It wouldn't be an understatement to say that the most watched and anticipated luxury car introduction is the arrival of the 3 Series from BMW. If you have ever heard of the term ''benchmark'', the 3 Series is the benchmark or the industry gold standard when it comes to vehicle dynamics, control, power and refinement in the compact luxury segment. Not just a big deal outside of BMW's stable it is also a huge deal inside the company as it reflects the single most important model in terms of sales and profit. Just as other brands start to catch BMW, they come out with an all-new model that raises the bar even further. Now on its sixth generation, the BMW 3 Series is still one of most aspirational cars, one that many Canadians will actually be able to afford.
The Skin
BMW always staggers the introduction of their models, the first 3 Series to arrive is the sedan you see here, followed next year by the coupe and convertible models and eventually the M3 performance model. The biggest news is that the base 320i and middle 328i are powered by a turbo 4-cylinder and the 335i in-line 6-cyliner engine is carried over. This new model is also longer, with a wider track (the distance between the wheels, side to side), providing more interior space but making the 3 Series look more like the 5. In fact, this latest model is almost the same size as the 5 Series sold just ten years ago (E39). With a more aggressive grille and headlights along with strong character lines down the side, this car is instantly recognizable but more modern and menacing.
Paul Jensen 10:46 AM on September 2, 2012 My (empty-nester & retired) wife and I would like to do some motor touring. The motorcycle won't carry her make up bag and would occasionally get her wet, so I am thinking of a nice, used convertible, with: - enough space for multi-week touring - enough power to mimic the motorcycle thrill - AWD or traction control so we can cross mountain passes in snowy weather - a hard top convertible (or good, insulated soft top) for driving in Calgary's winter Which cars would you suggest I look at? Thanks, Paul
Motormouth.ca says: 4:07 PM on September 2, 2012 How much do you want to spend? If money is not a problem, then a BMW 335 AWD convertible will do the trick.
Jason 3:31 PM on June 30, 2012 Zack, great review and I definitely like the improvements over my current ride which is a 2009 328xi. As part of the ''bad'' you mentioned that the x-drive versions are coming out later. Given a choice between a RWD and X-drive version of the 328, which would you pick and why? Is it safe to say that any AWD system on a sports sedan makes it a better driving vehicle?
Thanks,
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