Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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Some suggest that perhaps BMW underrates their turbocharged engines and that despite the advertised rating of 180 hp, the 320i may have nearly that much horsepower to the wheels while most cars advertised at 180 hp would have maybe 145 at the wheels. I could believe that as my tester does not feel slow in the least. And when you engage Sport mode it feels pretty darn quick!
With three driving settings: Sport, Normal and Eco – you’re able to control throttle response as well as transmission shift points and speed. As Normal mode would suggest, the vehicle feels more sedate but moderately peppy and responsive, in Eco mode of course the throttle is mapped to reduce inputs from the pedal and shift earlier to keep the revs down. Eco mode also adjusts the climate control to save fuel and other minor settings as part of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics program.
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In Sport mode the throttle response is much improved and the eight-speed automatic holds gears much longer. From what I could tell it also skips eighth gear as the programming wants to keep you in the power band at all times. The 200 lb-ft of torque output by the small turbocharged engine certainly helps motivate it, although the direct injection makes it sound unappealing and a lot like a diesel engine.
For the most part you don’t hear the engine – unless you really put your foot in it. Out on the highway I have been forced to use the cruise religiously as I kept finding myself hitting illegal speeds unintentionally. Around town, particularly from a stop, the little bit of turbo lag can make the 320i feel a little sluggish at times if you are one that tends to rocket away from stops.
Handling, suspension feel and composure are all what you expect from a new BMW. It feels solid on the highway and is quiet, composed and surefooted overall. The brakes are strong and haul the small sedan down to a stop smoothly and progressively. Yes my tester is an automatic but it is still one fun vehicle to drive and I certainly wouldn’t throw it out of my driveway if it was my daily driver.
