What to drive
BMW 3 Series Sedan
THE CAR
I am talking to the dashboard and feeling like a bit of a dick. “BMW!” I say, louder than is probably necessary. A voice replies, calmly, like a psychiatrist: “What can I help you with?” Where the hell do you begin? Come to think of it, the driver’s seat feels a little like a couch. “I’m hot!” I bellow. And what happens next is the best-ever lost-intranslation moment. The intelligent assistant cues, not the temperature dial, but one of my favourite artists, Prince, and Hot Thing is suddenly blaring from the speakers. “Hey BMW,” I say again. “I’m hungry.” Up comes a list of suggestions of local cafes and restaurants. The computer says “yes”. Outside it’s indigo blue, big and grunty. Inside it’s all black, with a sunroof and decent leg room and boot space.
THE DRIVE
It’s a very lovely day and an extremely lovely car, so we take a blast out west. I like the way the engine sounds like a big heavy bassy laugh. I have one gripe — the beeping alerts. A recent article in the New York Times says that we are so now conditioned to vehicle technology that we forget to make judgment calls. The author of the article explains that he realises while he is reversing he isn’t looking at all — he is so used to being prompted by the beep alerts that he basically forgot to even look. It raises interesting questions as vehicle tech gets smarter and smarter (but do we?) But the greatest asset of the BMW3 Plus, if you like to drive, is that it’s a dream to drive. Ask the teenagers in the back what they think and they agree. Super comfort. Sporty. Spacious. Great suspension. Many many lols at the very intelligent assistant. Pump up the volume on the 3 Series sedan’s Harman Kardon surround system.
THE SPECS
The head-up display is one of the smartest driver aids of them all. The speed you are going is reflected just above the steering wheel, in the windscreen and you can see what else is activated. It doesn’t alarm you, but is just there. Being useful. This is bigger, wider, longer and taller than the old 3 — but lighter. Which basically means because there’s less drag, you can get to about 100km/h in under seven seconds. It’s roomy inside, if a little corporate-cold. But this is a sporty delight. BMW.co.nz/3-series-sedan