2016 BMW 3 Series 320D: First Drive Review

Think BMWs and the first thing that comes to mind are cars that offer a mix of driving dynamics and enticing designs. More so with the 3 Series, a car that has been the choice of the younger lot of luxury car buyers, particularly the ones going for their first proper luxury car. The 3 Series has always been looked upon as a youthful car that focuses more on being a driver’s car rather than boasting about its backseat comfort or luxury. That said, the current generation 3 was hailed for moving the game up by offering better backseat comfort and luxury, while still remaining as much of a driver’s car. 

However, with competitors upping the ante in the segment with newer models, the current 3 Series is beginning to feel dated. The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is just over a year old, the Jaguar XE is all-new while the new generation Audi A4 is just around the corner. A facelifted 3 Series was expected then, and BMW India launched a refreshed version at the Auto Expo, right on cue.

Interestingly, there’s just a 320D diesel on offer for now – there is no turbocharged petrol engine equipped 328i, but the 2.0-litre diesel engine in 320D is a new engine. There’s a lot of other tweaks as well – like better ride quality and more equipment and a top of the line M Sport edition, which looks a lot more alluring. 

Exterior and design

The current 3 Series still looks attractive, and its styling didn’t exactly need to be tinkered around with. But the changes to its design do give it a fresher, more appealing look. The front end looks wider now thanks to the revised air intakes, while the headlight design has been revised as well to give the car a distinct visual identity. LED headlights are now standard, irrespective of the trim you choose. You could go in for the Sport Line, Luxury Line of the M Sport package you see here. The M Sport package which gives it a sportier appearance with its different front and rear bumpers, M badges, sportier alloys and this lovely shade of blue called Estoril blue that’s exclusive to this trim. 

Interiors and space

There’s a familiar feel to the insides of the car, especially the centre console, though there are a lot of changes. The car gets paddle shift levers, a welcome addition for the sportier kinds like me, along with different materials and finishes for the M Sport trim. The low set cabin adds to the sporty ambience inside, though it is surprisingly spacious while the seats, finished in tan brown leather are very comfortable. There’s a lot of unlacquered carbon fibre like panels on the centre console and doors which give the insides a raw, sportscar like feel, along with the matte finish of the Alcantara-like material on the dashboard. 

Features and equipment

The M Sport Package we drove focuses on sportiness above everything else, and does a really good job of it. The M gear lever reminded me of the M3, and the driver’s seat is a fantastic place to be in if you like driving and enjoy motorsport. That’s also because unique to this trim are a head-up display, sports front seats that grip you perfectly, 3-spoke steering wheel from the M cars and sportier, aluminium pedals. The navigation system does its job well, and I had barely any trouble punching in destinations in the NCR region where we drove the car. A sunroof and high resolution 8.7 inch screen are standard on the Sport, Luxury and M Sport trims whereas the Prestige makes do with a smaller 6.5 inch screen.

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Engine and performance

This is the new 2.0-litre engine we first saw on the new X3. Displacing the same 1995cc as before, the engine is a new motor and is more powerful than before, offering 192PS of power and 400Nm of torque, which is developed at a mere 1750rpm. The motor feels smoother than before, but the amount of engine noise creeping into the cabin was unexpected. BMW is claiming a 0 to 100kmph time 7.2 seconds, which is marginally quicker than before. Performance feels similar to the older engine’s which was always a likeable motor. The engine pulls well from the moment you give it a go, with a linearity that’s impressive enough to want you to keep your right foot down. 

Ratios for the 8-speed automatic gearbox are different now and the car feels more drivable than before, especially in city. The paddles are a delight to use, coupled with the quick responses from the gearbox. As compared to its German rivals, the 3 Series has always been the most fun to drive car and the current car does follow the tradition well. 

Ride and ease of driving

The 3 Series has always been easy to drive and the latest car feels the same way, though a lot of buyers would find the seating too low which could hinder their view of the outsides. One of the biggest highlights of this new car is the plushness of its suspension. The older 3 was known for being stiffly sprung, but the new car surprised me with the way it took in bumps and dips on the road. There was a particular moment where I saw a dip at the very last moment and braced myself, but the car just took it in its stride without a hitch. The steering too has been much lighter than before which makes navigating traffic a breeze. Rear seat comfort is thus far better now, and the 3 Series feels like a better car overall. 

Handling and braking

Somewhere deep inside the driver in me was a disappointed as the suspension is now softer, but I was glad to note that’s not at the expense of sporty driving. Chuck the car carelessly into a fast corner and it stays planted, making it through confidently. The large 20-inch wheels on our car helped matters, though they did make the car prone to thuds a few times. The softer suspension does not deter the sporty demeanour of the 3 Series in any way, and the car is still as much of a driver’s car as before. Although, I was not too impressed with the steering. Yes it’s light and a treat to use in the city but as the speeds start climbing you expect it get heavier but it doesn’t resulting in the 3-series being rather twitchy and nervous at high speeds. 

Price and efficiency

Pricing for the 3 Series begins at Rs 35.9 lakh for the Prestige, stretching all the way up to Rs 44.5 lakh ex-showroom pan India for the M Sport Package you see here, while the Sport Line and Luxury Line slot in between, both priced at Rs 41.5 lakh ex-showroom. 

Verdict

The 3 Series has always been more of a statement for buyers in this segment with its dynamic appeal and sporty feel. If you enjoy driving, the M Sport Package is what you should look at, as it includes a lot of subtle styling tweaks over the regular car that bring it closer to the M cars in terms of feel inside, while looking smashing. The 3 Series has been the choice of buyers wanting a fun to drive luxury sedan, and the refreshed 3 Series carries the tradition forward while offering much better comfort and luxury in the same sporty package.