WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
A chance to drive a prototype of the new BMW 3 Series in 330i M Sport guise a few months ago revealed much promise, if no certain conclusions.
The suspicion is that, in this configuration, an Alfa Romeo Giulia probably remains a more compact and lighter-feeling, marginally more incisive and naturally agile saloon. But then, modern BMWS are relatively complicated, more specification-sensitive cars than most of their executive rivals and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find that, in just the right mechanical trim, this car could dive and swivel left and right just as keenly as its Italian challenger.
Only certain drive modes were available to try on the test drive and this passively suspended 330i M Sport on 19in rims could have been forgiven for struggling a bit in Comfort mode. But the new 3 Series rides with a surprisingly settled suppleness and dexterity for something of an explicitly sporting brief.
It does feel a little bit firm at low speeds and slightly Road test editor Matt Saunders drove a prototype BMW 330i busy over smaller ruts and bumps taken at speed. But it has suspension that’s seemingly capable of working hard within the wheel housings without ruining the level poise of the body until it really needs to.
Plenty of Tarmac imperfections are therefore heard but not really felt too much from the driver’s seat – and despite the progressive settings of both spring and damper, the car’s ride frequency feels honest and predictable as the bumps get bigger.
The suspension’s outright ability to absorb punishment without running out of travel, meanwhile, is quite remarkable – up there with a really well-sorted hot hatchback.
After a switch to Sport+ mode (the only other available to test), the 330i’s steering got meatier and a touch more precise just off centre, without risking the over-assisted pace of the Giulia’s rack or even the initial directness of the XE’S.
The reason, of course, is that BMW is focused on catering for the customer who wants to relax a little at 200km/h (124mph) on the autobahn. MS