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BMW 3 Series Saloon review

The 3 Series Coupe has all the ingredients to remain the UK's biggest and best-selling coupe.

Overall Auto Express rating

5.0

How we review cars
RRP
£41,040 £61,565
Avg. savings
£4,539 off RRP*
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Driving
The Coupe is a classic BMW, with crisp, adjustable handling, a supple ride and strong high-speed body control, plus good brakes. We tested the optional Active Steering, but this contributed little to the driving experience, and we would suggest saving the money to spend on more worthwhile extras. The standard system is incisive and perfectly weighted, anyway. There's a wide range of engines offered with both models, including BMW's direct-injection, twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol unit. The 335i is as flexible as any thoroughbred diesel we have tested, delivering a thumping 400Nm of torque, which peaks at an incredibly low 1,300rpm. And as it gathers pace - without a hint of turbo lag - the soundtrack that accompanies it is astonishing. It's an amazing unit. But the 335d diesel is also offered. With 286bhp, it has the same power output as a 1993 M3, but backs this up with a thumping 580Nm of torque. Straight-line pace is amazing and, while it may not sound as exciting as its stablemate, in everyday situations, the 335d is the faster of the two.

Marketplace
Pictures don't do justice to what is BMW's best-selling sports model. The two-door 3 has a taut and poised air. It's as though the sheet metal has been stretched tightly over the engine and wheels, across the rear-set cockpit and down the softly finished tail. But it wouldn't be a head-turner without suitable finishing touches, and BMW hasn't disappointed here. Sleek wing mirrors, bespoke headlamps with ring running illumination and LED tail-lamps add to the rakish looks. A range of four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will be offered, from 320i and 320d to 335i and 335d range-toppers. Ample choice, then, to tackle the Mercedes CLK, Audi A5. Alfa Romeo Brera and Peugeot 407 Coupe.

Owning
Climb inside and the Coupe offers a personal touch - passing the driver and passenger their seatbelts once the doors have been pulled shut. It's a neat trick, even if it was pioneered by Mercedes long before. All occupants are guaranteed to be sitting comfortably, courtesy of a snug, driver-focused cockpit. It's civilised, well laid-out and assembled from top-quality materials. Needless to say, retained values reflect this by being excellent, and all engines supply a great balance of economy in relation to power output - particularly the 320i and 320d, which are as economical as small family hatchbacks. Prices are hefty, though, for both SE and M Sport variants.

Engines, performance and drive

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Interior, design and technology

Practicality, comfort and boot space

Reliability and Safety

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Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    320i Sport 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £41,040
Select car

Most Economical

  • Name
    330e 22.3 kWh Sport 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £47,075
Select car

Fastest

  • Name
    M340i xDrive MHT 4dr Step Auto
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • RRP
    £61,565
Select car

New & used car deals

BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £33,315Avg. savings £4,539 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Mercedes C Class
Audi A4

Audi A4

RRP £32,725Avg. savings £2,195 off RRP*Used from £11,623
BMW 4 Series

BMW 4 Series

RRP £45,285Avg. savings £4,830 off RRP*Used from £16,964
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
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