BMW 3 Series 2012 review: road test

The car that already accounts for a third of all BMW sales seems certain to build on its success, with the latest 3 Series growing in stature, power and efficiency. 

The range, launched last week in Victoria's hilly Healesville, comprises five models, all of them turbocharged and all fitted with eight-speed transmissions, engine stop-start technology and a long list of standard features. 

Two are diesels, three on petrol diets and there's a cracker of a new four-cylinder engine that replaces the much-loved straight-six in two of the variants. BMW says advance orders for the new 3s are the strongest yet. 

Explore the 2012 BMW 3 Series range

• BMW 3 Series 2012 review
• BMW 3 Series 2012 review: road test
• BMW 328i 2012 review: road test
• BMW 3 Series 2012 review: snapshot
• BMW 318d 2012 review
• BMW 318d 2012 review: road test

THE RANGE

The diesels are the 318d and 320d, then there's the 320i, 328i and the ferocious 335i. 

Its 225kW and 400Nm engine carries-over from last year, but fuel economy has been improved, emissions are down and acceleration has been cut to a blistering 5.5seconds to 100km/h. It's also about $10,000 cheaper than the earlier model. 

DESIGN 

Sleeker than ever, the 3 Series now has a drag factor of just 0.26 thanks to its sporty aesthetic. 

The car has a 50mm longer wheelbase, is 93mm longer overall and front and rear tracks have been pushed out by 37 and 47mm respectively. 

A thin lower air intake sits below the grille and helps to create an aero-improving'air curtain.' Inside, back seat passengers get more leg and headroom and the backrest has a 20/40/20 split to extend cargo space. 

The cockpit has a new free-standing colour monitor for the comprehensive iDrive functions and some models get a heads-up display on the windscreen.

TECHNOLOGY

The engines in all models have twin-scroll turbos. The 318d has a 2.0litre 105kW/320Nm diesel and an official fuel figure of 4.5litres/100km. The 320d, also a 2.0litre, puts out 135kW/380Nm and the same economy and the 320i petrol version has the all-new 2.0litre four that develops 135kW and 270Nm, with a combined cycle of 6.0litres/100km. 

The 328i has a highly tuned version of the same motor: 180kW and 350Nm and the 335i has a 3.0 six with 225kW and 400Nm. The smooth, fast-shifting ZF eight-speed auto is a first for BMW in the mid-size segment.

It's a great unit linked to the new Driving Experience Control (DEC) rocker switch that not only offers Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus options, but also Eco Pro mode, which gives all the models the potential to improve the economy figures.

DRIVING

It's what you make of it. Take your pick of the DEC quartet and you can go like the clappers, cruise in luxury or do the eco thing. The undercarriage has been beefed up and rewards drivers with better dynamics and ride comfort. The 3 Series has a near-perfect 50/50 balance  it's also 30kg lighter and its quick steering, huge torque, tremendous brakes and tenacious grip make it a standout in the driver department. 

VALUE

Start at $56,400 for the 318d. The 320d is $60,900, the 320i $57,600, the 328i $66,900 and the flagship
335i $91,900. There are also Modern, Sport and Luxury Line trim and equipment options and a vast selection of extras that can easily take even the mid-spec models well into six figures. 

The 335i, 328i and 320d are on sale now, with 320i and 318d stocks arriving in the March production. We enjoyed almost every aspect of the new 3 Series. An exception would be the optional `driftwood' interior trim; truly awful.