BMW 3 Series Sedan 320d Sport (A) First Drive Review
13 Dec 2018|8,360 views
What We Like
Extremely refined diesel powertrain
Ample low-end torque
Sublime handling
Top-notch cabin
What We Dislike
M Sport variant looks better
At market launch in 2019, the brand new G20 BMW 3 Series will be offered with five engine choices - two petrols and three diesels - before an additional two variants (the 330e and M340i) are added in July 2019.
During the international media presentation in Portugal, we had the opportunity to drive three models - the 330i, a close-to-finished prototype M340i, as well as the car you see here, the 320d.
The 320d is one of three diesel-powered 3 Series that will be offered globally
A diesel, you say?
The 320d is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, with powered sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The engineers have fiddled with the TwinPower Turbo technology significantly, introducing multi-stage turbocharging that delivers improved response and efficiency.
Cruising along the quiet roads in Portimao, Portugal, we were deeply impressed by the engine's refinement and response. There's ample low-end shove, but what's most impressive is the smooth manner in which the engine delivers that power.
Honestly, we think most drivers would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this engine and a petrol one. The engine even revs all the way up to 5,000rpm.
The 2.0-litre diesel powerplant is pleasantly quiet and refined
Does it alter the way the car drives?
Not particularly, if we're being honest. Compared to the 330i we drove, the 320d has more low-end shove, but beyond that the driving experience is very similar, which is to say that it's very good. On the highway, it's quiet and serene, with the car easily able to cruise along at 120km/h.
Throw it into a few corners and the car's assured handling comes to the fore. Turn in is direct, the car is balanced and composed mid-corner, and there's ample amounts of grip thanks to the wide tyre tracks.
It's only when you really put your foot down in a straight line that you feel the car become a little breathless higher speeds.
Much of why the car handles very similarly to the 330i is the fact that though this 320d is ostensibly the Sport variant (sitting below both the Luxury and M Sport variants), our test car came equipped with the M Sport suspension. Again, we have to mention that though the stiff setup is great for cornering, it can be rather jiggly over bumps in the road, slightly taking away from the car's overall comfort.
During the international media presentation in Portugal, we had the opportunity to drive three models - the 330i, a close-to-finished prototype M340i, as well as the car you see here, the 320d.
A diesel, you say?
The 320d is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, with powered sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The engineers have fiddled with the TwinPower Turbo technology significantly, introducing multi-stage turbocharging that delivers improved response and efficiency.
Cruising along the quiet roads in Portimao, Portugal, we were deeply impressed by the engine's refinement and response. There's ample low-end shove, but what's most impressive is the smooth manner in which the engine delivers that power.
Honestly, we think most drivers would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this engine and a petrol one. The engine even revs all the way up to 5,000rpm.
Does it alter the way the car drives?
Not particularly, if we're being honest. Compared to the 330i we drove, the 320d has more low-end shove, but beyond that the driving experience is very similar, which is to say that it's very good. On the highway, it's quiet and serene, with the car easily able to cruise along at 120km/h.
Throw it into a few corners and the car's assured handling comes to the fore. Turn in is direct, the car is balanced and composed mid-corner, and there's ample amounts of grip thanks to the wide tyre tracks.
It's only when you really put your foot down in a straight line that you feel the car become a little breathless higher speeds.
Much of why the car handles very similarly to the 330i is the fact that though this 320d is ostensibly the Sport variant (sitting below both the Luxury and M Sport variants), our test car came equipped with the M Sport suspension. Again, we have to mention that though the stiff setup is great for cornering, it can be rather jiggly over bumps in the road, slightly taking away from the car's overall comfort.
Sport line, you say?
Yes, the Sport line is the entry-level model, which explains why this car looks slightly different from the 330i we drove. If we're being honest, the M Sport variant looks better, thanks to the aggressive front fascia with the large air scoops.
The sleek and high-tech cabin is a serene place to be in
Overall, the standard 3 Series design still looks great, with its simple but sharp lines and muscular demeanour. Our only real issue is with the t-shaped integrated fog lamp and air intake units on all four corners of the car. Compared to the rest of the car, they look somewhat unorganic, and stick out sorely against the rest of the simple and cohesive sheet metal (especially so as our car was painted white).
Should I care?
You should, if only because the 320d is a very sweet car to drive - it doesn't have the soundtrack and top-end power of the 330i, but across 70% of driving situations it delivers close to the same refinement, comfort and usability as the 330i. Between the two, we'd have no problem picking the 320d just for its better efficiency alone.
High on refinement, dynamism and quality, it's a pity that the 320d will not be available in Singapore
The only problem with that is the fact that unfortunately, we won't have that choice. With the changes to the VES, there are no plans for this variant to be offered in Singapore (BMW has effectively phased out all its diesel models here). No matter, though, because when the car is market launched in March 2019, this variant is still going to be a big seller for BMW in Europe.
We may not be getting the diesel, but surely you must be interested in our video review of the petrol car?
Yes, the Sport line is the entry-level model, which explains why this car looks slightly different from the 330i we drove. If we're being honest, the M Sport variant looks better, thanks to the aggressive front fascia with the large air scoops.
Overall, the standard 3 Series design still looks great, with its simple but sharp lines and muscular demeanour. Our only real issue is with the t-shaped integrated fog lamp and air intake units on all four corners of the car. Compared to the rest of the car, they look somewhat unorganic, and stick out sorely against the rest of the simple and cohesive sheet metal (especially so as our car was painted white).
Should I care?
You should, if only because the 320d is a very sweet car to drive - it doesn't have the soundtrack and top-end power of the 330i, but across 70% of driving situations it delivers close to the same refinement, comfort and usability as the 330i. Between the two, we'd have no problem picking the 320d just for its better efficiency alone.
The only problem with that is the fact that unfortunately, we won't have that choice. With the changes to the VES, there are no plans for this variant to be offered in Singapore (BMW has effectively phased out all its diesel models here). No matter, though, because when the car is market launched in March 2019, this variant is still going to be a big seller for BMW in Europe.
We may not be getting the diesel, but surely you must be interested in our video review of the petrol car?
What We Like
Extremely refined diesel powertrain
Ample low-end torque
Sublime handling
Top-notch cabin
What We Dislike
M Sport variant looks better
At market launch in 2019, the brand new G20 BMW 3 Series will be offered with five engine choices - two petrols and three diesels - before an additional two variants (the 330e and M340i) are added in July 2019.
During the international media presentation in Portugal, we had the opportunity to drive three models - the 330i, a close-to-finished prototype M340i, as well as the car you see here, the 320d.
The 320d is one of three diesel-powered 3 Series that will be offered globally
A diesel, you say?
The 320d is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, with powered sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The engineers have fiddled with the TwinPower Turbo technology significantly, introducing multi-stage turbocharging that delivers improved response and efficiency.
Cruising along the quiet roads in Portimao, Portugal, we were deeply impressed by the engine's refinement and response. There's ample low-end shove, but what's most impressive is the smooth manner in which the engine delivers that power.
Honestly, we think most drivers would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this engine and a petrol one. The engine even revs all the way up to 5,000rpm.
The 2.0-litre diesel powerplant is pleasantly quiet and refined
Does it alter the way the car drives?
Not particularly, if we're being honest. Compared to the 330i we drove, the 320d has more low-end shove, but beyond that the driving experience is very similar, which is to say that it's very good. On the highway, it's quiet and serene, with the car easily able to cruise along at 120km/h.
Throw it into a few corners and the car's assured handling comes to the fore. Turn in is direct, the car is balanced and composed mid-corner, and there's ample amounts of grip thanks to the wide tyre tracks.
It's only when you really put your foot down in a straight line that you feel the car become a little breathless higher speeds.
Much of why the car handles very similarly to the 330i is the fact that though this 320d is ostensibly the Sport variant (sitting below both the Luxury and M Sport variants), our test car came equipped with the M Sport suspension. Again, we have to mention that though the stiff setup is great for cornering, it can be rather jiggly over bumps in the road, slightly taking away from the car's overall comfort.
During the international media presentation in Portugal, we had the opportunity to drive three models - the 330i, a close-to-finished prototype M340i, as well as the car you see here, the 320d.
A diesel, you say?
The 320d is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 188bhp and 400Nm of torque, with powered sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. The engineers have fiddled with the TwinPower Turbo technology significantly, introducing multi-stage turbocharging that delivers improved response and efficiency.
Cruising along the quiet roads in Portimao, Portugal, we were deeply impressed by the engine's refinement and response. There's ample low-end shove, but what's most impressive is the smooth manner in which the engine delivers that power.
Honestly, we think most drivers would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between this engine and a petrol one. The engine even revs all the way up to 5,000rpm.
Does it alter the way the car drives?
Not particularly, if we're being honest. Compared to the 330i we drove, the 320d has more low-end shove, but beyond that the driving experience is very similar, which is to say that it's very good. On the highway, it's quiet and serene, with the car easily able to cruise along at 120km/h.
Throw it into a few corners and the car's assured handling comes to the fore. Turn in is direct, the car is balanced and composed mid-corner, and there's ample amounts of grip thanks to the wide tyre tracks.
It's only when you really put your foot down in a straight line that you feel the car become a little breathless higher speeds.
Much of why the car handles very similarly to the 330i is the fact that though this 320d is ostensibly the Sport variant (sitting below both the Luxury and M Sport variants), our test car came equipped with the M Sport suspension. Again, we have to mention that though the stiff setup is great for cornering, it can be rather jiggly over bumps in the road, slightly taking away from the car's overall comfort.
Sport line, you say?
Yes, the Sport line is the entry-level model, which explains why this car looks slightly different from the 330i we drove. If we're being honest, the M Sport variant looks better, thanks to the aggressive front fascia with the large air scoops.
The sleek and high-tech cabin is a serene place to be inOverall, the standard 3 Series design still looks great, with its simple but sharp lines and muscular demeanour. Our only real issue is with the t-shaped integrated fog lamp and air intake units on all four corners of the car. Compared to the rest of the car, they look somewhat unorganic, and stick out sorely against the rest of the simple and cohesive sheet metal (especially so as our car was painted white).
Should I care?
You should, if only because the 320d is a very sweet car to drive - it doesn't have the soundtrack and top-end power of the 330i, but across 70% of driving situations it delivers close to the same refinement, comfort and usability as the 330i. Between the two, we'd have no problem picking the 320d just for its better efficiency alone.
High on refinement, dynamism and quality, it's a pity that the 320d will not be available in SingaporeThe only problem with that is the fact that unfortunately, we won't have that choice. With the changes to the VES, there are no plans for this variant to be offered in Singapore (BMW has effectively phased out all its diesel models here). No matter, though, because when the car is market launched in March 2019, this variant is still going to be a big seller for BMW in Europe.
We may not be getting the diesel, but surely you must be interested in our video review of the petrol car?
Yes, the Sport line is the entry-level model, which explains why this car looks slightly different from the 330i we drove. If we're being honest, the M Sport variant looks better, thanks to the aggressive front fascia with the large air scoops.
Should I care?
You should, if only because the 320d is a very sweet car to drive - it doesn't have the soundtrack and top-end power of the 330i, but across 70% of driving situations it delivers close to the same refinement, comfort and usability as the 330i. Between the two, we'd have no problem picking the 320d just for its better efficiency alone.
We may not be getting the diesel, but surely you must be interested in our video review of the petrol car?
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