BMW 328i - The Sinewy-Looking “All-New"

4/11/2013 4:35:45 PM

More than three decades and 12 million units have shaped the sinewy-looking “all-new" BMW 3-Series (F30). As the most successful and preferred sport luxury saloon ever, it has a lot to live up to. Turns out, it does way more than that!

Tasty 18in alloys wear run-flat tyres but the ride is more compliant than before without taking away from the famed handling of the 3-Series. Mate that with a perfect 50:50 front/rear weight balance and you have a saloon that won’t mind doing track days, especially in the Sport+ mode!

BMW 328i

BMW 328i

BMW Connected is a free service that integrates apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Calendar, Web radio stations and more, with text-to-speech support. This will read out your messages and info through the in-car audio system, so you can focus on the next apex and not the next friend request to be accepted...

BMW Connected is a free service that integrates apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Calendar, Web radio stations and more

BMW Connected is a free service that integrates apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Calendar, Web radio stations and more

Completely redesigned interiors now reflect your attitude and the cars exterior color too. The 328i is only available in Sport trim but the diesel variant has a Luxury trim option which replaces the Coral red strip across the dash for an exotic wood veneer. The gear shifter is a lift from the 5-series and so is the upgraded iDrive control system.

The 328i is only available in Sport trim but the diesel variant has a Luxury trim option.

The 328i is only available in Sport trim but the diesel variant has a Luxury trim option.

It might seem like a downgrade, but the new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes more power and crucially, more torque than the outgoing straight six. A 241bhp and whopping 35.69kgm of torque are mated to the slick 8-speed transmission with paddle shifters. It’s an experience you won’t forget, quickly.

Compatible with a selection of BlackBerry, Android, Symbian or iOS smartphones and devices, the Bluetooth interface will let you control your appointments, phone book and make a call without ever leaving the chunky steering wheel. Integration of car and technology at its finest.

Techy bits of the new 3

Hi-Fi Loudspeaker system

Hi-Fi Loudspeaker system

Hi-Fi Loudspeaker system

The 10-speaker Harman/Kardon system is standard on the 328i and it lives up to the name of one of the biggest hi-fi brands in the world. Since the inline 6-cylinder engine has been replaced by a turbo-4, you may need to listen to music more often now than on the earlier 330i.

Power and torque meters

Power and torque meters

Power and torque meters

Besides packing in a 12GB hard drive and sat/nav credentials, the giant 9in screen is also used for fun stuff like displaying the power and torque virtual meters when you switch to the Sport+ driving mode. BMW just knows how to push your buttons!

Heads-up display

Heads-up display

Heads-up display

Previously available in the more expensive 5, 6 and 7-Series vehicles, this is the first time a feature like this is being offered in this class segment. The 3-Series HUD is one of the best in the business, displaying maps and speed in your line of vision.

Type: 4 cylinder; 1997cc; Turbocharged

Power: 241bhp @ 5000-6000RPM

Torque: 35.69kgm

0-100 km/h: 6.4 secs

Fuel economy: 15.5 km/per liter

Transmission: 8-speed with paddle shifters

Steering: Electromechanical

Reverse parking camera: Yes

Heads-up display: Yes

Tires: 225/45 R18

Verdict

· Ratings: 5/5

· Please do not hand the keys to a chauffeur if you're lucky enough to own this car. Ever!

BMW 328i Vs Mercedes C250 CDI

BMW 328i Vs Mercedes C250 CDI

Armed with the sexy new AMG kit, this oil- burning Merc is practical with a naughty side to it. The five year-old design still looks fresh and some might even prefer it to the familiar-looking bimmer. It may not be as sharp as the BMW, but it blends classic Merc qualities with some modern touches.