Originally published August 17, 2013
Photo Gallery:
2013 BMW 320i xDrive
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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According to this post on the forums, BMW drivers are the “worst.” So I guess this week I get to cut people off, skip in line at the four-way stops and never stop at a crosswalk. Sounds like a fun week!
This week my driveway is graced with one of the newer BMWs in the lineup and one of the least expensive too: a 320i xDrive, formerly known as a 320xi for those purists. Of course it shares nothing with the older model, not even the engine despite the designation. Gone is the straight-six. The 2013 models are now offered with a 181-horsepower four-cylinder turbo engine.
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My tester is a base 320i with the xDrive option, which converts the standard rear-wheel-drive layout into all-wheel drive, something more and more Canadians are considering as required equipment on their vehicles. The only option on my tester is what BMW calls the “Modern” trim that adds some nice features to the base model. With leather seating, wood trim, 18-inch alloy wheels and sunroof, this package is pretty worthwhile at only $2,500 over the base price.
Of course the new 3 Series has been bashed by purists for many reasons. The engine is no longer a straight-six, the vehicle has become too large and too soft: all in all the ultimate driving machine has been watered down. This may all be true from a enthusiast perspective, but from a consumer perspective each generation of BMW 3 Series I jump into to test seems more refined and improved over the previous – I’m sure this one is no different.
Well equipped at just over $45,000, my tester seems to have everything I would need in a daily driver and so far after a few hours behind the wheel I’m already enjoying this week’s ride – stay tuned to see if my enjoyment continues or if something turns sour.
MSRP as tested (including destination): $47,400
For more information on BMW and the 320i visit BMW Canada
For even more on this car FOLLOW James on Twitter
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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BMW interiors have never been a big hit in my books, typically bland and drab due to the monotone black interior and basic button setup. Not much has changed there for 2013 although the wood trim accents in my tester are very appealing and dress up the interior quite a bit.
Leg room front and rear is good and the seats are comfortable for all seats as well. Trunk space is quite large and with 60/40 folding seats the 320i xDrive still offers some utility.
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The on-board computer system for navigation, radio and various other controls is very intuitive and the controls are easy to use while driving with a large knob on the centre console surrounded by various sized buttons for specific functions – as an owner you would quickly become accustomed to which button performs which task. BMW certainly has come a long way from the famed iDrive debacle.
From the driver’s seat you get a clear view of the road and a comfortable seating position, the side mirrors are a little on the small side and the lack of back-up camera (for someone used to having one) is disappointing in this price range. But it’s not really required if you have any depth perception or any driving ability.
A few trick features in the 320i xDrive are the two cup holders that convert to a mobile phone–type tray with an insert, and the very large door pockets and centre console storage bins – for a vehicle of its size there seems to be a good amount of storage space.
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.
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4
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The stop/start technology works great. It may need some getting used at first but it certainly saves fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
The proof is in the pudding – I averaged a very respectable 7.5 L/100 km this week in the 320i. Don’t forget this vehicle is all-wheel drive, which makes the fuel consumption figures even more impressive. However, one does have to feed this vehicle premium fuel, which eats into the savings a little.
Yes you can get a faster car, a better equipped car or a larger car for the same or much less money. But there are intangible benefits, whether it is the badge or the way the doors feel or the ride, BMW does have a unique quality that many fall in love with.
MSRP as tested (including destination): $47,400
For more information on BMW and the 320i visit BMW Canada
For even more on this car FOLLOW James on Twitter
