Just like a 3 Series, only much better
After driving the new BMW 3 Series for two days in and around Barcelona, Spain, we can assure you the Bavarians have not strayed far from the sporting saloon recipe that has brought them phenomenal success for nearly four decades. For starters, apart from the menacingly slanted nose, it looks just like a 3 Series should. The Three is BMW’s bread and butter volume seller, so no surprises there.
However, they have added an ingredient generally missing from the old E90 – ride comfort. Even when rolling along on optional 19-inch rims, with the dampers in the firmest Sport+ setting, the 328i we drove surprised with a measure of suppleness that would’ve excited even Andre Citroën. But don’t for one second think the body control’s gone all sloppy. Not at all, as seven laps of the Circuit de Catalunya amply proved. The new 3 displays even better chassis balance, thanks mostly to a stiffer monocoque and more sophisticated and forgiving suspension.
The new, all-electric steering system that on our test cars featured BMW’s variable ratio steering rack, feels lighter and more numb than before across the full speed spectrum, but counters that by being more linear in response and more accurate. You can place the car with greater precision, while the boosted handling prowess, courtesy of the increased suspension agility means mid-corner confidence is higher too.
Gone (for good?) is the naturally aspirated 3.0-litre six-cylinder that may have worn this 328i badge in the past, but the new 180kW blown four-pot is a decent replacement. There really is ample power for a 2.0-litre petrol and the delivery is as elastic as you could hope for, pulling smoothly from below 1500rpm. The 8-speed gearbox (with optional Sport settings and paddle shifters) plays its part here too. Changes are generally so slick and stealthy that it’s only in sportier situations where you feel the transition. Though not on hand to test, a 3.0-litre turbo six-cylinder, wearing the revered 335i badge, will also be available from SA launch in March 2012. We did get to drive the 320d with its 135kW, 5400rpm redline and ridiculous refinement. In combination with the 8-speed auto box, it promises to rewrite the class rulebook on fuel economy, with a claimed combined diesel consumption figure of 4.4-litres per 100km.
Family car buyers who may have previously overlooked the 3 Series for a lack of comfort and space can now add it to the list. Firstly because it rides beautifully, but just as importantly, it also has much improved rear seat legroom. Cabin ambience has moved appreciably upscale; iDrive and colour screen are standard and trim quality now rivals big bro 7 series. Also new is what BMW calls the Driving Experience Control switch which allows the driver to select either Comfort, Sport, Sport + or ECO PRO mode. Each setting tailors throttle, steering and engine mapping, stability control thresholds and suspension settings (when adaptive damping is specified).
And you’re not spoiled for showroom choice either – a range of three equipment lines, badged Modern, Luxury and Sport, encompass exterior visual tweaks and distinct interior colour and trim packages, to cater for a broad spread of individual tastes.
FOR: All the usual 3 Series strengths, but with added comfort and refinement
AGAINST: Pretty much nothing
PICK OF THE RANGE: Although not available for sampling at launch, we reckon the 335i will be petrolhead heaven
ALTERNATIVE CHOICES: Merc C-Class, Audi A4
TOPCAR RATING: 9/10