( Read more about how we rate cars.)īMW updated the 3-Series last year with an new look that cuts a sharper hold in the air. The interior lines don't hold up, and technophiles will be disappointed. The exterior shape is clean, simple, and still elegant. From the exterior, you'd be hard-pressed to notice, but from the interior that fact is hard to miss. The 2017 BMW 3-Series is now the oldest among German competitors in terms of design. That may help justify that big bill for BMW's new feature for 2017. A $745 carbon fiber rear spoiler? Maybe not.īefore you scoff at $300 for Apple CarPlay, which other automakers seemingly throw in for free, consider that BMW's system runs without wires. Heated seats help in northern states, and we'd always suggest better performance.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, manually adjustable front seats, leatherette upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, and a 6.5-inch display for its infotainment system, which BMW calls iDrive.īigger wheels, better infotainment, and more creature comforts all come with a higher price tag, some of which seem excessive. Outward visibility is surprisingly good in the 3-Series, but BMW frustratingly saddles a rearview camera with a $400 price tag.īase 320i sedans are fairly spartan, considering their mid-$30,000 price tag. The 3-Series improved its rating by the IIHS this year to be a Top Safety Pick+ (when equipped with a lighting package and $4,000 in options) and has a five-star overall rating from federal testers. The trunk's 15.8 cubic feet of space is enough to swallow plenty of gear. Unlike trendier shapes that cut into rear head room, the 3-Series offers good space for tall torsos in back, and it's traditional design makes for better cargo room too. The rear seats are good for children or small adults on long trips tall riders may want to consider horsetrading with front riders to get enough room to be comfortable. Front seat riders get good seats with adequate bolstering and nice leg support. The electric-assisted steering is weighted nicely and manages to push back when the 3-Series is running out of grip and we're running out of talent.Īlthough this is the biggest 3-Series yet, it's still very much a compact car. In any case, every 3-Series is a sharp handler with an excellent feel and flat attitudes. We cheer even louder for the 8-speed automatic that seems telepathic and instant in its shifiting, and sport programs that make us almost forget how much we love a manual.
In 320i, 330i, and 340i models, a 6-speed manual transmission is available at every stop (the 330i doesn't offer a manual with all-wheel drive) and we applaud BMW's efforts for bringing those models to the U.S. Lessees may consider the 320i's tempting entry price, but we say skip the Starbucks each month and skip the 180-hp 320i-the 330i's turbo-4 will be worth it. Mash the throttle and the 340i spins up an overwhelming and instant 330 pound-feet of twist that used to only come with M3 badges. The 340i's turbo-6 and 320 hp will brighten anyone's day and tempt every right foot. We've driven the new turbo-4 in the 5-Series (which is a heavier car by 300 lbs) and it feels aptly powered there-it's hard to imagine it'd feel worse in a lighter car. Its uprated 248 horsepower and improved feel from last year's model should make it a more competent performer for most buyers. New for 2017, the 330i probably hits the goldilocks spot for most drivers. Under hood is a variety of powerplants that range from efficient (328d diesel and 330e hybrid) to blistering fast (M3 and 340i) or more commonly commuter (320i and 330i). Spend more and get more, it's a recurring theme.
Interior materials range from rich and luxurious to muddled and fussy-even a little cheap. The interior is starting to look a little plain and outdated, compared to the techno-blitzes from Audi and Mercedes-Benz in their A4 and C-Class, respectively.
We can't say the same about the 3-Series everywhere else. It's a elegant and classic look from the 3-Series, and one that won't get old soon.
The grille and headlights were made bigger slightly and the back end is more distinctive than before. The sharp exterior was updated for 2016 and carries on this year, still sharp. The BMW 3-Series is dressed for dinner with the parents. The 2017 BMW 3-Series earns a 6.8 overall on our scale, which reflects its good fuel economy, safety, and performance.