BMW 3 Series Review Australia | Features, Specification, Price

• Car Reviews,
• Oct 22, 2021

 

The new generation of the BMW 3 series is very much similar to the BMW E30.  The BMW 3 series somewhat follows the same formula of BMW E30, which is rear-wheel drive, sporty and fun. In this article, we will be discussing the entry-level 2021 BMW 320i.  This model of the BMW 3 series is light, rear-wheel driven and sticks as close as the winning recipe of the BMW E30. The 2021 BMW 320i measures 4709mm in length, 1827mm in width and 1435mm in height. It is available in six colours, all colours are standard, but the white colour costs an additional. 

 

BMW 320i Engine:

A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine powers the BMW 320i. This engine produces 135kW of power and 300 Nm of torque. It is coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the torque is sent to the rear wheels. This BMW 3 series model consumes 6.3 litres per 100km of fuel. Upon testing, the car averaged 6.7L/100km with a mix of city and highway driving. Another point that should be considered is that the 320i requires 95 RON premium unleaded fuel.

 

Standard features of BMW 3 series:

Let us begin with the base model first. The BMW 320i comes in two trim levels. These trims are M Sport and Luxury Line. Both the trims cost the same but have a slightly different appearance that differentiates them from one another.

 

Standard features of BMW 320i include:

✓ The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system

✓ 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster

✓ DAB+ digital radio

✓ Satellite navigation

✓ Wireless Apple CarPlay

✓ Wireless Android Auto

✓ Head-up Display

✓ Automatic LED headlights

✓ LED daytime running lights

✓ Automatic high-beam

✓ 10-speaker sound system

✓ 18-inch alloy wheels

✓ Rain-sensing wipers

✓ Keyless entry and start

✓ Front and rear parking sensors

✓ Reversing camera

✓ Heated and folding exterior mirrors

✓ Wireless phone charging

✓ Vernasca leather upholstery (Luxury Line) 

✓ Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery (M Sport)

✓ Wood trim

 

The M Sport models add:

✓ Sports suspension

✓ An M Sport exterior package

✓ Aluminium interior trim 

 

The 330i and 330e of BMW 3 series add:

✓ 19-inch alloy wheels

✓ Semi-autonomous parking assist

✓ Vernasca leather upholstery

✓ Adaptive cruise control with stop/go

✓ Surround-view camera

✓ Front cross-traffic alert

✓ Lane-keeping assist

✓ BMW Digital Key

✓ Keyless entry

 

Moving on to the M340i xDrive Pure:

✓ xDrive all-wheel-drive system

✓ Unique 19-inch alloy wheels

✓ An electronically controlled limited-slip differential

✓ Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery

 

On the top of the BMW 3 series is M340i xDrive, which additionally includes:

✓ 16-speaker Harman or Kardon sound system

✓ Laser headlights

✓ Vernasca leather upholstery

✓ Leather upholstery

✓ Power boot lid

✓ Heated front seats

✓ Panoramic sunroof

✓ Ambient interior lighting

 

BMW 3 Series Interior:

The interior design of the BMW 3 series aims for minimalism, and at the same time, it also offers all of the latest technology that most of the new cars today incorporate. Most of the interior of the BMW 3 Series is dark and has aluminium highlights with minimal use of black piano material. BMW 320i is a base model, but still, it feels premium and high-end. The base model feels like it has every important thing in it!.

 

BMW 3 series is considered as one of the tech leaders. Its dashboard has a 10.25-inch infotainment system. This system features AM and FM radio and a DAB+ tuner. In addition to that, it also incorporates a 10-speaker sound system as standard. It also offers smartphone mirroring that comes in the form of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

In front of the driver is a display of 12.3-inch. This Display integrates navigation data and trip computer details. Then there is a head-up display that shows navigation data and speed.

 

The M Sport package includes a chunky steering wheel that fits nicely into the hands. The steering wheel provides a sporty feel, and at the same time, it also feels comfortable enough to hold on to for long-distance drives. Its paddle shifters are easy to reach. Most of the functions that need access are all covered by steering wheel controls. 

 

Unfortunately, the second row of the BMW 3 series is a little cramped for adults. It offers little knee and toe room, but for the kids, the second row has ample space. It also has two ISOFIX points along with top tether points for smaller kids. The centre armrest has two cup holders. Also, to get access to the boot, the entire centre section can be folded down. The capacity for cargo is 480 litres. One can also fold the second row in order to increase load space from the boot.

 

BMW 3 Series Safety: 

The Crash test of the BMW 3 Series happened back in 2019. This series scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating. It should be noted that the M340i xDrive Pure and M340i xDrive are still untested, so this rating does not apply to them. 

 

Here are the standard safety features across the BMW 3 Series line-up includes:

✓ Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) 

✓ Pedestrian detection

✓ Lane departure warning

✓ Driver attention monitoring

✓ Reversing camera

✓ Blind-spot monitoring

✓ Rear cross-traffic alert

✓ Front and rear parking sensors

✓ Eight airbags

 

You can also opt for the BMW Driver Assistance package for the 320i. This package brings it in line with the rest of the range.

 

This package adds the following features:

✓ Semi-autonomous parking assist

✓ Adaptive cruise control with stop/go

✓ Front cross-traffic alert

✓ Lane-keep assist

✓ Steering and Lane Control Assistant

✓ Surround-view camera

 

PROS:

✓ This series has class-leading handling

✓ It has an excellent infotainment system.

✓ The outstanding in-car tech is what most people like. 

✓ Even the base trim is well-equipped.

 

CONS:

✓ The ride is incredibly firm without adaptive suspension.

✓ The rear legroom is not good and is cramped for adults.

✓ The radar cruise control should be standard, not optional.

 

Final Verdict:

Behind the wheel, the 2021 BMW 3 Series still gives the vibes of E30. Even the base trim of the BMW 3 series has some amazing features that are enough engagement to put a smile on BMW fans without breaking their bank account. If you are looking for a sporty, luxurious and enjoyable to drive, then this is the car for you. Just make sure that you get its history checked. Getting the vehicle’s history is very important, and thanks to the Quick Revs, it has become very easy. Just write the details of your car and get all the history right in front of your eyes within a few minutes!