The BMW 3 Series is an excellent car that boasts high quality, attention to detail and a long list of high-tech features. Sure, it's a bit less engaging to drive than it used to be, with less tactile steering. But the car is agile, steady and well balanced, even when pushed hard. It also still delivers a very satisfying and balanced overall driving experience.
Ride comfort, cabin quietness and interior fit and finish are all impressive. The rear seat has gained a little breathing room over the years, but it's still tight and some controls remain needlessly complicated.
We've tested two versions: A four-cylinder 328i that's both quick and frugal, returning an impressive 28 mpg overall; and a diesel-powered 328d that trades off some top-end acceleration for even better fuel economy of 35 mpg overall. The 328d's 49-mpg highway mileage gives the car a lengthy driving range of 735 uninterrupted miles. With some diesel clatter, the 328d is a little noisier than the 328i, but we didn't find it offensive.
Sedans are also available with a very quick twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, as well as a detuned 180-hp version of the same turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder we tested. The 3 Series comes in three body styles: a sedan, wagon and hatchback Gran Turismo. A plug-in hybrid sedan, called the 330e, is also available. Then, there's the hot M3, packed with a 425-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is available. Manual transmissions are still available on certain models.