BMW 3 Series Saloon Lease
BMW describes its 3 Series as 'sporty, stylish, and splendid' - and with a winning mix of driving dynamism, timeless design and everyday practicality, it's hard to argue with that assessment.
Read moreThe 3 Series Saloon sits in BMW’s range between the smaller 2 Series and larger 4 Series, the latter of which includes the all-electric BMW i4, and is also available to lease as the practical 3 Series Touring estate. There's a range of powertrains to suit all tastes, including fuel efficient plug-in hybrids.
A BMW 3 Series lease is a long-standing rival to the Audi A4, Jaguar XE, and Alfa Romeo Giulia, as well as the Tesla Model 3 if you’re looking for a battery-powered executive saloon.
The most recent update to the BMW Series in 2024 saw style tweaks that emphasised the saloon’s ‘sporting ability’, with larger air intakes, a new aprons front and rear, and more aggressive kidney grille.
Lease customers can also expect, as standard, BMW’s ‘M High-gloss Shadowline trim’ and 17-inch alloys.Meanwhile there’s a great choice of powertrains, supported by mild-hybrid technology, to ensure you get the right engine for you. The very latest plug-in hybrid BMW 3 Series Saloon also offers generous amounts of power as well as a range of up to 63 miles using electricity alone.
BMW ‘xDrive’ all-wheel-drive is standard on the range-topping models but can also be added as an option to other powertrains.
Standard-fit driver assistance and safety tech includes Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Cruise Control with brake function and Lane Departure Warning with lane return.
- Car Leasing Category: Saloon
- Select’s Car Review Score: 4.7/5
- Boot size: 480 litres
- Engine Options: Petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid
- NCAP Safety Rating: 5 stars
BMW 3 Series Saloon Featured Deals
Jon was excellent throughout the process, and really worked hard for me. There was a small price discrepancy, as the “in stock deal” on the website only indicated the price for a base model without any additional options, which was not actually possible to order - which I felt was a little misleading. However, Jon worked up a deal I was happy with, and communicated very well throughout the process - including following up with some issues after delivery. I will definitely use again.
Yeh, good service a bit of headache filling forms couple of times but turn around was very good and with the maintenance cover it’s peace of mind.
What's great: I'm now driving a lovely Lexus at a far more affordable price than I could find elsewhere. My contract includes a full maintenance deal which isn't always available with other providers. The sales process and arranging the finance was a good experience, with lots of support from Dave. Thanks Dave! BUT ... Once the contract had been agreed, communication was terrible. I was told that I would get access to the portal (which is the only way to track progress) 'shortly': it took 2 weeks and multiple phone calls and emails (initiated by me)to gain access. Promises to phone me back were not met. In the end, Dave sorted it out. Thanks Dave. The portal looked promising as it appeared that I could track my car's journey from the factory in Japan to delivery. However, apart from me uploading identity documents to it (not acknowledged until I got in contact), the portal did not change except to put my expected delivery date back a month (no explanation). Then out of the blue, the Lexus dealership phoned me to say that my car was ready for collection. This was surprising as the portal located the car in Japan, and gave me a bit of a dilemma as I needed to get rid of my current car at very short notice (anyone looking for an Audi Q2?). Nothing from Select Car until I contacted them to say where the car was. Their failure to contact me was apparently the Lexus dealership's fault in some way ... which I find hard to believe to be honest. I made the decision to collect the car rather than have it delivered, in order to get a proper dealership handover, which I was told was fine. Only nothing happened until I phoned Select Car and was told that I had to arrange collection directly with the dealer. That was news to me, but I did it, and was then sent regular emails informing me that my car was due to be delivered to my house on that date. A few more phone calls followed to sort that out ... Maybe I just had a poor experience. Maybe if you go for a car that is in stock rather than a factory order the process might be smoother. At the end of the day, I did get my car at a good price and within the original time frame, so on reflection I've changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars. But it was a frustrating journey which some joined-up communications at Select Car would have made a happier overall experience.
About the BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series Saloon was first launched in the UK way back in the late 1970s.
And while it might be a veteran of the leasing industry, the 3 Series has evolved and adapted to ensure it still leads the pack when it comes to premium, mid-sized saloons.
The 3 Series Saloon offers the best of all worlds to a wide variety of motorists. A 480-litre boot is plenty-practical while there’s a good choice of engines that’ll please everyone from families on a budget to pure-bred petrolheads.
As an all-rounder, the 3 Series Saloon is incredibly tough to beat.
Why lease a BMW 3 Series Saloon?
You lease a BMW 3 Series Saloon because you simply want a vehicle that will do anything you demand of it. It’ll never look out of place down the golf club, either.
Recently revamped and updated, the 3 Series Saloon is well equipped as standard, coming with the German manufacturer’s ‘Live Cockpit Plus’ interface with an eye-catching Curved Display, as well as a full suite of driver assistance and safety tech that includes front collision warning with brake intervention.
There’s also a powertrain to suit lots of different lease customers, from petrol and diesel 48V mild-hybrids to powerful plug-in hybrids.
Which BMW 3 Series Saloon fuel is right for me?
Petrol
Petrol engines are supported by mild-hybrid tech and have power of 184 hp with entry-level versions, or 374 hp with the adrenaline-inducing M340i xDrive models.
Diesel
BMW is phasing-out diesel engines with the 3 Series, but existing models are supported by mild-hybrid power and run a spectrum of power between 190 hp and 340 hp.
Plug-in hybrid
The ‘330e’ plug-in hybrid 3 Series Saloon has power of 292 hp, an electric range of up to 63 miles, and can also be leased with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Which BMW 3 Series Saloon trim level should I lease?
What vehicles are similar to the BMW 3 Series that I should consider?
The Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are natural challengers to the BMW 3 Series - but there are other contenders.
Audi A4 Saloon
The Audi A4 Saloon is practical, comfortable vehicle that's rounded off with a smart interior and the latest cutting-edge technology.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Saloon
The Giulia marks Alfa's return to the executive saloon market. It remains top of the tree in terms of design, economy and power.
Jaguar XE Saloon
Powerful and stylish, the Jaguar Xe Saloon's impressive interior includes first-class technology and is an attractive sight out on the road.
Tesla Model 3 Saloon
The Tesla Model 3 is a benchmark electric saloon that offers a range of up to 466 miles between charges - as well as potent performance.
models available
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Want to know more about a 3 Series Saloon lease?
BMW 3 Series Saloon Review
The 3 Series is an award-winning, ever-evolving colossus of a car, one that’s dominated the segment for decades and which shows no sign of letting up.
Your Complete Guide To Car Leasing
In simple terms, leasing is the single most cost-effective and hassle free method of driving a brand-new car, and with Select Car Leasing you can be sure that you are in safe hands.
BMW 3 Series FAQ
For years, the BMW 3 Series has been almost a default choice for those looking at premium, mid-sized family cars. There’s more choice on the market today, but the 3 Series remains a fantastic do-everything car, mixing driving fun, efficiency and/or performance and a premium feel with a wide choice of models and decent practicality.
You can choose between saloon or estate models, and there’s petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power on offer.
The 3 Series range starts with the relatively relaxed and efficient models and goes all the way up to high-tech plug-in hybrid models and the hugely powerful M Models. With a broad choice of trim levels in most models, that means monthly lease rates vary dramatically.
But one thing stays the same; because Select Car Leasing has market-leading links to the automotive industry, you can be confident that we’ll be able to offer you the UK’s most competitive rates, and plenty of special offers. Have a look at the full list of BMW 3 Series lease deals to see which one best suits you.
The 3 Series has always been a brilliant all-rounder, offering premium levels of comfort, performance and technology with family practicality, but without breaking the bank. Choose between the four-door saloon model or the estate Touring, which has a huge boot. If you want an efficient diesel or a zingy petrol engine then BMW has you covered, while the latest plug-in hybrid model, launched in 2024, promises zero-emission driving for up to 63 miles per charge.
Independent safety organisation Euro NCAP tested the BMW 3 Series in 2019 and gave it the maximum five-star score. All models come loaded with some of the latest high-tech safety kit to help you avoid an accident and keep you safe if the worst happens. All models serve as family cars, so there’s plenty of space for adults and kids in the back, and a good-sized boot too. The boot in the Touring estate model is particularly large, which can be a huge bonus for families with seemingly endless child accessories.
Once you’ve decided whether you want a saloon or estate, you’ll need to pick a trim level. These start with the reasonably-specced Sport and then go up to the sporty M Sport and M Models, which add a zippier driving experience and a more aggressive exterior look.