The BMW 3 Series has long been the benchmark for the midsize luxury sedan market. Combining the best of German luxurious sports driving into one package, this has long been the sedan to beat. Although others are doing well, bringing some stiff competition, the 3 Series sees a few updates, especially to the top-end six-cylinder engine, that keep this Driving Machine out front.
Although external styling changes are minimal for the 2016 model year, the 3 Series sees several other updates that bring it up to par with current trends. The six-cylinder engine option, for example, has been beefed up a little, going from the 335i model designation to a 340i designation thanks to that extra bit of added muscle. LED automatic headlights are available and telematic remote updates for navigation are also offered. A few package changes round out the updates.
For the most part, the BMW 3 Series hasn't needed a lot of change to keep it up to date since its generational debut four years ago. This is a sleek, well-styled sedan that exemplifies what BMW can do with a car. It's the very definition of Teutonic styling with a simplicity that promises that every attention was paid to the details.
There are multiple body styles and drivetrain options available for the 3 Series. There is a wagon, a hatchback, and a sedan. Also very similar is the 4 Series, which uses the 3 Series body for a coupe and convertible. Packaging for the 3 Series begins with standard features like 17-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tires, and automatic headlights and fog lamps. Remote keyless entry is also standard, as are interior features such as a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with the iDrive interface and BMW Assist telematics.
Once inside the 3 Series, the cabin is very BMW. The combination of old Bimmer throwback with modern technology is very well done. Analog gauges sit within an instrument cluster that also contains digital information displays and modern options. Everywhere within the cabin are quality materials put together with excellent workmanship, as should be expected. European minimalist appeal is offset by the big information display at the center of the dash. This can be a 6.5-inch display in standard models or upgraded to a huge 8.8-inch widescreen display.
To go with this huge screen, BMW has improved the iDrive infotainment interface immensely, adding a small touchpad on top of the control knob to allow faster inputs for things like addresses in navigation. This and the simplistic menu interface greatly improve usability in daily use.
Seating is very comfortable and firmly designed to keep the driver and front passenger in place during both regular and enthusiastic driving. In the rear seats, things are also surprisingly accommodating with more leg and shoulder room than most midsize sedans can boast. The trunk is also spacious at about 13 cubic feet (368 liters) in the sedan.
All 3 Series sedans offer a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (xDrive) except the wagon body style, which is AWD only. Automatic stop-start for better in-city fuel economy is also standard in the 3 Series, even for models with manual transmissions equipped.
The base model BMW 320i utilizes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 180 horsepower (134 kW) and 200 pound-feet (271 Nm) of torque. EPA fuel economy estimates are 28 mpg combined (8.4 l/100km) with either the manual or automatic transmission in RWD and 27 mpg combined (8.7 l/100km) with AWD. The next step up is the 328i model which has a beefier version of the 2.0-liter that's been turbocharged to 240 hp (179 kW) and 255 lb-ft (346 Nm) of output. The EPA rates this one at 27 mpg combined (8.7 l/100km) with an automatic transmission in RWD and 26 mpg (9 l/100km) with the manual transmission or with AWD.
A diesel engine is also available for the 3 Series as the 328d model, running with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that rates 180 hp (134 kW) and 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) of torque. The automatic transmission is the diesel's only option, with the EPA rating the RWD powertrain at 36 mpg combined (6.5 l/100km) and the AWD at 34 mpg combined (6.9 l/100km).
Our test model was the 2016 BMW 340i, equipped with the new six-cylinder engine. This is a turbocharged 3.0-liter six that outputs 320 horses (239 kW) and 330 lb-ft (447 Nm) of torque. We had the automatic transmission, which is EPA rated at 28 mpg combined (8.4 l/100km) in RWD and 26 mpg combined (9 l/100km) in AWD, as we drove it. The optional manual transmission drops fuel economy estimates to 24 mpg and 23 mpg combined in RWD and AWD respectively (9.8 and 10.2 l/100km).
This translates into great driving on the road. The 2016 BMW 340i is a strong goer with a lot of oomph when the pedal is pushed. The driving experience is very well balanced, offering tight and precise turning, a solid but forgiving ride, and a quiet interior experience. Whether leisure driving along a twisty highway or punching it hard through the corners on a country road, the 340i remains confident.
The 3 Series remains the benchmark for sedans in the luxury midsize segment. Product Page: BMW 3 Series
