We test the BMW 320i, a very sensible saloon

Driving a car like the BMW 320i quickly makes us ask ourselves a question: with saloons like this one, why are SUVs so successful? The truth is that classic three-box saloons, such as the BMW 3 Series, are often unfairly forgotten because of the rise of SUVs, yet they remain very sensible cars. In fact, for certain uses they are even more suitable than an SUV. For example, if what you need is a car for covering large distances on the road. Or if you are looking for that steering feel that only cars in which you don’t sit as high as in an SUV can offer.

On this occasion we tested the BMW 320i, the entry-level version of the 3 Series, available with the 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine producing 184 CV and an 8-speed automatic gearbox from 45,128 euros. And I can assure you that you don’t need more… If anything, keep an eye on the family body style, the 3 Series Touring, which for around 2,000 euros more always adds an extra dose of versatility when it comes to using the boot.

Before going on, it’s worth remembering that the 3 Series is not BMW’s most affordable saloon. Below it you have the 2 Series Gran Coupé, available from 31,200 euros in the case of the 136 CV 218i version with manual gearbox. The equivalent of the 320i would be the 220i, which costs about 6,000 euros less than the 3 Series. But they are completely different cars: the 2 Series uses the 1 Series platform, with front-wheel drive, and is smaller and “less of a car” than the 3 Series.

Interior of the BMW 320i: quality above all

When it’s time to get into or out of the BMW 320i is when you’ll miss SUVs, since the ease of access of the latter, due to their body and high driving position, is undeniable. But the 3 Series is not a car that poses problems in this respect compared with its rivals.

After so many SUVs, it is reassuring to find yourself behind the wheel of a car that sits very low, with the pedals further away, compared with the more “upright” seating position of an SUV. Finding the ideal posture is not difficult, thanks to the steering wheel and seat adjustments. And once settled in, the impression the 320i gives is of being in a car of very high quality. Not only because of the presence and feel of the materials, but also when operating any control, or the way all the systems work, from the climate control to the multimedia system.

In the case of our test unit, the two-tone dashboard finish with the lower part matching the leather upholstery, as well as the wood and aluminium inserts, add an extra touch of elegance and refinement. The optional sport seats are very comfortable, but I don’t consider them essential; the standard seats BMW offers are always very good in this respect.

I like how well organised all the controls are, but especially the central controller of the iDrive system. I am one of those who prefer to operate the multimedia system from a controller like this, rather than resorting to the touchscreen. And the iDrive wheel works very well; you soon learn to control all the functions from here without having to take your eyes off the road, which a touchscreen does force you to do. By the way, the latter, which can be 8.8 or 10.25 inches depending on the equipment—in our test unit it is the largest—looks very good and navigating through the menus is quick and intuitive.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also optional on this version. It is part of different packs, the most affordable if you want this screen being the Connectivity pack, which costs 2,000 euros and includes the wireless phone charger, the large multimedia screen, a hard drive for music storage, alarm and wifi hotspot. It is worth it more for the multimedia screen than for the instrumentation, which gives a very technological touch, but in none of its configurations does it offer the legibility of the magnificent analogue instruments BMW has accustomed us to.

As for interior space, the BMW 3 Series is average for saloons of its size. Its rear seats offer more than enough space and comfort for two adults to tackle long journeys without complaint; a third occupant will have to contend with the transmission tunnel in the centre and with a backrest designed more to accommodate the large folding armrest than to support the back. When travelling with luggage, the boot’s 480-litre capacity is more than sufficient, and in line with what its closest rivals offer, such as the Audi A4 or the Mercedes C-Class.

BMW 320i equipment: you have to pay extra

The equipment of this entry-level 3 Series can be as extensive as you want… provided you go to the checkout. It comes with the essentials as standard and little more; the wheels, for example, are 16 inches. That said, a large number of optional packs are available, which can work out better value than ticking the options individually.

From the basic trim you can choose between the Sport trim (2,500 euros), Luxury (4,000 euros) and M Sport (5,000 euros), with elements mainly related to exterior and interior design: mouldings, wheels, etc. There are also packs aimed at improving dynamic qualities, or those related to driver assistance systems.

For example, the driver assistance pack that includes lane departure warning, cross-traffic alert and rear collision prevention system costs 1,025 euros, when in a car at this price we would consider it should be standard. We would even ask for more: for the “Pro” version of this pack, which costs 2,270 euros and adds active cruise control and lane keeping assistant, to also be standard.

A high-tech option is the laser headlights, although their price is almost prohibitive: 2,280 euros as an individual option. That said, they work wonderfully. They can also be chosen as part of a pack costing 5,500 euros, which adds other elements such as the digital instrumentation or the gesture control system, which I find completely dispensable. There is no shortage of items such as various parking assistance systems or peripheral vision cameras, among others.

As individual options that may be worth considering, besides the different wheel types (with the standard 16-inch wheels the car loses a little presence; it deserves 17 inches at a minimum), the paddle shifters on the steering wheel cost 230 euros, while the M Sport suspension represents an outlay of 680 euros (it also requires the variable ratio steering) and the adaptive suspension with electronic damping control costs 1,400 euros.

On the road with the BMW 320i

The BMW 320i is truly enjoyable behind the wheel, and with kilometres ahead, it doesn’t matter what type of road it is. This is one of those cars that doesn’t make you lazy about getting behind the wheel, thanks to the sensations it transmits. Above all, if you have chosen the equipment wisely, because options such as the sport variable-ratio steering or the sport suspension clearly change its character, although comfort is always present.

Don’t worry: as it comes as standard, the BMW 320i is also a thoroughly satisfying car. But my recommendation is to opt for at least the sport suspension, which is not uncomfortable except in very specific situations (speed bumps are more noticeable in town, for example, or some very pronounced expansion joints on motorways), and it controls body movement better on more winding roads. The variable steering, which is always linked to one of the sport suspension options, seems dispensable to me, unless you are going to spend more time on narrow, winding roads than on motorways.

Even without the double glazing, the sensation of comfort and low noise in the cabin is always predominant. So too is the high sense of security it conveys, whether travelling on fast roads, when you need to use the steering or when you have to brake. On many occasions, it even feels like driving a saloon from a higher segment.

The eternal question: petrol or diesel?

A fantastic engine rounds off the package, one that always has a mirror to look into: the 4-cylinder of the 190 CV BMW 320d, for me the best turbodiesel in its category without question for refinement, performance, consumption… and petrol-like feel. So much so that the choice is a reasonable dilemma.

Because while the BMW 320d starts from a price of 48,500 euros, which is about 3,400 euros more than the petrol, there are two important differences. The first is that the diesel has mild hybrid technology, which allows it to enjoy the advantages granted by the DGT ECO label. The second, for those who value it, is that on average you will achieve consumption about 2–2.5 l/100 km lower, using a fuel that, at least for now, is cheaper.

The other option if you want a 3 Series with the low consumption of BMW’s diesel engines is a 318d with 150 CV, which costs almost the same as the 320i. And we are talking about a car that is quick enough, but lacks the feel and performance of the 320i, which can even become sporty when you need it.

Because the performance of the 4-cylinder petrol engine is very good, and it works beautifully with the 8-speed automatic gearbox. This is a car capable of reaching a top speed of 240 km/h and of stopping the clock at 0 to 100 km/h from a standing start in 7.1 seconds, very respectable figures.

A maximum torque of 300 Nm from as little as 1,350 rpm guarantees a responsiveness that makes driving very pleasant, allowing you to “take advantage” of long gears and let the gearbox work in Comfort or Eco Pro modes, seeking relaxed driving and consumption around 7.5 l/100 km. And if you decide to use Sport mode (each driving mode has its own dedicated button next to the gear lever), the 4-cylinder will remind you that BMW’s petrol turbo engines work just as well at the top of the rev counter, and consumption does not rise as much as in engines with fewer cylinders and smaller displacement.

BMW 320i image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

SedanBMW Serie 318 versions · from 50,200 €