BMW 320d ES

By Andy Pringle

September 2008

• Rating:

With the 3-Series accounting for half of all BMW sales in the UK, the company has every right to refer to the executive favourite as a supermodel.

But, as many a catwalk star has found, there comes a time to face the surgeon’s knife to stay fresh in the face of younger competition. Hence, the arrival of this new 3-Series in Britain. In terms of design, BMW
has played it safe. The most obvious changes are at the front, where the bumper and headlights are new. On top of this, the bonnet has a pair of creases running from either side of the BMW badge back to the windscreen. At the rear, there’s a new bumper and a remodelled bootlid. The tail-lights now include LED indicators and there is a wide range of new wheel designs.

These aren’t major alterations, but together they give the BMW a sportier appearance. Mind you, that’s perfectly appropriate, as the 3-Series always was the driving enthusiast’s choice in its class – and nothing
has changed here. As soon as you hit the road, this couldn’t be more obvious. There’s something delightfully positive and direct about the controls, whether it’s the accelerator, brakes or steering. As soon as you tell the car to do something, it does it, and you get exactly the kind of feedback you want. It’s the same story with the suspension, which never feels anything other than totally composed. Through a series of bends, gentle turns of the steering wheel put the car’s nose exactly where you want it, and the balanced handling keeps everything under control as you flow from one corner to the next. If there is a complaint, it’s that such sharp handling and composure come at the expense of comfort. There’s a firm edge to the ride about town, and although you feel larger bumps at higher speeds, it’s never truly uncomfortable. And given the superb handling, we’re sure it’s a price most drivers will be happy to pay.

Also unchanged in the facelift is the 2.0-litre diesel engine that powers the 320d. And, given its great blend of strengths – 0-62mph in less than eight seconds, impressive flexibility and average economy of nearly 60mpg – there’s no doubt this remains our favourite 3-Series. That’s especially true given how comfortable and refined it is inside, with only a little wind noise at motorway speeds. However, you only notice that because everything else is so quiet, and you can soon drown it out with the stereo.
Best of all, the optional iDrive system has been much improved: it’s easier to use and has clear graphics, rounding off a truly superb package.

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