The middle class in Germany is clearly determined by the so-called premium brands. The new BMW 3 Series now wants to present again in an eternal duel with the Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4. Did the Bayern eradicate the few weaknesses of the previous generation?
SP-X / Cologne. When BMW launches a new generation of sedans, expectations are always high; no matter if it's the 7er, the 5er or the 3er. The latter is in its seventh generation since March in Germany on the market. We drove the variant 330i with a powerful turbo gasoline engine.
Let's start with the look: Not everyone notices that the 3er is a completely new vehicle. Although the BMW mid-size has grown in length and width, but the typical insignia of the brand of course remained. In direct comparison with its predecessor, however, the attentive viewer notices the overall more modern design with sharper lines and more meticulous bodywork.
But this is even more noticeable in the interior, since so far apart from the space available, above all, attention to detail has been missing and, at one point or another, an adequate material quality has been missing. This has changed significantly as expected. Plastics and other materials have a higher quality and very well processed. Incidentally, the bigger, razor-sharp head-up display made it especially fun, an option that you should definitely choose. In addition, BMW has adopted by the maxim "sporty = tight" and finally offers the appropriate for a (expensive) mid-size sedan place. By the way, and also in the back. Only the one and even more the exit from the fund could prove particularly difficult for not very young people due to the sloping roofline. Praiseworthy, however, with the 480 liters quite large trunk and more still the standard three-piece folding rear seat back.
The buyer of an 3er will enjoy all this, but more importantly, he will put emphasis on propulsion power, agility and maneuverability of his vehicle. In this regard, the fan may be reassured. With the 190 kW / 258 horsepower 2,0-liter turbo gasoline engine on board, one is absolutely sovereign motorized. The engine responds snappily at virtually any speed, but at the same time is cultured and always provides more than enough, up to a total of 400 Newtonmeter torque ready. The performance underlines this: With 5,8 seconds for the standard sprint and regulated 250 km / h top 330i plays in a league that were formerly reserved for a maximum M3. Who indulges in our test car, the M-package for 5.100 Euro, then has optically also a small M3 in his hands. Incidentally, he can always leave that on the steering wheel, because the standard eight-speed automatic gearbox usually does the switching work better than we ever could in everyday life.
The handling of the 4,71 Meter is not exactly small and with just under 1,6 tons not overly light, of course, always driven over the rear wheels vehicle is simply outstanding and even better than its predecessor. Every curve that the 3er seems to crave fits perfectly. There are also powerful, well-dosed brakes. Criticism could be practiced on the too direct and therefore somewhat nervous-looking steering. In addition, the 3er is tuned fairly tight at least in this variant, which reduces comfort compared to a C-class, especially when slow driving.
BMW specifies a standard fuel consumption of 330 liters (5,8 g CO134 / km) for the 2i. Of course, this would be a top value given the power offered. He can be reached, if at all, only with the utmost restraint. We came across 14 days on a test value of 8,4 liters per 100 kilometer, which is clearly more than promised, on the other hand, in the light of a somewhat forced driving just fine. Those who do not exaggerate and move their 3er with all due care in everyday life, will probably come in practice with 6,5 to 7 liters.
Remains to conclude, as always with German premium manufacturers a little unpleasant look at the price: 44.750 Euro calls BMW for the 330i. And even if the equipment among other things with automatic transmission, LED headlights, traffic sign recognition or lane departure warning is not exactly barren, there are of course in the surcharge list still much tick - 60.000 Euro are then reached quickly.
On the other hand, the new BMW 3 Series is also a model car in its class and - a feat, after all, it is the latest product - currently, as expected, a hood length more modern than the southern German competition. As in football, the conclusion also applies here: The championship (in this case the middle class) goes to Munich.