And driver appeal is still to the fore

“BMW has nailed one key area where a 3 Series should deliver: dynamics.” That was our first impression when we drove a prototype months ahead of the car’s official debut, in Issue 1,537.

Chief reviewer Sean Carson (right) had two laps of the Nürburgring to assess the latest model and he was immediately impressed by how the new chassis and suspension set-up with hydraulic dampers handled the circuit’s gruelling tarmac. “The car turns in sweetly, is sharp to change direction and roll is well controlled,” he said.

However, it’s not quite perfect; while the ride and handling are up to BMW’S high standards, the steering didn’t have “that much life to it”. Still, this is a criticism levelled at many electric power steering systems, and in summary our man reported: “It’s fair to say it rides like a luxury car, but handles like a sports saloon should.”

“It’s fair to say it rides like a luxury car, but handles like a sports saloon should”

400Nm of torque. It sends power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. BMW says the 330i can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.8 seconds and return claimed fuel economy of 48.7mpg.

The entry-level 320d is powered by a 187bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit developing 400Nm of torque and has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. BMW claims 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds and fuel economy of 67.3mpg. The four-wheel-drive 320d xdrive completes the range for now, and gets an eight-speed auto as standard.

Later on, the model range will expand to include a six-cylinder 330d, which will use a 263bhp 3.0-litre engine producing 580Nm of torque. And next autumn, a 330e plug-in hybrid will also be added to the range. Its powertrain is likely to comprise a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 87bhp electric motor. BMW’S initial targets for the hybrid are 37 miles of all-electric range and CO2 emissions of below 40g/km.

Once the standard line-up is in showrooms, BMW will turn its attention to the performance models; M40i and M40d variants will be launched, while the flagship M3 will arrive by 2020.

The 3 Series is the first car from BMW to feature new hydraulic bump stops on the suspension; they are fitted as standard to every car. Horn told us this has allowed BMW to improve the car’s dynamics without compromising comfort. M Sport brakes and suspension with lowered ride height, Adaptive M suspension and an electronically controlled M Sport differential are standard on 330i models, and optional across the range.

A raft of new safety kit and driver assistance systems has also been added to the 3 Series. Collision and pedestrian warning with automatic braking is now standard across the range, while adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, steering and lane control assist, and side collision alert are also available.

Another first for BMW is something the firm calls ‘intelligent personal assistant’. The system is able to learn and recognise regular habits and behaviours of drivers and adjust the car automatically. For example, if a regular route includes a toll road, the car will disable the stop/start system and automatically lower the driver’s window at the right moment.

The ‘personal assistant’ can also react to driver commands; if they say “I’m tired”, the car will automatically lower the cabin temperature and begin to play upbeat music.

In the UK, three specifications will be offered: SE, Sport and M Sport. All models come as standard with LED headlights, a reversing camera, threezone air-con and alloy wheels. BMW will begin taking orders for the new 3 Series in March; prices start from £33,610 for the entry-level 320d.

“Inside, the biggest change is the simplified dash and console design”