To not be accused of bias, I confess I'm a fan of another premium brand. So, at the meeting with the new BMW 3 Series I’ve been more than objective. I sat and wait, I felt, I listened, I smelled, I abused ... result surprised me!

Any new model of the three sacred monsters of the auto industry, the three in Germany - Mercedes, Audi and BMW is also a opportunity to start a page in the history book of the car
Talk about the sixth generation 3 Series model in range that started for the German manufacturer in 1975. For the last three generations, for example E36, each new model was greeted with some skepticism vis-à-vis the design. But the success of this model, regardless of generation, makes us believe that the design is ultimately a matter of tastes.

Obviously the new generation has generated plenty of controversy in terms of design. If about the E36, E46 and the E90 in terms of design we can speak of an evolution, the new model marks a revolution. BMW 3-Serie remained the only model in German manufacturer portfolio who vaguely reminded of the 90 ... to 2000. And all this time in terms of brand image design has evolved significantly.
From my point of view this new BMW 3-Serie is not a model to fall in love at first sight. There are angles of the car that looks good, others of which you are about to "turn the page", but the body provides sufficient details that intrigue.

Personally, we appreciate the discretion of a model, but we're talking about a "discretion" which for the audience can generate confusion. Which is not difficult given that the new model has grown in size, it's a gauge to 37 mm higher, while the rear is larger by 47 mm. Length increased by 93 mm and the wheelbase by 50 mm.


If we speak of a revolution on the outside… things are just the same for the interior. Coincidentally or not we had the opportunity to test the previous generation BMW 3 Series. Differences are not visible… are huge, almost you get the impression of doing a jump from 90 in 2012. First, there is a significant progress in terms of materials and finishes. The new luxury interior can cancel their class differences, and he put equal to 5 or 7 Series. And for a client of 3 Series this is a big plus.
BMW designers have finally realized that the "bubble" in the center of the dashboard screen sheltering iDrive infotainment system was "easy" unsightly. They solved this detail dropped this artifice design and centrally located a screen that enables viewing daily information provided by BMW ConnectedDrive system. The news: Parking Assistant with Surround View and usability of the data package subscription via Bluetooth phone to surf the Internet so you can access Google street view for example - easier to locate an address.

Let me tell you something about the second-generation Head-Up Display: is now color and provides much more information. The new model also got, where is equipped with an automatic gearbox, an Quickshift selector. One reproach is that the BMW did not choose the same solution for the scoreboard, it is with two classic cadrans, and the right side is provided with a little more generous display for different information.
Is not a criticism generated by the difficulties in visualizing information, but a trifle: before you start, the dashboard is not symmetrical. The test was taken to Sports trim. By the way, the new generation entering a new chapter to equipment levels. We have Luxury Line, Sport Line, Modern Line and exuberant M Sport package. Versions are relatively easy to identify because on the front wings have a small logo marking equipment level. Those who can afford to open the door will find this detail marked on the threshold.

Sport Line has been translated in superb sports seats, with full adjustment possibilities. Have to mention that and that BMW sport steering wheel with good grip and a size large enough to fill perfectly the palm. In other news I did not understand that red trim on the dashboard, but neither wanted to find some meaning. It goes with strokes of red seats, steering wheel stitching ... If you are tented by a BMW 3-Serie allow me a small hint, check the list of optional Logic 7 audio system.

Driving position is in BMW line, low, sporty, I can say that is like a masseuse who prepares the "subject" to enter the ring and get KO in the first round. However if the driver has over 1.85 meters, behind him it remains a small enough space for rear passengers feet. The 50 mm of extra wheelbase are not really noticeable for the back seats. The trunk boasts a volume of 480 liters, a 20 liters compared to the older generation. I would have appreciated a wider load mouth opening to allow a little bulky luggage to be storage in the trunk.


From a technical standpoint we checked some premieres. First TwinPower Turbo propellers are therefore offering for our 320d: 184 hp at 4,000 rpm and 380 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 2,750 rpm. Who chooses automatic gearbox will receive an 8-speed, how did we receive the test model. Another first is the new generation selector Control Driving Experience. Drivers can select four driving modes - Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus. This driver, depending on the chosen program, can enjoy a different response of the throttle, the propeller, the direction and degree of freedom offered by DSC - Dynamic Stability Control.

If the model is equipped with Servotronic, Dynamic Damper Control and auto box, selected program from Control Driving Experience leads to changes in parameters also for these systems. So far the new 3 Series seems to follow the path of the latest BMW models, equipped with as more technology on board, but Bavarians took care to preserve the brand character? Somewhere a natural question mark under the new 5 Series that has lost some of rigor specific brand. It seems that the general murmur reached the ears of BMW engineers. Given that this text can rewrite only name of systems on board the new generation, the greater is the perplexity when you discover how full of life it is, how fun it is to drive, how regain that masculinity that easily evaporated at latest models.

The new BMW 3 Series is a model that invites you to search for destinations, you would like to drive. First we have to ride analysis of two key details. First model is easier with 40 kg (regardless the increased size) and mass distribution is 50:50. We drove the new generation in almost all conditions, from dry asphalt to the road covered with snow of 10 cm and sometimes even ice. Control Driving Experience system settings visible change car attitude from one program to another. Do not know how the BMW worked to calibrate the DSC, but is the best set of what I found. No censors, helps you like a discreet copilot. Is fascinating the efficiency with which put down the power, regardless of the degree of adhesion. Even if the DSC is off. Direction is accurate and pleasant in terms of level of assistance. Maybe there will be some voices that accuse some lack of feedback; I don’t felt that, always I did know what the front axle wheels are doing.

The engine has retained something of the character from the old generation diesel aggregates at least in terms of noise: is not as noisy, but is present in the cockpit. Also, greatly attenuated rolling sound reaching the interior, it is still present, but more with the role of feedback on quality of tread. Emphasizes the sporty suspension without compromising comfort, I would say 65% and 35% sport comfort. 8-speed automatic gearbox makes a sensational team with the engine. This marriage is guilty for an consumption of 3.5 to 3.7 liters at 100 km / h and 5.6 to 5.8 liters at 130 km / h. Ride is neutral, even on a road with low grip. And if you are interested and looking for oversteer on board the new series 3, you will find it. It is progressive, very pleasant and easy to control.

At the end of the test honestly have to wonder if something really bothered me to the new BMW 3-Serie. Maybe just the legs space in the rear seat. Regarding the trunk ... well you cannot have everything - sports line and accessibility of a station wagon.

The new generation BMW 3 Series is a not just mature product, is much more. Competition would have to pay engineers overtime to come up with an answer as soon as possible. I was pleasantly surprised at the wheel of a 320d as naturally and intuitive everything happens, like I always teamed with the model.

via:promotor.ro