Photo: Edmunds
Since everyone is complaining that BMWs have been getting quite expensive lately and don’t offer what you really expect from a Bavarian machine, it was about time we took a closer look to what is really happening.
The guys from Edmunds were right there with us and took an entry-level 3er out for a test. What does an entry-level 3er mean? It means it’s a base 320i, priced at USD32,750.
What does that bring you? A 3 Series fitted with a 2-liter turbocharged engine that makes 184 HP and 200 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque and comes with little to no optional features on it. The car they had was only decked with the Sport Line options and therefore had a price tag of USD34,775.
That meant they could enjoy manually adjustable brilliant seats (actually, if there isn’t more than one driver using the car, the electrically adjustable seats don’t make too much sense), SensaTec leatherette, 18 inch alloys, sport suspension and an M sport steering wheel.
You might think that you need a rearview camera, keyless entry, a sunroof, satellite radio and so on but the truth of the matter is, during their test they hardly noticed those things are missing.
On to the performance then. The 320i is different under the bonnet from the 328i just by a couple of numbers. The engines are basically the same, with few changes and a different ECU software. However, on the road, you feel like the 320i has more than the advertised 184 HP and you never get the feeling that it lacks power.
Come to think of it, the only difference you’ll notice will be on a drag race. That’s where the 328i takes almost 2 seconds less to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) but that’s about it. All the other tests showed that was the only thing you’ll notice.
The 320i will also return a better fuel consumption, falling right between what the EPA estimated during the test, with an average of 33.5 mpg (7 l/100km), which is more than acceptable. Furthermore, on the highway, this entry-level baby is right at home, with a tightly isolated interior and a lot of comfort.
With a USD30,000 price tag and such qualities, it’s hard not to notice the 320i as what it truly is: a best-buy in the luxury sedan segment, one that has the Mercedes-Benz CLA struggling to justify its price tag.
Full Review at Edmunds.com
What does that bring you? A 3 Series fitted with a 2-liter turbocharged engine that makes 184 HP and 200 lb-ft (270 Nm) of torque and comes with little to no optional features on it. The car they had was only decked with the Sport Line options and therefore had a price tag of USD34,775.
That meant they could enjoy manually adjustable brilliant seats (actually, if there isn’t more than one driver using the car, the electrically adjustable seats don’t make too much sense), SensaTec leatherette, 18 inch alloys, sport suspension and an M sport steering wheel.
You might think that you need a rearview camera, keyless entry, a sunroof, satellite radio and so on but the truth of the matter is, during their test they hardly noticed those things are missing.
On to the performance then. The 320i is different under the bonnet from the 328i just by a couple of numbers. The engines are basically the same, with few changes and a different ECU software. However, on the road, you feel like the 320i has more than the advertised 184 HP and you never get the feeling that it lacks power.
Come to think of it, the only difference you’ll notice will be on a drag race. That’s where the 328i takes almost 2 seconds less to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) but that’s about it. All the other tests showed that was the only thing you’ll notice.
The 320i will also return a better fuel consumption, falling right between what the EPA estimated during the test, with an average of 33.5 mpg (7 l/100km), which is more than acceptable. Furthermore, on the highway, this entry-level baby is right at home, with a tightly isolated interior and a lot of comfort.
With a USD30,000 price tag and such qualities, it’s hard not to notice the 320i as what it truly is: a best-buy in the luxury sedan segment, one that has the Mercedes-Benz CLA struggling to justify its price tag.
Full Review at Edmunds.com
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