Darting through the first few corners on Spain's Catalunya F1 circuit were enough to reveal how much BMW has improved the new 3-series' driving dynamics and why it is still the master of the class.
It's the delightfully neutral attitude through corners that makes the 3-series feel so special. Turn-in is deliciously sharp and the complete lack of understeer is just astonishing. With Sport+ mode selected, you can play with the throttle (there's a hint of oversteer before the traction control cuts in) to tighten your line. And then there's the steering. The new model steers in a natural, fluid way that you just don't associate with electrically-powered units. Despite the variable-ratio rack, (available only on top-spec models) there's a wonderful linearity to the steering, which quickens quite seamlessly as you pile on the lock. It may not weigh up as much as you would like when you lean into corners but the delicate balance between effort and accuracy is what makes this steering truly brilliant.
What stands out in the new 3-series is the way it balances sportiness and comfort in equal measure. Standard on every new 3-series is the Driving Experience Control system — BMW-speak for a wide range of driving modes you can choose from.
Ride quality
The first thing that you become acutely aware of is the fantastic ride quality. Rural Spain has its fair share of uneven tarmac to give the suspension a good workout. In Comfort mode, the 3-series feels like its gliding, the quiet interiors adding to the almost eerie feeling, which should be the default setting on Indian roads. The Sport and Sport+ modes though are the ones to play with on any good stretch of an inviting open road.
The other revelation is the latest-generation run-flat tyres, which are no longer ride-corrupting, and this should finally silence the critics. However, it remains to be seen how practical run-flats are on our tyre-shredding roads.
BMW made available two of the four engine options at the launch, and both of these are expected in India. The 320d gets the familiar 1995cc motor developing 181bhp from the previous 3-series, but it's the 328i which gets an all-new, twin-scroll turbo, direct-injection petrol engine. This compact 2-litre, in-line four, replaces the naturally aspirated 3-litre, in-line six.
It develops 242bhp, which means the 328i is marginally less powerful than the outgoing 330i, but it produces 16 percent more torque and being 45kg lighter, it's actually quicker. Also a first on the 3-series is the same ZF eight-speed gearbox with paddle-shifters, with an auto stop-start function as an option.
The 328i pulls cleanly and hard from low revs and the weak mid-range which characterised the naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engines is gone. The 320d is slower on paper than the 328i and this was most obvious on the Catalunya track. But, where it counts, which is on the road, the diesel 3-series packed quite a punch and the strong mid-range makes it feel more potent.
The new 3-series is incredibly refined, especially the petrol. In fact, the 328i is so mechanically quiet that it accentuates the tyre noise, which was quite evident on coarse roads.
The interiors have a sharper design and there are quality details abound, but it has the same understated feel that is a bit too functional. The dashboard is more driver-oriented than before and there are lots of bits borrowed from the 5-series
Exciting styling
If the way the 3-series drives doesn't excite you enough then the styling certainly will. This sixth-generation (F30) 3-series is bigger and more muscular than before and you just can't miss the distinctive bonnet that bulges forward, or the stunning headlights which extend inwards to meet the squat kidney grille. The rear looks more straightforward but the wider track gives is a nice, squat stance.
Driving the 3-series in Spain, it was really tough to find faults in it but a more critical evaluation can only be expected when the car hits Indian shores before the middle of 2012.
It's time to muster the approximately Rs. 26 lakh asking price for the base 320d or around Rs. 35 lakh (both ex-showroom) if you opt for the top-spec 328i.
