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2013 BMW 320i Instrumented Test by Car and Driver

Entry-level models aren't that often being tested by most journalists because most dealers send out top-specced versions of their cars over for tests. That means that we rarely see them reviewed even though most people are interested in them.
2013 BMW 320i Review 1 photo
Photo: Car and Driver
The guys from Car and Driver just did an instrumented test on a BMW 320i, the entry-level model for the US. The car came almost bone stock to the test, fitted with few to none optional features.

The engine up front is a 4-pot, 2-liter turbocharged petrol unit that develops 184 HP and 270 Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque. As stock it comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and an 8-speed unit as an optional feature.

You might've noticed that the same displacement is used in the 328i model but in that case it has 245 HP. It's true, but as they found out in the test, the differences are not as big as you might think, at least on a daily basis.

On paper, the 328i seems a lot better but the 320i will prove to have plenty of power and grunt for most commutes and even highway, high-speed overtakes. Even on the skidpad, the 0.87 g recorded speaks for itself.

Bottom line, for USD33,475 this is quite an interesting option, of course with the manual gearbox. Add in a few options and you can get your own Bavarian car with a reasonable price.

Full test at Car and Driver
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