BMW 3 Series Review

Revealed at the Paris Motor Show last October, the all-new BMW 3-Series - now in its seventh generation - caused more than a few design-centric discussions. Was it too subtle a change? Did BMW need to evolve more dramatically? Do we like the new grille?

To be fair, we haven’t had a really dramatic change since Chris Bangle stepped in as BMW’s chief of design; since then it has been more a series of evolutions rather than revolutions. But an awful lot has changed and it’s all in the detail.

So what’s different?

The new model is longer (85mm), wider (16mm) and a tiny bit (1mm) taller than the outgoing one. Other highlight figures are an extra 11mm rear leg room and an overall weight saving of 55kg compared to the previous model.

Up front, the obvious change is the grille, considerably larger and wrapping over the leading edge of the bonnet. The lights appear flatter, wider and the day running lights - two lower halves of hexagons in each lamp - are a stylish evolution of the two round lamps gracing the fronts of early 3-Series models.

The neat rear has received a similar makeover although more subtle. The lights are more slender, darkened and have a cleaner ‘L’-shaped illumination.

In profile, the new 3-Series now has a rising window line. The bolder, lower door profile sweeps up dramatically and the swell of the rear wheel arches is purposeful, all adding to the enhanced, muscly look.

Inside, the story is similar. The whole facia has been neatened by integrating the main infotainment screen into the design (rather than the popped-up toast appearance in the previous generation). The air vents sit flush in the sweeping trim and rather than using multiple tiers, the heating and ventilation controls sit within the same bezel.

It works. It’s less cluttered-looking and the screen gently angled toward the driver keeps it intimate and involving.

Drivers’ car

BMW has always been about the experience behind the wheel and the latest ‘3’ continues the tradition. It feels big on the road (and it is, being wider and almost as long as a ‘90s 5-Series) but it is easy to position and controls are refined. The commanding forward view over the gently humped bonnet is pleasing too. We did find that with the driver’s seat positioned low, the large door mirrors partly obscure the three quarter view.

Ride is typically BMW-firm, especially with the M Sport Plus package on our test car, which adds larger 19-inch wheels and M Sport adaptive suspension. But it still manages to remain pliable on rougher roads and with the taut body and good build quality, there isn’t so much as a rattle or squeak.

Even with the modest (but frugal) two-litre diesel pushing out 190PS, the 320d delivers everything a driver might need. What a driver might want is a different matter and it is clear the new 3-Series, like its predecessor, is very much set up to handle more power.

Grip is impressive. The mighty Michelin Pilot Sport tyres (225/40 front, 255/35 rear) hang on to the road even when provoked. This grip is helped by the all-wheel-drive xDrive which inspires confidence even in the wet.

Trims and engines

Trim levels are the SE, Sport and M Sport. Even the entry SE has active LED headlamps, Parking Assistant and the Live Cockpit digital driver display. All models come with a whole host of safety kit including Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking.

There are currently two petrol and three diesel outputs plus the notable addition of the 330e plug-in petrol-electric hybrid.

Our car is fully loaded but a few of the options do stand out. The head up display is one of the best, and the dramatic M Sport Plus package gives the car quite the striking appearance. Gesture control - part of the Technology Package on our car - is effective but strays more into novelty space than necessity.

Summing up

Perhaps with the exception of the bigger grille, the new 3-Series is a subtle evolution, but make time to savour the details and so much has changed, and for the better we think. And for the driver who doesn’t wish to compromise on vehicle dynamics - whatever the engine choice - the new ‘3’ is still king in its class.