The BMW 330e plug-in hybrid is on the horizon, but there’s still much to like about the diesel-powered 320d.
For many people who aren’t enthusiastic about driving nowadays may find an SUV a compelling choice due to its good driving view and spacious and versatile cabin.
And when it comes to BMWs, there’s the X1 and X3 for this particular set of buyers who can stretch their budgets beyond mass-market offerings from the Japanese and American car camps.
Which is why BMW has taken the development of the latest 3 Series quite seriously. It’s not only that rivals have been piling lots of pressure on BMW’s best-selling sedan but for the fact of the seismic shift to SUVs.
As how we found out during our first outing with the new 3 Series in Europe late last year, BMW has managed to make it an even more appealing car to drive yet giving it a roomier package and comfier ride.
But a better verdict can only be delivered now because we have gotten behind the wheel of the volume-selling 320d shod with normal suspension and without the spicier but pricier M Sport package.
Called 320d Sport, this particular 3 Series is currently being sold in completely built-up form at 2.929 million baht. Sure, local assembly in the coming months should bring its price down and with possibly more relevant kit, plus the M Sport option for people needing extra pizzazz.
As well, a plug-in hybrid in the guise of the 330e is being planned in Thai showrooms to supersede the 330i, the other model variance being offered alongside the 320d in imported form costing 3.329 million baht.
Sure, the 258hp 330i and its M Sport outfit should definitely attract enthusiasts needing a “sport sedan”. But we’ll cut to the chase by suggesting that the 320d is equally rewarding to drive while saving 400k in the process.
Although the 320d’s B47-coded diesel has been around for more than five years, it still does a great job in the real world by offering competitive levels of tractability, fuel economy and above-idle refinement.
Combined that with the ubiquitous eight-speed torque converter automatic which does a fine job in smoothly transferring grunt to the rear wheels.
If there’s something to moan about this drivetrain, it would probably be no other than some noticeable turbo lag at low speed around town. Going into Sport mode could actually be a remedy because it helps keep the motor running at its peak torque curve.
Out on the highway, the 320d feels lively at all times by being responsive, punchy and smooth. The Mercedes-Benz C220d may have some on-paper advantages in terms of power and torque, but it doesn’t necessarily feel superior to the 320d on the road.
Despite negative news about diesel at the moment, such kind of power is still useful in yielding a fine balance between usable power and economy.
The same could also be said for the 320d’s chassis setup. Handling was always an important hallmark in the 3 Series. But ride comfort is equally important these days which is why BMW has injected more of it into the 3 Series.
The softer primary ride has definitely made the 3 Series comfier, and the fabled handling hasn’t been compromised. The steering remains wonderfully tailored in terms of precision and weight. And thanks to a bigger footprint than ever, there’s plenty of grip at all kinds of speeds.
It’s not without faults, though, in this particular department. As usual, the run-flat tyres can be felt and heard over rough road surfaces eating into rolling refinement slightly. Which is quite a pity because cabin quietness on well-paved tarmac is another improvement in the 3 Series.
Even so, the overall driving experience in the 320d is probably the best around by being fluid, rewarding and mostly cossetting at the same time. And while it has grown in size, you can hardly feel it on the move. Yes, it’s an agile car to drive, too.
The 3 Series is also highly practical considering its four-door sedan genus. There’s ample room for big and tall persons in the rear. Plus, there are plenty of storage holes and the cavernous boot can be made more capacious by folding the backrests down nearly flat.
Speaking of the interior, the driving environment is spot on with various functions clustered together neatly in ideal positions. The infotainment system is possibly the best around in terms of usage and what it has to offer.
Too bad a rear parking camera portraying real-world images on the screen isn’t available (only line guidance and aural sensors at the moment). Other driving aids have yet to reach the 320d when several of its rivals are already getting them.
OK, this may be subjective. But the Sport look of the 320d has some fussy details like those T-shape inserts in the bumpers and the wheels feel a little too puny despite measuring a generous 18 inches in diameter. The M Sport variation in the 330i certainly feels more soothing (along with its racier steering wheel).
Subjectivity and some price/spec issues aside, the 320d is a fine premium sedan for people who enjoy driving and don’t need the excessiveness of an SUV.
The semi-electric 330e is claimed to be coming with an improved hybrid, a host of goodies and sub-3 million baht prices thanks to low excise taxation. But the 320d is still highly likable and deserves to sit alongside its new-age sibling in showrooms.
