The Ultimate 3-Series?
 |
©
The Basics
- Price: £42,355 (328i Modern as tested)
- 0-60 time: 5.9 secs
- MPG / LPG: 44.8 (combined)
83 The AskMen Take
In the twilight of a car’s lifecycle, sales predictably take a bath. 0% finance stickers breakout over them like a numerical rash and showroom prices take a seriously close shave. Not so, it would appear, with the bulletproof BMW 3-Series.
The previous-generation saloon has continued to sell like hot Bratwursts in Berlin. So spot on was Beemer’s last 3-Series that they didn’t need to replace it. But in the spirit of one-upmanship over Mercedes and Audi they’ve gone and done it anyway.
Obviously we were never expecting a radical departure in styling or driving dynamics and this has proved to be the case -- but inside and under the hood, the men from Munich have clearly been very busy indeed. Faster, cleaner and leaner, the new 6th-generation ‘3’, dripping with German efficiency, pushes the saloon bar ever higher.
Avoiding Germany at this time of year, we headed to the sunnier climbs of Andalusia, Spain, with the all-new 328i to make sure BMW hasn’t dropped, or lost possession, of the compact executive ball.
83 Performance
The span of the 3-Series range is broadly similar to the 5th-gen’s lineup, excepting the 328i that is. Tipped to spearhead the saloon’s petrol flavoured sales on a global scale, this frugal yet sporty ‘go-to’ model replaces both the six-cylindered, 3.0-litre, 325i and 330i. Cleverly, the 328i, whilst shedding a third of its predecessors’ capacity and cylinders -- now a twin-turbocharged, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit -- manages to be more powerful to the tune of 41 hp (245 hp) over the out-going 325i. The trade-off? Regrettably it’s the soundtrack. But more sonorous, old school, straight-six BMW fun can still be found in the juicier 335i that kicks off around £35k and packs a pleasing 306 hp into the equation too.
Capable of 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, 44.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 147g/km -- although not simultaneously, of course -- the 328i Saloon is a pretty remarkable feat of mainstream engineering, that, when coupled with the superb new 8-speed autobox (a £1500 cost option over the standard 6-speed manual) allows its further reaches, be them pace or efficiency based, to be explored effortlessly.
We’re also glad to report that the new ‘3’ had turned up for 2012 with all its trademark rear-wheel balance, drivability and handling pedigree intact. It’s further fettled too via the Drive Performance Control. Flick from a feisty ‘Sport+’ setting to the über-intelligent ‘ECO PRO’ mode to harnesses a raft of new fuel saving tech although too dry to mention will doubtless save you from an unexpectedly dry tank in the wrong neighbourhood.
Read more
82 Design
Performance gains can’t be argued with, but the looks? Less aggressive than the 5th-gen ‘3’, BMW has opted for a classier route. Taking design cues most notably from the swept-forward 6-Series with a protruding, shark-nose grille and driver-focused, well-appointed, more spacious interior this latest 3-Series feels more premium than ever before.
The big-selling compact exec is now also more personally pimp-able with three new ‘designer’ trim lines added over and above more traditional specs; ‘Sport’, ‘Modern’ and ‘Luxury’. But don’t worry -- our favourite M Sport spec will arrive soon… BMW is just keeping us hanging on a little longer for that particular cherry.
The ‘Modern’ trim we tested featured exclusive 17” rims, bespoke bumper design, external matt chrome detailing and sumptuous cream leather interior juxtaposed with seriously leftfield, Log Flume-inspired bumpy wood trim. But, hey, talking points are good, right?
Loaded with optional tech like head-up display, ConnectDrive (internet connectivity) and Park Assist, our test car was far from cheap weighing in at £42k but the 328i Modern does start from £30k if you can strictly ration your ‘need’ list.
Ultimately 2012’s classy BMW 328i offers rewardingly smooth driving with premium luxury feel that benefits from new-found diesel-like running costs, proving that you don’t, necessarily, need a six(cylinder)-pack to get your saloon kicks.
Read more
Posted by The Correspondent
on 23:05. Filed under