Vehicle Tested
| 2014 BMW 328d xDrive
Base Price: $42,950
As-Tested Price: $50,825
Built in Germany.
Options
Sport Line
Lighting Package
Heater Front Seats
Navigation System with Touchpad
Concierge Services
Engine: Turbocharged Turbodiesel 2.0-liter I4, 180 horsepower
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Drive Wheels: All-Wheel Drive
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The 3-Series has long been the anchor of BMW's lineup. For 2014, coupe and convertible 3-Series models are designated 4-Series, leaving just the sedan, wagon and Gran Turismo sport hatch to officially carry the 3-Series designation.
Prices start as low as $32,750 for the 320i sedan and climb to more than $46,000 for the 335i Grand Turismo. Rear-wheel-drive is standard and most models are available with all-wheel drive, designated in BMW-speak as xDrive.
Though many models and trims are offered, engine choices are effectively just three. 320i models come with a 180-horsepower turbo four. 328i models get a higher spec version of that engine that produces 240 horsepower. 328d models get a 180-horsepower turbo diesel four. Finally, the 335- gets a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that makes 300 horsepower. All engines mate to an 8-speed automatic that has the ability to act like a clutch-less manual via a tap of the center-console-mounted shifter.
Get Up and Go The 328d's 2.0-liter turbo diesel makes just 180 hp but has an impressive 280 lb-ft of torque. That gives it snappy-enough acceleration. According to BMW 0-60 mph times are in the seven-second range. Once accustomed to the engine's slightly buzzy nature, you'd never know the 328d is a diesel. There's good acceleration off the line and decent passing response. Overall, acceleration falls short of V6 competitors but seems more than appropriate given the diesel's mission to offer exceptional fuel economy.
The 8-speed automatic transmission is a bit sloppy engaging first gear, which is most notable when slogging around in rush-hour traffic, but otherwise upshifts smoothly. Passing response is prompt and triggered with a simple dip of the right foot or a tap on the "manual mode" shifter. Speaking of the shifter, the automatic transmission comes with BMW's unique shift sequence. There's a button to tap for Park. Reverse requires a movement forward and Drive necessitates a tap to the rear.
BMW also gave the 328d a multi-mode throttle selector. Drivers can choose between Ultra-Sport, Sport, Normal and Eco Pro modes. Ultra-Sport and Sport provide aggressive transmission shift points and quickened throttle response. Normal is designed for everyday driving and balances power delivery and fuel economy. Eco Pro favors reduced acceleration for increased fuel economy. It also ramps up BMW's electric assist mode, which optimizes alternator charging to reduce fuel consumption.
Fuel economy numbers are impressive. The 328d rates 31 mpg city, 43 mpg highway and 35 mpg overall in the EPA's testing. Combine that with the XX.X gallon fuel take to provide a range of more than XXX miles. It's easy to see that BMWs latest oil-burner is truly a fuel saver.
Real-world suburban commuting will likely net about 35 mpg overall. In addition those numbers don't plummet in the winter, which can't be said for most hybrid vehicles. Straight highway driving at a relaxed pace will easily cover the EPA rating of 43 mpg.
BMWs xDrive all-wheel-drive system is completely unobtrusive. The system automatically transfers power from front to rear to providing plenty of traction in the wet and snow. Unlike many other AWD systems, xDrive also has dry-road benefits. According to BMW, the computer that controls engine power distribution can allocate additional ponies to different wheels to help push or pull the car around corners.
On the Road Though the 328d is a sporty wagon, the ride is quite comfortable. The suspension does an excellent job of absorbing pavement imperfections and softening pot holes - this despite relatively low-profile tires. It's also interesting to note that the independent suspension does an excellent job of quelling secondary motions and isolating rather than transferring impacts.
One quick drive is all it takes to see that the 3-Series isn't your typical luxury vehicle. It turns and holds the road better than many sports coupes. The steering is delightfully communicative and perfectly weighted allowing drivers to carve smooth arcs around corners and on twisting roads. Brakes provide ample stopping power and have a very easy-to-modulate pedal.
All told, few cars offer the delicate ride/handling combination found on most BMWs. It is hard to describe the feeling behind the wheel. It's almost as if BMW were trying to emulate an Olympic gymnast while other sport sedans aspire to be a professional athlete. Both can carve a twisty road or bending highway on-ramp, but the BMW does it with precision and grace and most other sports sedans feel clumsy and heavy handed. The truest test comes when the road grows bumpy, the BMW is unaffected by the expansion joints and minor potholes that send other sports sedans skittering around bends.
The 328d isn't the quietest entry luxury vehicle. Part of that is due to the diesel engine's clatter - which is by no means intrusive. But there is also a fair amount of road and tire noise on concrete roads and a trifle of wind noise around the windshield header. The engine's auto stop isn't as smoothly integrated as on some other vehicles. Part of the problem could be that the diesel engine is a little rougher when restarting, but this has been the case in gasoline-powered BMWs as well.
Behind the Wheel Inside, every BMW carries forward the brand mantra: Business first. That means the interior is designed around the purpose of driving the car with form and function flowing from that. Materials are among the best in the entry-level luxury class and there's no questioning the superb build quality.
Drivers face a business-like gauge cluster that's thankfully highlighted by a large tachometer and speedometer. Between the two is a helpful driver-information center that provides additional information like navigation turns, audio program or phone information. Center stack is dominated by a large 6.5-inch color display screen, which along with the console-mounted jog dial, form the heart of the iDrive infotainment system. Certainly not the most intuitive control interface, iDrive is quite powerful once learned and provides driver and front-seat passenger with a myriad of information and control options. A few ancillary controls thankfully provide standard knobs and buttons for basic audio- and climate-control functions.
Front seats have a myriad of adjustment features and are extremely comfortable, if a bit firm. Leg room is great and head room adequate. About the only criticism of the seats comes in width. There's not a lot of room on each side of the seat as the center console and doors create a race-car like cocoon for driver and front-seat passenger. Outward visibility is good thanks to the large windows and thin roof pillars. Unfortunately, things like rear-view camera and blind-spot assist - standard in other entry-luxury offerings - are optional on the 3-Series. Entry and exit is a bit tight because of small door openings and a low roofline.
Rear seat accommodations are first-class, but cramped - perhaps providing the least amount of leg and knee room in the class. Adults will be able to get quite comfortable but only if the front seats are pushed well forward. As with the front, getting in and out is a bit difficult because of the smallish door openings.
As you would expect for a wagon, cargo space is quite good. There's a decent-size open area that's easily accessible through the wide-opening hatch. Rear seats fold nearly flat to extend space further if necessary. Unfortunately, interior storage isn't quite as impressive. There are two small cup holders at the front of the center console and a small bin under the padded armrest. Map pockets are small as well.
Bottom Line BMW's three series is not without faults. Compared to some others in the class the interior is cramped and there's a bit too much road and wind noise at speed. Still, it is a delight to drive and any auto enthusiast worth their salt would be overjoyed to spend time behind the wheel.
If you can't find a model in the 3-Series lineup to suit your tastes, they you probably can't pick a flavor at Baskin-Robbins either. Sedan, wagon or Euro-hatch, the lineup ranges from affordable and fuel frugal to expensive and outright fast. Base prices are quite respectable, but options add up quickly. Shop wisely; the 3-Series is an exceptional family of automobiles that are driver's cars first and foremost.
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