BMW has turned its back on diesel power for the latest series of upgrades to its popular 3 Series Saloon and Touring models.

Now into its seventh generation with a pedigree dating back almost 50 years, the 3 Series was extensively revamped during 2022 but this latest set of revisions raises the bar further.

And high on the list is a larger battery for the 330e plug-in hybrid model which now has a fully electric range of 63 miles.

It means the line-up now comprises two petrol models and a PHEV, the 320i and 330e available in Sport and M Sport guise while the range-topping M340i remains a standalone trim grade.

In the case of the plug-in hybrid a new charging unit supports three-phase AC charging up to 11kW, the first time such a high rate has been available for a PHEV from the German brand.

It enables the high voltage battery to be fully recharged from empty in two hours 15 minutes.

BMW says that new chassis tuning will enhance the balance between comfort and sporting agility while both the Saloon and the Touring will now feature the BMW Operating System 8.5 with upgraded iDrive, QuickSelect and fresh navigation functions including Augmented View.

Also included in the revamp are advanced assistance systems for driving and parking, some new steering wheel designs plus interior touches like cascade lighting and Sensatec perforated fabric for the seats.

Prices are from £39,045 for the BMW 320i Sport saloon (M Sport £1,250 extra), £46,080 for the 330e plug-in hybrid and £57,845 for the M340i xDrive, with Touring models all adding £1,800.

Production is due to start in July, with UK customer deliveries expected later in the summer.