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Rating 
SummaryHighly Recommended. BMW's baby executive saloon gets even better with fine engines, sporty handling and a sleek new image. Fun to drive and high secondhand values guaranteed. |
ReviewBMW has done the seemingly impossible - the new 3 series really is better than the already brilliant outgoing model. The sharp-edged styling won't be to everyone's taste, but beneath it lies the most complete compact executive that we've yet seen.
The interior shares many design cues with the 5 series and 7 series, high-quality materials and clean, modern design. Range-topping versions come with BMW's familiar "i-Drive" controller for various stereo and satnav functions, but cheaper versions make do with (easier to understand) buttons. Plenty of adjustment makes for a very comfortable driving position, while the back offers far more space than the cramped previous generation model - and both saloon and "Touring" estate have more luggage space.
Driving dynamics are still the Three's greatest asset. BMW's trademark 50:50 weight distribution and rear-wheel drive ensure than even the most basic versions corner and steer with a precision that rivals just can't match. A well-damped, compliant ride and excellent noise insulation mean that high-speed motorway cruising is accomplished just as easily. Even with the optional run-flat tyres the refinement levels stay high.
Engine choice is limited at present - more powerplant options come later. The current base 320i is actually packing a four-cylinder engine rather than the old 320's six-pot - but it spins smoothly and gives decent performance. Six-cylinder power is still available in both 325i and 330i flavours, with both providing strong acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising. That said, the quiet, responsive and ultra-frugal 320d diesel is where the smart money goes - certainly for anyone covering higher mileages.
Breakdown
Styling  BMW's design language isn't to everyone's tastes, but the 3-series is far more conservative than cars like the 6-series and 7-series. |
Handling In a word - brilliant. Find yourself on a favourite backroad and there are few cars at any price that come close to matching the Three's dynamic prowess. |
Comfort BMW has pulled a fast one on its rivals here - while they have been making their cars firmer and more explicitly sporty, the 3-series has become more compliant and refined. |
Quality & reliability Built to an impressively high standard, although the cabin can't quite match the Audi A4 for ambiance or perceived quality. |
Performance All engines provide class competitive amounts of thrust, but we'll have to wait for more powerful 330d and the turbocharged petrol 335t for the real fireworks. |
Roominess Considerably more spacious than previous generation for rear-seat passengers. |
Running costs BMW dealers are still among the priciest when it comes to servicing, but typically long gaps between the variable service intervals help keep the Three's costs down. Brilliant residuals mean it makes sense for both private users and company leasing. |
Value for money  Equipment levels are far better than they used to be - but the 3-series' price continues to creep up, especially when you remember that the current 320i is basically a replacement for the old 318i. |
Stereo / Sat nav Standard stereo is no more than segment-average. Satnav works well but looks expensive compared to rivals like the Audi A4. |
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