The BMW 3 Series is regarded by many as the heart of the marque; a model which got us acquainted with the carmaker - the 3er is the volume-seller of the lineup (it is said that every third model on the sales record is a 3 Series),
Six generations now, there ought to be fond memories of the older generations. Most of them were iconic, not to mention the diversity since the second generation, with a myriad of variants available to garner differentiated likes and needs.
Making its debut just a year back, the F30 vows to make the good better. While initial impressions from pictorials were not without controversies, it leaves the sampling to do the talking, as we would find out with the 328i.
Exterior
The kidney grille has been the family trademark for as long as we remember. BMW has managed to revitalise its outlook, blending it harmoniously with the modern sweeping curves, even more inherent on the latest F30.
The pronounced bulges on the bonnet are more acute towards the flanks, portraying a wider stance when viewed from the front. In comparison to its predecessor, there is no doubt that the 3 Series' front facet looks sharper and more dynamic in its latest iteration.
Six generations now, there ought to be fond memories of the older generations. Most of them were iconic, not to mention the diversity since the second generation, with a myriad of variants available to garner differentiated likes and needs.
Making its debut just a year back, the F30 vows to make the good better. While initial impressions from pictorials were not without controversies, it leaves the sampling to do the talking, as we would find out with the 328i.
Exterior
The kidney grille has been the family trademark for as long as we remember. BMW has managed to revitalise its outlook, blending it harmoniously with the modern sweeping curves, even more inherent on the latest F30.
The pronounced bulges on the bonnet are more acute towards the flanks, portraying a wider stance when viewed from the front. In comparison to its predecessor, there is no doubt that the 3 Series' front facet looks sharper and more dynamic in its latest iteration.
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The rump however, experiences a less radical change while the stretched tail-lamps does follow suit in giving an impression of a greater width. Elsewhere, it takes a keener pair of eyes to spot the aesthetical refreshments, such as the more acute creases running alongside the length of the car.
Front fascia most dynamically altered in term of aesthetics; portrays raring-to-go stance even at standstill  |
Interior
It is no surprise that the interior of the 3er bears strong resemblance to its current stablemates, which may not be a bad thing at all. The refreshed interior feels definitively superior compared to its predecessor.
In luxury trim, lacquered panels fill the gaps between the instruments and atop the transmission tunnel - not to everyone's taste, but it certainly heightens the sense of luxury within the cabin.
Up front, starring the sweeping dashboard is the standing LCD display, which does not retract or gets tugged from sight when unused. The driver-centric layout makes the helm's position the best place to be in, with button and switches right where you would expect them to be. In its latest iteration, the iDrive works intuitively, one of the best in class if not the greatest.
It is no surprise that the interior of the 3er bears strong resemblance to its current stablemates, which may not be a bad thing at all. The refreshed interior feels definitively superior compared to its predecessor.
In luxury trim, lacquered panels fill the gaps between the instruments and atop the transmission tunnel - not to everyone's taste, but it certainly heightens the sense of luxury within the cabin.
Up front, starring the sweeping dashboard is the standing LCD display, which does not retract or gets tugged from sight when unused. The driver-centric layout makes the helm's position the best place to be in, with button and switches right where you would expect them to be. In its latest iteration, the iDrive works intuitively, one of the best in class if not the greatest.
No surprise in the F30's cabin, but design and quality still leading the pack in its class With an extension in the wheelbase, rear quarters are now blessed with greater legroom. However, three adults may still find it a tad of a squeeze.
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The Drive
The 328i takes the middle spot in the family tree (for now), with 60 more horses and 80Nm more torque than the lesser 320 brethren, superseded by the range-leading 335i.
Mid-range 328i is no slow coach - up-tuned 2.0-litre straight four despatches century sprint in 6.1 seconds
It is on the road that the 328i shines. Steering feels heftier than other German rivals, but there is this profound level of communication - an interaction between the man and metal. It is this feedback that encourages one to press on, wanting to explore more be it on the straights or at corners. That said, the pliant suspension will expose its soft side during aspirated drives.
The 328i takes the middle spot in the family tree (for now), with 60 more horses and 80Nm more torque than the lesser 320 brethren, superseded by the range-leading 335i.
Mid-range 328i is no slow coach - up-tuned 2.0-litre straight four despatches century sprint in 6.1 seconds It is on the road that the 328i shines. Steering feels heftier than other German rivals, but there is this profound level of communication - an interaction between the man and metal. It is this feedback that encourages one to press on, wanting to explore more be it on the straights or at corners. That said, the pliant suspension will expose its soft side during aspirated drives.
Like many other recent cog boxes, the eight-speed automatic feels a tad notchy at low speeds, most noticeable at start-stop traffic which is of increasing occurrence. Otherwise, the wide-spanning gear ratios will more than satisfy your daily commute, especially on the restrictive local roads.
Selectable on the Driver Experience Control are four radically different modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. In eco mode the 328i will return a respectable 7.0L/100km.
Conclusion
Logic may suggest a clear and easy way of determining which is better - that which comes with a bigger price tag naturally.
It is hard to negate the fact that the straight-six variant looks highly tempting should money not be an issue. But settling into the realistic world, the 328i might just be the right compromise between performance and budget.
The 328i rewards keen drivers with its sharp handling, only let down being the less sporty-biased suspension setup. That said, regardless which variant you opt for, BMW has without doubt made something good even better with the latest F30 3 Series.
Selectable on the Driver Experience Control are four radically different modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. In eco mode the 328i will return a respectable 7.0L/100km.
Conclusion
Logic may suggest a clear and easy way of determining which is better - that which comes with a bigger price tag naturally.
It is hard to negate the fact that the straight-six variant looks highly tempting should money not be an issue. But settling into the realistic world, the 328i might just be the right compromise between performance and budget.
The 328i rewards keen drivers with its sharp handling, only let down being the less sporty-biased suspension setup. That said, regardless which variant you opt for, BMW has without doubt made something good even better with the latest F30 3 Series.
