BMW 3 Series Saloon 2018 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

BMW 3 Series offers great handling and practicality.

Transcript

the BMW 3-series now this is the benchmark by which all other compact executive cars are judged yeah Matthew Watson London I'm a car reviewer it's a Mazda mx-5 and it's supercharged how much I don't forget that sorry I was just on hold to my insurance company trying to get quiet on my car anyway the 3-series yes so it's conflicts desirable it's fun... Read More

Key Insights

• The BMW 3 Series is considered a benchmark for compact executive cars, offering a blend of desirability, fun, and practicality.
• The interior of the 3 Series is spacious, with ample knee and headroom for passengers, though the middle rear seat is less comfortable.
• The boot space is practical and competitive with rivals, and folding rear seats come standard, though split-folding is an extra cost.
• The car's design is distinctive with a sporty interior, featuring a driver-focused dashboard and good build quality.
• Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, and the iDrive system is praised for its ease of use and functionality.
• Optional features like adaptive suspension and automatic gearbox significantly enhance driving comfort and performance.
• The 3 Series offers a variety of engines, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid options, with the diesel being the most popular in the UK.
• While the 3 Series excels in handling, it does have some drawbacks, such as road noise and the need for additional spending on options for optimal performance.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the BMW 3 Series a benchmark in its class?

The BMW 3 Series is considered a benchmark in the compact executive class due to its blend of desirability, fun, and practicality. It offers excellent handling, a spacious and well-designed interior, and a variety of engine options, making it a well-rounded vehicle that sets a standard for competitors.

Q: How does the interior of the BMW 3 Series accommodate passengers?

The interior of the BMW 3 Series is spacious, providing ample knee and headroom for passengers, especially in the rear seats. However, the middle rear seat is less comfortable due to limited headroom. The interior design is driver-focused, with a sporty dashboard and good build quality, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Q: What are the key features of the BMW 3 Series' boot space?

The boot space of the BMW 3 Series is practical and competitive, offering good volume compared to its main rivals. The shape of the boot makes it more practical than the Mercedes C-Class, though not as spacious as the Audi A4. Folding rear seats are standard, but split-folding requires an additional cost.

Q: What standard and optional features enhance the BMW 3 Series' driving experience?

The BMW 3 Series comes standard with satellite navigation and the iDrive system, which is praised for its ease of use. Optional features that enhance the driving experience include adaptive suspension, which provides a balance between comfort and sportiness, and the automatic gearbox, known for its smooth performance.

Q: What are the engine options available for the BMW 3 Series?

The BMW 3 Series offers a variety of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. The diesel engine is the most popular choice in the UK, providing good fuel economy and performance. The 2-liter diesel engine, for instance, offers impressive acceleration and efficiency, making it a versatile option for drivers.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the BMW 3 Series mentioned in the review?

The review mentions several drawbacks of the BMW 3 Series, including increased road and wind noise compared to competitors like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class. Additionally, the car requires optional features, such as adaptive suspension, to achieve optimal driving performance. The entry-level petrol engine is also noted for being bumpy.

Q: How does the BMW 3 Series compare to its competitors in terms of visibility and noise?

The BMW 3 Series offers excellent visibility due to its thin pillars, providing a good view for navigating in urban environments. However, it does have more road and wind noise compared to competitors like the Audi A4 and Mercedes C-Class, which may affect the overall driving experience in terms of cabin quietness.

Q: What is the significance of the optional adaptive suspension for the BMW 3 Series?

The optional adaptive suspension is significant for the BMW 3 Series as it enhances the car's driving dynamics by offering a balance between comfort and sportiness. It allows drivers to switch between sports mode for a more engaging drive and comfort mode for a smoother ride, making it a worthwhile investment for those seeking the best driving experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The BMW 3 Series 2018 is a compact executive car known for its excellent handling and practicality. It offers a spacious interior, competitive boot space, and a distinctive design. The car comes with standard navigation and the intuitive iDrive system, with options for adaptive suspension and an automatic gearbox.

• Despite its strengths, the 3 Series has some downsides, including road noise and the need for optional features to achieve the best driving experience. It offers various engine choices, with the diesel being a popular option in the UK. Overall, it's a well-rounded vehicle for those seeking performance and comfort.

• The review highlights the 3 Series as a benchmark in its class, providing a blend of fun and practicality. While it requires additional investment for certain features, the car's handling and build quality make it a competitive choice among compact executive cars.