New BMW 3 Series

Quick Take

* Fuel Economy 7.2/10.6 kmpl (city/highway)
Available Engines 2.0L 136 bhp Inline-4 petrol
2.5L 218 bhp Inline-6 petrol
2.0L 156 bhp Inline-4 diesel
2.0L 169 bhp Inline-4 diesel
Available Transmissions 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

* Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Highlights

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
World-class steering and brake components
New double pivot suspension

Pros

Brilliant handling
Good value for money
Ample safety features

Cons

Costs more than its competitors

Overview

BMW raises the bar on its 3-Series benchmark sedan for this year. Renowned for its blend of engineering, technological advancements and brilliant performance, the BMW 3-Series is one of the most respected sport-sedans on the roads today.

The new BMW 3-Series sedan is available in three trims: 320i, 325i, 320d and the latest '320d highline'. Choosing one over the other is a question of engine, power and price. The car is now bigger, faster and more fuel-efficient. Innovative technology marks the debut lineup: new exterior and interior styling, powerful engines, 6-speed Automatic Transmission and a newly-developed double pivot suspension.

Top competitors include Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The BMW 3-Series costs more than its competitors do, but always manages to stay a step ahead in the compact sports-luxury class. The 320d highline variant is priced a lack more than the regular 320d variant. The 3-Series still remains the standard when it comes to vehicle engineering, luxurious interiors and outstanding handling.

Powertrain & Performance

The BMW 3-Series has always delivered an impressive balance between ride and handling. The sedans accelerate more quickly, stop shorter and turn with more lateral grip, redefining that mix of rear-wheel drive, great steering feel and a perfect balance between the front and rear axles.

The new BMW 3-Series suspension has double-joint aluminium control arms and a five-link independent system in the rear. BMW 3-Series' electrically-operated active steering is more responsive than the conventional rack-and-pinion steering. The 320d highline's engine is the most powerful of the line-up delivering an impressive 169 bhp. Hefty anti-lock brakes provide impressive stopping power. The brilliance of the BMW 3-series is in its handling and control, enhanced by superior technology in the suspension, steering, tyres and brakes. With a road feel that few others can match, an engine that loves to rev and electronic wizardry, the 3-series simply feels rock-solid, adding up to a truly exhilarating driving experience.

True to the BMW tradition, the components of driving -- acceleration, shifting and cornering -- perform impressively, giving the person behind the wheel maximum driving pleasure. The 3 Series' power matches its ability to hold a curve while muscular brakes provide impressing stopping power. The 320d Highline is equipped with the famous iDrive function that works as a control system for the car. In a class increasingly dominated by front-wheel drive, the typical BMW aficionado will appreciate the amazing technology built into the rear-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Bottom-line, no matter how fast you go, you will have fun driving this car.

Build & Styling

The sporty design, that distinguishes the BMW 3-Series, carries the trademark double-kidney grille and a more rounded, brawny appearance. Clear-lens xenon swivel headlights wrap around corners emphasising the car's width. Four lines sweep back to the trunk lid, defining the rocker panels and doors. Traditional L-shaped red taillight lenses and chrome-tipped dual exhaust outlets bring up the rear.

Cabin interiors are vintage BMW, with emphasis on driver comfort. Build-quality is exceptional, seats are supportive and the dash has simple, neat analog gauges. All the trims come well-equipped with a multi-functional steering wheel, green strip windscreen, electric seat adjustment with memory function for driver seat, fog lights, automatic air-conditioning, car telephone preparation, six-CD changer, bad road package and hot climate version. The interiors are adorned with fine wood trim and leather upholstery.

Every model comes with four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, stability control and dynamic brake control. Other safety features include front side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags for the front and rear.