Sedan sparks more questions than answers
Reviewer asks, why does a nearly $50,000 car come with only 181 horsepower?
At first blush, the most-accessible model in BMW’s bestselling 3 Series sedan lineup looks like an easy recommendation for someone like me, who gets asked for new car buying advice on a regular basis. For decades, the compact Bimmer has been the entry-level, luxury/sports sedan class-leader for driving pleasure. But a week spent behind the wheel of a 2013 320i xDrive Sedan left me with more questions than answers.
If you’re up on your BMW 3 Series nomenclature, you’ll know the $37,995 (all prices include a $2,095 freight and pre-delivery inspection fee) 320i Sedan is the bottom-rung brother to its mid-rung $45,695 328i and top-rung $53,295 335i siblings.
If you’d prefer traction at all four wheels (BMW’s xDrive) — instead of the standard 320i’s rear wheel-drive setup — add $4,000 to the bill, as my tester was equipped. As well, my 320i xDrive had $8,355 worth of heated steering wheel, leather seating, sunroof, bi-xenon lights, navigation and various trim bits.
Which brings us to my first query: Why does my nearly $50,000 BMW only have 181 horsepower? That’s the output from the detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine that makes 241 hp in the 328i. With 20 and 89 less respective horsepower than rivals Audi A4 2.0T Quattro and Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0 T, it’s no surprise the 320i xDrive (equipped with a nocharge eight-speed automatic transmission) is slower than the Audi or Caddy, taking a leisurely 7.6 seconds to go from zero to 100 km/h.
The 320i xDrive’s quickest times are only if you hit the right buttons. The turbo-four comes with a driver-controllable system that adjusts the BMW’s climate control, steering, throttle and transmission. The “Eco” mode is best for trying to score government estimates, where the BMW claims 9.5 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway. In my week with the car, I average 10.8 L/100 km.
Eco mode forces you to use BMW’s unrefined stop/start system, which turns the engine on and off when the vehicle is at rest — accompanied by shuddering and clunking. As well, the 320i xDrive’s steering becomes numb, throttle response lazy, and autobox shifts are slow and languid, leaving the BMW with an uncoordinated feel overall.
For those interested in BMW’s reputation as a maker of driver’s cars, you’ll need to select Sport mode. (Why you have to push a Sport button to get a BMW to act like a BMW is another question.)
Even in Sport mode, the BMW’s steering — a characteristic the 3 Series once led handily in its class — will leave driving enthusiasts wanting. Non-linear and lacking feel, the list of rivals with more communicative and natural-feeling steering systems (i.e. Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS) is getting longer by the year.
Here’s another question: from a company that has the word “motor” in its name, why does the 320i xDrive’s mill have such little soul? At idle, the blown-four’s direct-injection mechanicals sound like a diesel. And unless you really stomp on its gas pedal and reach for the redline, the engine is nearly silent in any other use. And when it does make a noise, it’s like a sick dog burping.
Perhaps I’m missing the point of the new BMW 320i xDrive. There isn’t a straight-six under its hood. Its steering and gearbox are more tuned for chauffeurs than race car driver wannabes. Maybe the BMW is supposed to be a luxury car first, sports sedan second.
The 3 Series offers more high-tech gadgets, comfort features and interior room than ever before. But then why does the 320i xDrive sport an interior that, while stylish, lacks the precision and quality feel of luxury brand rivals, such as an Audi A4?
BMW’s catering to the masses certainly seems to be paying dividends. Sales of the 3 Series in Canada to the end of September this year are up almost 20 per cent, to 9,855 copies sold. That’s more than A4, ATS and IS sales combined.
Here’s one question the 2013 BMW 320i xDrive answers: can you find a faster, more rewarding-to-drive, entry-level sports sedan with a nicer interior for the same or less money?
The answer is yes.