Test Drive: 2009 BMW 328i xDrive

September 9, 2009

2009 BMW 328i xDrive. Click image to enlarge

Where the 3 Series really shines regardless of engine or transmission choice is in its chassis responses. Steering and braking feel are terrific: this is a rewarding car to push hard, as it’s capable of running to the limits of its tires and suspension without feeling unrefined. Comparatively, while the G37 feels just as agile, its quieter ride means the feedback delivered to the driver through the steering wheel and by way of the tires isn’t as satisfying.

This 328i tester proves that you don’t need to order a 3 Series with a sport package (there are two available) to get great seats. The basic seats lack the adjustments for width and thigh support that the sport seats get, but comfort is still very good, and lateral support is excellent. The basic steering wheel feels good in the hands, even compared to the extra-meaty wheel rim included in the sport packages. What I was most glad for, though, was that this tester wore the 3 Series’ basic 16-inch wheels and tires; the available larger 17-inchers (again, part of both sport packages) transmit too much crashing and banging into the cabin on rough roads.

2009 BMW 328i xDrive. Click image to enlarge

Interior space is good: In front, headroom is plentiful for riders of average height, and only those particularly tall of upper body will find their heads coming uncomfortably close to the headliner. The sunroof, which cuts into headroom here just as it would in most cars, is a new standard feature in the 328i for 2009.

Like most of its competitors, the 3 Series isn’t known for class-leading rear-seat space. Legroom is fine, but headroom is tight, and the car’s basic rear-drive layout means that the unlucky third rear passenger gets to splay his or her legs to either side of the centre console and prop shaft tunnel.

The 3 Series scores points for cargo space: the trunk, in typical German fashion, is better-finished than some lesser cars’ passenger compartments. It’s big, too, outstripping the TL and G37 in terms of both space and shape.

The 3 Series’ rear seat also folds down to reveal a huge opening between the trunk and passenger compartment. It must be a German thing to assume that luxury sedan buyers might want to carry large, bulky items in their vehicles; all you get in the Acura TL, Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS (to name just a handful of the 3 Series’ competitors) is a ski pass-through.

My tester sported two bundles of extras: the $2,500 Executive Package (alarm system, garage door opener, comfort access, adjustable lumbar support, burl walnut trim and park distance control) and the $2,800 Premium Package (heated steering wheel, auto-dimming outside mirrors, compass, Bluetooth connectivity and Dakota leather seats), plus the automatic transmission ($1,600), USB audio integration ($425) and Space Grey Metallic paint ($800). The latter three are stand-alone extras. (Interestingly, BMW Canada’s web site doesn’t let you choose the Executive Package without also adding the Premium Package.)

All of that adds up to a car worth $50,625 before freight (starting MSRP for the 2009 328i xDrive is $42,500; BMW hasn’t announced pricing for its 2010 lineup yet).

2009 BMW 328i xDrive. Click image to enlarge

For comparison’s sake, an Acura TL SH-AWD comes in at $44,490, or $47,990 with the Tech option package (which adds navigation, rearview camera and a premium stereo, among other items). The Infiniti G37 I tested a while back was priced at $50,565 and also included navigation, a rearview camera, hard-drive music storage system and Bose sound system. There are a couple of domestic sedans that merit a mention too: the Cadillac CTS is GM’s 3 Series fighter, and Ford has its upscale Lincoln MKZ. I haven’t driven the Lincoln, but I did test a 2008 CTS with all-wheel drive and the 300-plus horsepower 3.6-litre V6. The Caddy is a worthy competitor to the BMW; outfit one with all-wheel drive, and the base price (for a 2010 model) is $44,810 – $2,300 more than my 328i tester.

There’s little doubt that the Japanese have perfected the value-for-money aspect of building luxury cars, and they tend to have the upper hand in the reliability department, too. The fact remains, though, that a 230-horsepower BMW can still deliver more pure driving satisfaction (automatic transmission notwithstanding) than many of its more powerful competitors. Until the Japanese car builders figure out how to beat that aspect of the BMW formula, this car is likely to keep winning the sport sedan popularity contest.

Pricing: 2009 BMW 328i xDrive

Base price: $42,500

Options: $8,125 (Executive Package, $2,500; Premium Package, $2,800; six-speed automatic transmission, $1,600; USB audio integration, $425; Space Grey metallic paint, $800)

A/C tax: $100

Freight: $1,400

Price as tested: $52,125
Click here for options, dealer invoice prices and factory incentives

Specifications

Specifications: 2009 BMW 3 Series

Competitors

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Acura TL

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Audi A4

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Cadillac CTS

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Infiniti G37

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Lexus IS

Buyer’s Guide: 2009 Lincoln MKZ