It’s product lifecycle clobbering time for the 2023 BMW 3 Series. Actually, it’s more of a glancing blow than a radical neo-dimensional design warp. That is the way for product upcycling and so it is for the 7th gen 3 Series which has been occupying the markets since 2018. The updates are minor, barely noticeable. You will have to be a BMW geek living in a bird-spotting perch, camouflaged, holding a pair of binoculars to spot the difference.

The exterior receives new design treatments and slightly slimmer headlights and a new re-profiled front bumper. And you might notice that the LED light signatures reveal a new pattern. The rear bumper is also re-profiled to appear more “lunatic”. The rear light cluster design remains unaltered.

The newly uplifted BMW 3 Series also benefits from new alloy wheel designs, M-Sport options, and a suite of new exterior paints. M-Sport options will include 19-inch alloy wheels and variable steering.

The performance M340i and M340i xDrive will be distinguished by a mesh style kidney grille, rear spoiler and trapezoid exhaust pipes.

The interior is where the real action happens. BMW introduces a new curved digital display that incorporates a 12.3-inch driver’s binnacle and a 14.9-inch central infotainment display.

The infotainment system includes a synthesized BMW Personal Assistant activated by voice command, similar in operation to Alexa or Siri. BMW Assistant can adjust the temperature and even open and close the windows by voice command.

The 3 Series will continue to be powered by a range of mild hybrid 2.0-litre engines with power ranging from 255bhp to 288bhp depending on model spec. Don’t buy the Plugin-Hybrid variant, it isn’t very good.

The performance M340i will be powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, it is designated to deliver 382bhp and 500Nm of torque. All models will be automated across the range with an 8-speed transmission.

Pricing for the 2023 BMW 3 Series is not yet available.