Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-Series

The first BMW coupe ever to be fitted with a diesel engine has arrived in Britain, mixing practicality with performance in a bid to shake Mercedes' grip on the market.

The long wait for the arrival of the 320Cd has been well worth it. As well as delivering good performance, it makes particular sense for company car drivers, thanks to its low CO2 figures and Euro IV-compliant engine. Impressive in and out of town, the new coup� is certain to give its rivals a run for their money.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Announced in July, the four-cylinder 150bhp 320Cd paves the way for the more powerful six-cylinder 204bhp 330Cd, due to arrive in March, as BMW grows a new stable of diesel-powered driver-oriented cars.

With a top speed of 137mph and a 0-60mph time of 8.8 seconds, the newcomer is no slouch. But it's also worth remembering that the 320Cd is the first BMW diesel to be sold in the UK to comply with Euro IV emissions rules, offering further BiK (benefit in kind) tax discounts to company car drivers.

Facelifted for 2003, the new coupe also debuts changes to the bonnet, grille and bumper, and has revamped front and rear lights. Although most of the changes were originally introduced on saloon and Touring models over a year ago, the coup� maintains its unique look, not only with its distinctive body, but also with a revised boot grab handle and redesigned rear bumper complete with standard parking sensors.

But despite all of these upgrades, the driving experience is still central to the BMW's appeal. Does the introduction of a diesel spoil this beyond repair? Not in our opinion. Turn the ignition key and the oil-burner's glow plugs warm within a split second. Sure, the engine sounds vocal while it chatters into life, but it settles easily to a silky, well insulated idle.

The thick-rimmed steering wheel, low-slung bucket seats and clearly laid out instruments lend the cabin a sporty feel, while the new six-speed gearbox has a slick change between ratios.

With 330Nm of torque on tap, the engine feels impressively strong, particularly at low revs, and offers a rich exhaust note that disguises its diesel origins. Although there is some turbo lag lower in the range, the car has plenty of urge from 2,000rpm, delivering smooth, consistent acceleration.

Around town, the gear ratios are long enough to keep shifts to a minimum, while on the open road, the car proves an impressive cruiser. The suspension, lowered by 15mm over the standard car, is relatively supple, and keeps body roll to a minimum in corners. Although it will understeer if you really attack a bend, it is possible to make the rear-wheel-drive machine oversteer.

Ultimately, there can be no argument that the new 320Cd is anything other than an impressive drivers' car. On top of that, it offers decent combined fuel economy of 49.6mpg and produces only 153g/km of CO2. Ownership is a decision that can satisfy both your heart and your head.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £31,915Avg. savings £5,008 off RRP*Used from £8,050
Mercedes C Class
BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

RRP £52,195Avg. savings £8,090 off RRP*Used from £18,601
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,195Avg. savings £5,322 off RRP*Used from £17,207
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025