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. And it 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 received 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. And 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. And then there's the hot M3, packed with a 425-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive is available. Manual transmissions are still available on certain models.