The BMW 3-Series can put you into the ultimate driving machine at a lower than ultimate price. These autos start at around $35,000 which makes it a great first foray into the luxury class. With an average mpg of 24 in the city and 35 for highway driving, this performance car won't have you at the gas station all the time! From the 320i sedan and xDrive to the 328d sedan and wagon, as well as the 330 performance sedan, there is a 3-Series available for most all tastes. True to the BMW reputation, the entire 3-Series enjoy high safety ratings and strong reliability. If you are interested in upping your driving game, but also want to keep things relatively affordable, take a look at the 3-Series.
The Turbo I-4 and Turbo I-6 are available in four different configurations, including with diesel and hybrid engines. The base model includes a 2.0-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 340i offers 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, impressively getting you from zero to 60 mph in a quick 5 seconds.
The BMW 3 Series goes up against cars like the Acura TLX, the Lexus IS 200t and the Audi A4. Compared to this group, the 3-Series performs better than the Acura and Lexus by reaching 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, compared with 6.8 and 6.5 seconds, respectively. The Audi clocked in at a slightly lower 5.2 seconds.
While not a leader in this stat, the 3 Series still maintains a respectable average of 23 mpg in the city with 34 mpg on the highway. The diesel engine boasts up to 43 mpg with highway driving, and the hybrid plug-in can get you up to 71 mpg which is pretty impressive.
With the majority of this model represented by sedans, it is not an obvious choice for consumers looking for extra room to haul their gear. At 17 cubic feet, the sedans offer about what you would expect. Need extra room and have your heart set on a BMW? Fear not, the wagons and GT models offer 27.5 and 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space respectively.
The 2018 BMW 3 Series remains a top performer in dealerships and on the road. Given its reasonable pricing, this is a preferred luxury car for new buyers in the market segment. With the changes that were introduced in the 2017 models, it does appear that BMW is working to further cement its position with turbocharged engines with inline-6 configurations.
The short answer is not really. While the recent engine upgrades to the 2017 model have been carried over, changes to the 2018 model focus on features that enhance the interior experience. It is rumored that a total revamp of the 3 Series is coming soon, but nothing is definite yet!
Well, there is good news and bad news. The good news: the 3 Series receives a top ranking from the IIHS, and federal testers give it a top score of 5. The bad news is that this level of safety comes at a price, as most of the enhancements are offered as add-on features.
Yes. The 330e is the BMW hybrid offering in this class. It receives great acclaim for its drivability and handling, with some consumers lamenting the lack of available options. The standard features are exactly what you would expect from a BMW, and with a starting price point of $45,600, it is still represents a great entry into the luxury class.