BMW 3-Series

Standard-setting premium saloon. Styling and pricing don't suit all but the drive and choice on offer should.

Auto Express Car Reviews

Rating:
On the road price: £21,145 - £36,460
For : Superb handling, strong engines, cabin quality, all-round talent
Against : Plain rear of saloon, small saloon boot opening, complex iDrive

Driving:
Here, the 3-Series is unbeaten by any rival. The rear-driven chassis is wonderfully well-balanced, incisive and packed full of feel. It responds to the weighty steering immediately and involves you in the action - but without tiring you out. The ride is firm but it's never harsh; the trade-off is spot-on and proves BMW's cracked run-flat tyres' comfort issues. It's also more stable at speed than older BMWs, while even the 320i will surprise with its vigour so long as you let the ultra-smooth unit rev. Diesels are fine too, with the superb 320d replacing some of the 318i's smoothness with real punch. Six-cylinder units are simply sublime, though the 325i does lack torque. Inside, the driver-focused cabin feels sporty, with firm, low-set seats, and you soon forget the slightly offset pedals and get used to the well-connected gearbox. Firm brakes are a pleasure and, like every other control, work very accurately.

Marketplace:
The 3-Series is a premium saloon (and Touring estate) that sells in mainstream numbers - such is its considerable appeal. As with Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Saab 9-3 rivals, that there's a model for everyone helps; company drivers pile into 318i, 318d and 320d variants, leaving more affluent buyers to take six-cylinder 330i and 330d versions. Trims follow BMW logic of standard, SE, Sport and M Sport, with a company-focused ES trim offering alloys and colour-matched exterior detailing over standard, but any model can be specified to a near-bespoke standard using the huge options list. Touring models are more practical than some rivals, offer greater access but no more seats-up space than the itself-commodious saloon. The benefits come when you lower them. Be wary of choosing the sat nav option though; it comes with BMW's controversial iDrive system, which is a love it or hate it set-up.

Owning:
BMW has given the 3 a sporty character with low running costs - fuel consumption is low (diesels are capable of nearly 50mpg) and variable servicing helps keep costs down. The company's popular all-inclusive servicing for a one-off fee has also proven a very popular way to save money. Depreciation levels are extremely low and will always remain so, especially if you choose a diesel in well liked ES trim. But equipment levels of every model feature all the essentials, such as CD player and air con. Be warned though; M Sport trim is a styling exercise that includes large wheels and sporty suspension, skewing the balance towards handling at the expense of ride quality. Those in the back have fewer issues with space than is traditional for the 3-Series; it's roomier than an Audi A4, for example. Quality is extremely high but interior storage space is lacking.