Insurance Group: 26
MPG: 44.1
CO2: 148
0-62 Mph: 8.2 secs
BHP: 170 BHP
Range: 611 miles
However, if economy is a concern or you want a company car, then the more economical 316d and 320d models are much better propositions.
PROS: A roomy saloon with great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, loads of space and equipment, a powerful engine and fantastic driveability.
CONS: Pricey. The suspension is sometimes a little firm.
The 320i handles like a dream thanks to its balanced rear-wheel drive chassis and direct steering. The engine is powerful, smooth and quiet, with the cabin insulated from outside sounds - making it comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
The 320i Exclusive has a 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 170 bhp and 155 lb-ft of torque. This means 0-62 mph is taken care of in 8.2 seconds and the top speed is 142mph.
Although criticised for its blandness on its introduction, the 3 Series is a good looking car which offers more conventional looks than its big brothers, the 5 and 7 Series.
This Exclusive model comes with leather seats, power steering, stability control, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity, climate control, rear parking sensors and stereo as standard, with optional extras including cruise control for £195 and satellite navigation for £1,125.
The interior is tastefully appointed and is made from high quality materials, making for a luxurious feel.
BMWs are builty very well and there is little reason to suggest that the 320i will be anything other than utterly reliable.
Standard equipment includes six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of anti-lock braking system (ABS), cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control.
An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems).
There is plenty of space inside and the boot is a good size too at 460-litres.
The 3 Series benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology, which gives the engine excellent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. The 320i Exclusive model costs £26,395 and has a combined economy of 44.1 mpg and CO2 emissions of 148g/km.
The 320i Exclusive is a good saloon option, with loads of equipment. For a more efficient version (if it’s a company car, or you’re the environmentally friendly type) try the 320d EfficientDynamics model which is only slightly more expensive. The cheaper, less gadget-filled 316d ES is a good option as well providing decent efficiency.
BMW have rock-solid residuals thanks to superb reliability and the desirability of the BMW roundle.
A great car to drive and a great car to run – the 318i has fantastic handling and makes light work of windy country roads. There is plenty of room both in front and in the back, as well as a spacio...
The 318i M Sport comes equipped with a wealth of features, which is what marks it apart from the ES and SE models. The car handles beautifully and makes driving a pleasure, especially as it also...
The 320i has a powerful engine, smooth handling and firm suspension making it a pleasure to drive. The running costs are low due to the 'Efficient Dynamics' technology, which provides great fuel ec...
The BMW 3 Series is a very popular car, and for good reason. It offers great performance with smooth acceleration and highly responsive brakes and throttle, making it a very pleasing car to drive, ...
The 325i SE is a great, roomy car that is reasonably priced for a BMW and handles well, offering fantastic value for money with relatively low running costs. The 325d option does offer better econo...
You might want to read reviews for other Medium Exec cars that you can then compare to the BMW 3 Series. Here are some popular BMW 3 Series alternatives:
