Bigger and better than before, current owners won’t be disappointed as behind the wheel the famous 3 series DNA is still clearly present.
So what is new? Lots! Just some of the toys include a new six-speed gearbox as standard, ‘Keyless’ entry with a ‘Stop Start’ button, new engines – gone is the 6 cylinder 320i to be replaced by a four pot, five link rear suspension, the new option of ‘active’ steering (two turns lock to lock at slow speeds), 15mm lowered ‘sports’ suspension and my favourite party trick: a mini jack socket to connect an iPod or any audio source directly into the car’s stereo.
The body is larger with lots of subtle design cues. Chris Bangle’s flame surfacing design is present but in reality BMW has never recovered from the critical rollocking it received when the last 7 series was launched a few years ago.
The BMW Board were never going to mess with their biggest seller so the exterior is a happy medium blending the 1 and 5 series.
So like all new cars it is now bigger in every proportion but some 20Kgs lighter. The weight loss is thanks to the front and rear axle assembles that are now aluminum. BMW’s famous rear wheel drive set up has given the new Beemer perfect weight distribution that is so enjoyed by enthusiastic drivers.
On the go my test car (320i) felt weighty and very, very quiet.
The car was fitted with relatively high profile Michelin rubber which I am sure cut down on tyre roar but I was amazed at how hushed the cabin was on country runs. The handling is still superb and the 150bhp on tap proved usable and adequate. 0-100km/h is returned in 9 seconds. My car had the standard steering rack but I would prefer ‘Active’ steering as about town and on the twisty bits it is more ‘MX5 like’ in response.
Inside the car is still a 3 series so it remains a little cramped in the back but for some reason I forgive it when I wouldn’t other manufacturers. You see that is the key thing or should I say ‘keyless’ thing with Beemers they are such a statement that shortcomings are seen as minor inconveniences rather than faults. The infamous I-Drive controller is an option but if you can’t use a laptop forget it.
On the practicality side the boot remains a little awkward width-wise but is deep. 3 Series hold their value very well and are a sound investment, the only slagging potential purchasers may get is people pointing out that the car is a main stream motor and no longer a posh niche vehicle.
I think it will be some time (and a massive price cut) before the Bavarian is as common a sight as say an Avensis. Is the phrase I’m looking for reassuringly expensive?
Touring (Sept) and convertible models follow later this year and next.
At the moment the one I want is the 320d and I want it badly.
- Michael Sheridan
