Did I want to test drive the new BMW 3 Series? Of course I did. Because I happen to love the new face lift and wanted to experience the famous BMW handling. For while the styling on the new BMW 3 Series may be decisive, there is little argument on the drive and ride quality.
BMW 3 Series
Climbing inside and the 3 Series feels like it was designed with the driver in mind. There’s plenty of seat adjustment but very little is needed to get a great driving position and it’s all clean, modern touches with a high-quality executive feel. Which did make me think I was going to be in for a rather sedate and pedestrian ride.
Noooooo. That handling is famous for a reason! As brave as I could get with the corners, this thing answered every twist and turn without breaking a sweat. Running it down the motorway was just as effortless.
The 3 Series makes use of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics: engine management systems, new technologies and lightweight materials mean more miles between trips to the petrol station (says the manual). To be honest I was too busy watching the speed jump up quickly to notice the fuel gauge.
While I got to put a 325i through its paces I’m told the 318i (which, weirdly, has a 2.o litre engine) is “perfectly capable” to deliver speed and there’s 330i and 335i models available too. So regardless of engine choice, the new BMW 3 Series gives plenty of oomph.
But is the BMW 3 Series best in its class? (well that’s what i was told!!) but I’m looking at trying something better that’ll shut BMW up. So if you can help me choose my next car to test drive, I’d like to hear from you…. It’s open season on testing cars at the moment, and I’m damn sure going to exploit it!!!
