Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 320d M Sport Touring

Despite its age, sporty offering remains a great drive

The emphasis for BMW’s load carriers hasn’t always been on space, but the firm has generally made its Touring models entertaining to drive. 

They usually look the part, too, and the 3-Series is no exception. 

Like the Mercedes, it has age to contend with (it has been around for five years) but a range of revisions last year ensures it still looks fresh, especially in our test car’s M Sport guise.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In fact, if you’re after a racy estate you should look no further than the BMW. Its rakish tailgate and sloping roofline owe more to fashion than carrying capacity. Our test car’s optional 18-inch M Sport alloys (£195), deep bumpers and side skirts mean it’s the most overtly sporting car here, while the double-kidney grille and Hoffemeister kink in the window line remain true to BMW’s heritage. 

Inside you’ll find the same feeling of familiarity, as the cabin follows a similar layout to the rest of the manufacturer’s range. We have few complaints about where the switchgear is positioned, or even the quality of the plastics used. And after Audi’s MMI system, the iDrive controller is the next best set-up – using it becomes second nature after a short spell at the wheel.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

T-Roc

2021 Volkswagen

T-Roc

28,143 milesManualDiesel1.6L

Cash £15,000
View T-Roc
Qashqai

2018 Nissan

Qashqai

63,000 milesManualDiesel1.5L

Cash £9,500
View Qashqai
Yaris Cross

2023 Toyota

Yaris Cross

7,965 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £12,500
View Yaris Cross
C-Class Coupe

2020 Mercedes

C-Class Coupe

69,757 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £16,800
View C-Class Coupe

The driving position is spot on and the M Sport seats offer a huge amount of adjustment, comfort and support. The high transmission tunnel, stubby gearlever and chunky sports steering wheel mean you’ll probably find yourself thinking that you’re driving a sports car, rather than an estate. 

Rear passengers are treated to more legroom than in the Audi or Mercedes and, while the boot is awkwardly shaped, the capacity is 30 litres greater than in the Volvo. Collapse the seats and it still can’t match the Audi or Mercedes, though, and the seatbacks don’t lay flat. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Out on the road, it’s easy to forgive the BMW’s practical limitations, as its 2.0-litre diesel produces 181bhp and 380Nm of torque. Acceleration is impressive, and it sprinted from 0-60mph in a mere 7.9 seconds,  a figure only the larger-engined Mercedes could beat.

None of its rivals can hold a candle to the Touring through corners, though, where the balanced chassis, direct steering and well weighted brake pedal inspire real confidence. The heavy steering does grate in town, as you often crave a lighter set-up during low-speed manoeuvres. And while the firm suspension works well on smooth roads, it isn’t as relaxing as its rivals on uneven surfaces.

Thanks to BMW’s famed EfficientDynamics technology, its sparkling handling doesn’t come at the expense of economy. The Touring boasts the lowest emissions on test (128g/km), while we recorded a respectable 34.6mpg. The former figure, in particular, makes it a compelling choice for business users. 

So, while the BMW doesn’t lead the way for space, there’s no doubting its premium appeal, dynamic ability or surprisingly low running costs. But will that be enough to win this test? 

Details

Chart position: 2
WHY: The BMW sets the standard for driving fun, thanks to its poised rear-wheel-drive chassis. German firm’s EfficientDynamics kit also promises decent fuel returns and tax-friendly running.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £2,598 off RRP*Used from £7,250
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £5,919 off RRP*Used from £13,000
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,463 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Sacre bleu! The Renault 5 keeps getting cheaper

The modern-day Super Cinq comes with a super price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 14 May
News
14 May 2025
Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU
Luca de Meo - Renault 5

Want a new small car? You probably can’t afford one and car bosses blame the EU

Renault and Stellantis bosses demand changes to the emissions rules driving up new car prices
News
15 May 2025
New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match
Lotus Emeya - front

New Lotus Emeya 2025 review: the Porsche Taycan has finally met its match

The new Lotus Emeya may not be light, but is great in almost every other way
Road tests
15 May 2025