Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-Series

Munich’s master engine builder is set to blow away the opposition yet again!

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£5,683 off RRP*
Find your BMW 3 Series
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

BMW has finally fitted its twin-turbo diesel in the 3-Series. It provides effortless power at any speed, returns 37.7mpg, plus is rapid, responsive and refined. Possibly the most desirable oil-burner we have ever driven.

There is no doubt that BMW has rediscovered the art of turbocharging petrol units with its magnificent twin-turbo 306bhp motor, now available across the 3-Series range.

But it is not the only new forced-induction 3.0-litre engine to be fitted to the compact executive model. The hi-tech petrol motor may have been attracting all the headlines, yet behind the scenes engineers have taken the range-topping diesel out of the 535d and put that into the 3-Series, too. And as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve tweaked it to liberate more power and torque.

As a result, the 335d Coupé has an extra 14bhp and 20Nm – the latter produced 250rpm further down the rev range. In fact, BMW fans may remember that, with 286bhp, this diesel coupé has the same power output as the M3 from 1993. But as with all oil-burners, it’s best to let the torque do the talking – and boasting 580Nm at 1,750rpm, the new coupé has plenty to say. Straight-line pace is amazing, as the oil-burner provides boost pressure virtually from tickover.

Acceleration builds quickly, but that’s not to say power comes in suddenly and tails off – consistent, responsive perfor-mance is delivered across the rev band. Linked to the superb Steptronic six-speed auto (there’s no manual), it makes the 335i petrol version feel flat at low revs. Smooth, hushed and well mannered, it may not sound as enticing as its stablemate, but in everyday situations, the 335d is faster.

It’s just a pity the Coupé looks relatively mundane next to rivals such as the Audi TT. However, providing good space, a comfortable driving environment plus sublime road manners, this is one polished performer. Want more practicality? It’s also available in £32,995 saloon and £34,165 Touring guises.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £5,683 off RRP*Used from £12,500
Mercedes C Class
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,285Avg. savings £5,322 off RRP*Used from £24,237
Audi A5

Audi A5

RRP £42,660Avg. savings £5,534 off RRP*Used from £20,250
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025