The BMW 3-Series is an entry-level luxury car. It's available as a 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon or 4-door hatchback called the 3-Series Gran Turismo. BMW also offers a 4-Series that rides the same chassis with a lineup that consists of a 2-door coupe, 4-door coupe and 2-door convertible. 3-series competitors include the Acura TLX, Alfa-Romeo Giulia, Audi A4/A5, Buick Regal, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50/Q60, Jaguar XE, Kia Stinger, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Volvo S60.
Offering rear- or all-wheel drive versions, the 3-Series is available in 320i, 330i, 340i and 328d trim - the latter being a diesel. While the sedan is offered in all trim levels, the wagon is only offered in 330i and 328d trim and Gran Turismo is only offered in 330i and 340i trim. There is also an M3 sedan and a 330e hybrid sedan. This review will specifically cover the 340i sedan, but most comments on the interior and overall functionality apply to the rest of the 3-Series lineup.
The BMW 340i lists for $48,950 when equipped with rear-wheel drive and $50,950 when equipped with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system. Sole engine offering is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder that makes 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine features auto start-stop function and also ECO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes. Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic with manual shift mode.
Features of the 340i include LED headlights and fog lights, 14-way power front seats, Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, automatic climate control, sunroof and universal garage-door opener. Available equipment includes head-up display, navigation system, and a $500 driving assistance package that brings lane-departure warning and forward-collision warning with emergency braking.
The inline 6-cylinder in the 340i comes is perhaps the smoothest engine in the class. In part, that's due to the inherent harmonic balance of an inline design, which aligns the engine's pistons all in row in the same plain. Regardless, the engine provides the motivation you'd expect at this price point. With either transmission the 340i will accelerate from 0-60 MPH is less than 5 seconds. The engine pulls like a train at all speeds and provides plenty of pep off the line and impressive passing power. Note that the selectable driving modes do make a difference in overall feel. Selecting ECO or Comfort dulls throttle response and changes the transmission shift algorithm to the point where the 340i can feel a bit lethargic around town.
While the manual transmission is a joy to operate and mollifies the purist, the 8-speed automatic is among the smoothest and quickest shifting in the segment. It does provide clutch-less manual operation through steering-wheel mounted shift paddles. One note, the start-stop function is somewhat more noticeable on the 340i than on many others in the class because the engine is so very smooth at idle. It does react quickly when required to restart the engine at stoplights and there is a button that allows drivers to turn it off.
EPA fuel economy numbers for the manual transmission 340i are 19 MPG city and 29 MPG highway. Those numbers trail class leaders a bit but are in the ballpark. Unfortunately, like most vehicles in the class, the 340i requires premium-grade gasoline. In routine suburban commuting, it's easy to meet the highway mark of 29 MPG -- keeping in mind that's with a gentle throttle foot, utilizing the ECO mode and throwing in some mild highway driving. With an enthusiastic driver behind the wheel, expect to see about 20 MPG overall, perhaps 22.
For generations BMW set the standard in the sport sedan market by deftly combining a comfortable ride and fun-to-drive handling characteristics. Thankfully, the 3-Series upholds that tradition across the model lineup. Certainly, as you move up in performance the ride suffers somewhat, but the 340i might just provide the best ride/handling balance in the segment. The sophisticated suspension does an excellent job of absorbing impacts and softening expansion joints while limiting secondary motions and keeping the tires glued to the pavement. For most, the difference between the BMW 340i and competitors can be felt when tackling a tight expressway on ramp. Both the BMW and its competitors hold the road with tenacity when its smooth but throw in a few bumps and the BMW is unfazed, deftly keeping its tires in contact with the road. In most competitors, there's a brief moment where the rear tires lose contact with the road that the vehicle jumps unsettlingly off line.
Taken as a whole, there is no vehicle in the class that blends the ride comfort, road holding and driving feel like the 340i. The steering is natural, perfectly weighted and tracks straight and true on the highway. The brakes have great stopping power and a very easy-to-modulate pedal. Interior noise levels, while low, are appropriately sporty with a nice refined growl from the engine and burble from the exhaust.
Inside, the 3-Series sports business-like cabin appointments and a function-follows-form design (as any good sports car should). Materials are class and price appropriate, but no more than that. Two large dials stare out at the driver from behind a meaty steering wheel and the climate controls are thankfully still fairly analog and up high on the center console. BMW has placed its ultra-wide infotainment screen up high, where it is easy to see. Though they have added touch capability, it's too far to comfortably reach meaning most will still use the jog dial to manipulate the iDrive system. While iDrive isn't as intuitive to operate as many other systems, it has gotten better over the years. Still, it doesn't offer Android Auto or Apple Car Play compatibility.
The front seats are firmly bolstered and somewhat confining in width. Head and leg room are outstanding and the driving position and outward visibility are excellent -- especially to the rear. Not known for rear-seat room, the 3-Series is actually fairly accommodating in direct comparison to key competitors. That's not to say that large adults won't need front-seat occupants to scoot forward a bit, but two average adults will, for the most part. be comfortable in back.
With 17 cubic feet of storage, the 3-Series sedan leads the segment in cargo capacity (not to mention to option of the even more cavernous wagon). In addition, the rear seats fold to nearly double available space. Inside, there are a few open and covered bins, but they are small and not very useful for large-item storage. The tiny center console bins are most disappointing of all.
The BMW 3-Series was the original entry-level luxury sport sedan and for decades it reigned supreme. Recently, the segment has become crowded with contenders and BMW has tried to keep the now-five-year-old design of the 3-Series fresh with frequent engine and trim updates. Thankfully, the bones of the 3-Series are solid, boasting best in class roadgoing refinement, above average cargo and passenger capacity and a bevy of engine and drivetrain options. Prices start at an affordable $35K but shoot up quickly with lots of optional equipment and trim variations. Shop wisely and drive the exact model you are considering as there are wide differences in suspension tuning, engine performance and fuel economy.
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