• Plenty of high-tech toys – both standard and extra
• Excellent driving position with lots of adjustment
• Design is in danger of becoming generic

How is the quality and layout?

The facelifted 3 Series’ interior gets all-new screens for a simpler, cleaner look than before. The quality is up to scratch with what we’d expect from this level of BMW, although some of the trim choices seem a little tacky.

BMW has made the row of numbered buttons below the climate control customisable shortcuts to a wide range of different commands, such as opening specific menu screens and loading sat-nav destinations (so they’re not just for bookmarking radio stations).

No complaints about the driving position – there’s lots of adjustment in the seats and the steering wheel, and you can sit very low if that’s your thing. Just watch out if you order the optional sunroof – it can rob headroom from taller drivers and you may find your hair brushing the liner.

Infotainment and tech

BMW has carefully considered the positioning of its central infotainment screen which curves to include the driver’s instruments, too. It’s inset low enough to avoid disrupting the view out of the windscreen, but not so far down that you have to drag your eyes a long way from the road to look at it.

It includes sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, a touch-sensitive rotary controller, two USB ports and Wi-Fi. The satellite-navigation system runs ‘BMW Operating System 8.0’ not only looks more impressive, it has downloadable apps and other extra features, including a ‘Personal Intelligent Assistant’. This means you can speak to the car – simply say ‘Hey BMW’ and give it tasks.

Regardless of your choice of 3 Series Touring model, there’s just one infotainment system, which is a large curved panel that includes a 12.3-inch display for the driver’s instruments and a 14.9-inch display used as the central touchscreen.

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Comfort

• Excellent seats up front
• Ample room in the rear
• Panoramic roof brightens up interior

There’s plenty of adjustment in the 3 Series Touring’s seat and steering column, meaning even the tallest of drivers should be able to get comfortable. The M Sport model’s sports seats are also very supportive and firm, with a particularly good lumbar setting.

Passengers get a good deal in this model, especially in the rear. The optional panoramic glass roof comes with increased headroom, too, thanks to the way the electric blind works. The excellent front seat design helps keep driver and passenger comfortable on longer journeys. This is also a quiet car to travel in for the most part.