Compact executive car
WHY IT WINS
THE previous BMW 3 Series was still a contender in the compact-executive segment, even at the end of its life. Yet this new version builds on what made it great, while also adding even more tech to help propel it to the top of the class.
As ever, key to the 3 Series’ appeal is still the way it drives. BMW has improved the car yet again in this area, and with its agile chassis, composed ride and brilliant driving position, it’s a delight from behind the wheel. Few models in this sector are as much fun, and yet the 3 Series is also the most comfortable car in its class.
New suspension tech means the dampers control the body superbly, and filter out all but the worst the road can throw at the chassis. As you add more speed it just gets better. That means the BMW is as good on a motorway, where most buyers will probably spend a lot of time, as on a twisty back road. It gets the ride and handling balance just right.
This latest version has been upgraded with a new interior that’s also a big step forward and balances usability, looks and technology. The infotainment system and sat-nav are among the best on sale in any car, with an intuitive and modern-looking interface, and the digital instrument cluster found on some models is another cutting-edge touch.
The seats are very comfortable and there’s plenty of room in the back for passengers, too, thanks to this seventh-generation 3 Series’ slightly swollen dimensions over its predecessor’s; it means the BMW makes the cut as a family car. In fact, coupled with a big 480-litre boot, that makes this one of the more practical junior executive saloons around, even if the styling might prove divisive.
The evergreen 320d auto features a fantastic 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel that promises more than 50mpg, while CO2 emissions of 118g/km mean that it’s cheap to run as a company car. That’s crucial in this sector, with many user chooser company car buyers. But the BMW’s real party trick is the way it manages to be good to drive, refined, advanced, practical and economical all at the same time.