Review: BMW 320d Executive
By Cameron McGavin | drive.com.au | 31 May
BMW's 3-Series has been the top dog of the compact luxury segment for so long it's an institution, but the German manufacturer isn't indulging in self-congratulatory backslapping.
Despite again seeing off all rivals in 2007, the 3-Series has received a shot in the arm for 2008 in the form of some under-bonnet fettling for its entry-level 320i and 320d models. Are the changes enough to keep the BMW ahead of the pack? We sampled the diesel-powered 320d to find out.
What do you get?
At $54,100, the base 320d costs $3100 more than the petrol 320i but undercuts diesel rivals such as Audi's new A4 2.0 TDI (just) and Mercedes-Benz's C220 CDi.
However, while you get dual-zone climate control, cruise control, trip computer, automatic headlights/wipers and a leather-bound, multi-function steering wheel, you'll have to live with steel wheels, combination cloth/leather trim and adjust your seats manually - a bit stingy when you're paying this much for a car.
The $58,990 Executive tested here sees to these omissions with 16-inch alloys, full leather trim and partial electric seat adjustment, but loses some of its pricing edge. You can spend plenty more, too, if you get carried away with BMW's extensive range of packaged and individual options.
How safe?
The 320d misses out on the rear side airbags of some rivals but, with six airbags, anti-lock brakes, run-flat tyres, tyre-pressure monitor, rear parking sensors, stability/traction control and cornering brake control, it's by no means underdone.
The BMW has also achieved a five-star rating in NCAP crash tests, putting it toe to toe with other compact luxury competitors.
What's inside?
The 3-Series cabin is fundamentally on the ball, but there is the odd niggle to contend with.
Up front, you sit on comfortable, if slightly flat, seats, while a height and reach-adjustable steering column puts the chunky, three-spoke wheel exactly where you want it.
The BMW's switchgear is for the most part logical and easy to use, but the mouse-style iDrive controller - while simpler to use than early versions thanks to short-cut buttons - is still distracting.
And aside from big, divided door pockets that run the full length of the doors, small-item storage is in short supply.
Another disappointment is the ambience. There's nothing wrong with the quality of the furnishings or the assembly, but the slabby, upright design is a little drab next to the designer chic innards of Audi's A4.
The back seat, though, is capable of accommodating six-footers without too much fuss; unlike the slightly squeezy C-Class and Lexus IS250.
The boot, too, is useful enough, although much of this comes down to it not having to - or needing to, thanks to run-flat tyres - accommodate a spare wheel.
Under the bonnet
The 320d's new, all-aluminium, 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel four puts paid to the notion that you buy a diesel out of need rather than want. Compare it to the also-new, 2.0-litre, petrol four in the 320i and it comes up trumps in every department. It's more powerful (125 kW vs 115 kW) and has loads more torque (340 Nm vs 200 Nm), yet is more economical (6.0 L/100 km on the official combined cycle vs 7.9 L).
Hooked up to the mandatory, six-speed automatic, the 320d delivers surprisingly gutsy acceleration, muscular rolling response and a relaxed, long-legged gait that demolishes big distances.
The fuel economy is thrifty indeed, with our test car sipping an average of 6.8 L/100 km in combined urban/highway driving.
Almost as impressive is its civility. Even at idle you have to listen very closely to determine its oil-burner status, and on the move its smoothness, lack of clatter and free-revving enthusiasm are admirable.
If there's a more well-mannered four-pot diesel, we've yet to sample it.
On the road
The latest generation of run-flat tyres seems more compliant than earlier versions, but the BMW's urban ride is still somewhat compromised, stuttering over sharp, low-speed imperfections that other cars absorb without complaint.
The steering, too, is quite heavy at low speeds, so parking and other lazy ambling isn't exactly effortless. Throw some corners into the mix, though, and the steering displays perfect consistency and pin-sharp precision, allowing you to make the most of the impressive agility, balance and composure.
The suspension, too, does a much better job of smothering lumps and bumps out on the open road, even if it remains on the sporting side of the ledger. And aside from some tyre roar on coarse-chip surfaces, the cabin is well isolated from wind, mechanical and other aural intrusions.
Verdict
The 320d's new engine might not be the biggest or strongest in its segment, but its efficiency, petrol-like eagerness and all-round civility are enough to reserve it a spot right at the front of the diesel pack.
As for the outright package, there's no denying the BMW is one of the more talented compact luxury players - all the more so if you are seeking driving satisfaction or back-seat space.
There are niggles, though. And while they aren't plentiful or serious, they will be enough for some to consider more well-rounded competitors, even if they don't quite offer the same driving highlights.
How much: $58,990 (auto only).
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel. 125 kW/340 Nm.
What's it got: Six airbags, stability/traction/cornering/brake control, ABS with EBD/BA, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, leather trim, CD player with auxiliary jack, leather-shod multi-function steering wheel, 12-volt outlet, four cupholders, 16-inch alloy wheels, engine immobiliser and DataDots, 3 years/unlimited km warranty.
For: Strong and refined diesel power, great economy, roomy cabin, satisfying road manners.
Against: Patchy urban ride, dour cabin ambience, poor storage.
First published by Drive.com.au on May 31 2008
drive.com.au buy, sell and know cars
