space for the three cases in the back. But we didn’t want to lose the blind. If this was your car, you could just leave it in the garage for certain trips.
Passenger space is good for this class, with an open and airy front section that also supports a perfect driving position, with a lovely three-spoke wheel. In the back it is a bit tighter, but no tighter than most vehicles in this class. It’s great to see climate vents and semi climate controls in the back, as well as two USB-C ports, and large bottle holders in the doors. A flip-down arm rest with cup holders adds further convenience.
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Powertrain & handling
In Australia, the 330i Touring sticks with rear-wheel drive as mentioned, and to be honest, that’s probably a good thing. But this German-market test car, equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive, makes a lot of sense as it is common for parts of Europe and Germany to receive snow.
Up Stelvio Pass and around several laps of the Nurburgring, the 330i Touring proved its mettle. High-speed stability is exceptional, even at 170-180km/h, it maintains a rock-solid feel around slight bends. Very composed. And then in tight technical corners and fast sweepers, you can feel the front end being pulled into line thanks to all-wheel drive.
The adaptive M suspension delivers a sporty yet compliant ride, balancing dynamic capability with everyday comfort. This test car features the 19-inch alloy wheels. These are probably the best balance in terms of providing good cornering response and style, but not too big as to cause a lower profile tyre which may disturb comfort.
Behind these you’ll see multi-piston M Sport brakes painted in blue, with floating discs. It’s surprising to see floating discs on what is a fairly regular and mainstream model variant. But, they definitely help at high speed. After a full, flat-out lap of the Nurburgring, there was no shudder or fading feel at all.
That’s the ‘floating’ setup helping there as the disc is not mounted solid to the hub, making it difficult for heat to be transferred. The disc can also move and expand slightly as it heats up, removing that shudder feel often experienced when tackling a track. Obviously important when driving at high speed on the autobahn.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder develops a healthy 190kW and 400Nm, translating to smooth, confident acceleration. While not neck-snapping, it feels responsive and punchy enough for enthusiastic driving, and the engine note – albeit piped in (it can be switched off) – adds a nice sporty character.
Across the 0-100km/h sprint BMW claims this xDrive version takes 6.0 seconds, while the Australian-spec RWD model does it in a claimed 6.1 seconds. With a Vbox on the autobahn this example did 0-100km/h in 6.24 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.15 seconds. And that was at 27°C and with three people on board. It’s a quick car.
Fuel economy is another feather in its cap. Over a mix of autobahn (around 160-200km/h), mountain pass, and racetrack driving, we averaged an impressive 8.8L/100km for the trip. That’s not bad at all for its performance, and with decent mass on board. The official average for the RWD model in Australia is 6.8L/100km. Expect to see mid-7s in the real world at home, with regular driving.
Overall, this vehicle was perfect for our 2000km trip, because it was practical and comfortable inside, but sporty and enjoyable to drive in various conditions. And it didn’t gulp fuel – an important factor for us given that prices in parts of Germany and Italy were 2.30 euros per litre (yep, around AU$4/L).
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- All-rounder status: Balanced performance, economy and comfort make this a superb long-distance and twisty-road companion.
- Refined design: Unlike some modern BMWs, this showcases an understated but high-quality theme with just the right amount of flair and sportiness in M Sport trim.
- Interior: Like the exterior, the interior design is very nice. Not over the top and pretty much all areas offer excellent fit and finish.
- Real M Sport enhancements: Adaptive dampers give it range, while multi-piston brake calipers and proper floating discs offer outstanding stopping performance. Even on the Nurburgring.
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Key considerations before you buy
- Digital screen: Operating System 8.5 still isn’t as intuitive as old-fashioned physical buttons, especially for climate control. And a big rectangle on the dash doesn’t really express any sort of aesthetic merit, especially against the otherwise top-notch interior package.
- Wagon not as popular in Australia: It should be. In Europe, wagons are everywhere and it is so refreshing not to see a sea of SUVs. Buy more wagons, people!
- Price: Prices have jumped from around $80k in 2020 to over $95k today, for basically the same vehicle (albeit a lot more tech now).
2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X-factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
The 2025 BMW 330i Touring M Sport stands as one of the finest all-rounders you can buy. It doesn’t chase extreme horsepower or headline-grabbing gimmicks – it just quietly excels in nearly every area. For drivers who value engagement, versatility, and subtlety in equal measure, it is the connoisseur’s pick in the mid-size luxury segment in our opinion.
