BMW 320d SE
When it comes to driver appeal, the 3-Series is the model to beat
THE 3-Series is our current class favourite, but last time we tested the 320d it was in racy M Sport trim. Is it as impressive in cheaper SE guise? Well, while the car no longer stands out from the crowd due to its familiarity and plain profile, the relatively aggressive front end gives the BMW a sharper appearance than the Mercedes. Its tight dimensions and short overhangs provide a sports saloon look, too.
This impression is reinforced inside. The BMW sits the driver well forward, with a small, close-set steering wheel, low-positioned seats and a wraparound centre console. It feels sporty, although BMW hasn’t forgotten the details. While the centre console looks dated, with a fiddly and old-fashioned stereo, everything is well finished. The plastics have a premium look, and the buttons and column stalks are upmarket.
Although the door openings are a good size, rear passenger access is restricted by the bulky wheelarches. Once inside, space is comparable with the Mercedes. It’s OK for two adults, but a wide transmission tunnel means seating a third occupant is unrealistic. Foot space beneath the front seats is also tight if the driver likes to sit low.
The 460-litre boot is the smallest here, even though the run-flat tyres mean space isn’t taken up by a spare. But BMW fits an underfloor storage compartment, which is ideal for hiding valuables. Wheelarch intrusion is significant, though, and as with the Mercedes, a folding rear seat costs extra.
Indeed, stowage is a weak point. The door pockets are shallow, as is the central armrest cubby. Yet as our car didn’t have BMW’s optional iDrive control system, the position of the dial is given over to a rubber-lined tray, which is the only place to store a mobile phone or loose change.
Introduced last year, the uprated 177bhp diesel engine is world-class, and we recorded a rapid 0-60mph time of eight seconds flat. This was aided by rear-drive traction, and helped give the best 30-70mph time, too, at 7.5 seconds.
The free-revving unit has a smooth, refined nature. At speed, tyre roar was more of an issue – at 70mph, the unit is spinning at a relaxed 1,900rpm. And, of course, the Efficient Dynamics stop-start system means it switches off in traffic, for zero idle noise. The unit restarts as you press the clutch, and proved impossible to catch out.
The gearbox is meaty to use, and while the clutch has a rather long travel, shifts are satisfying. The whole driving experience is full of sensations. From the off, the chassis inspires confidence. Sharp, weighty steering and superb front-end turn-in and grip combine with agile, roll-free suspension to give a sporty edge. Body control over rough roads is excellent and the 3-Series offers plenty of driver entertainment.
However, this comes at the expense of the ride, which picks out bumps around town and generally feels stiff. It’s never harsh, but we wouldn’t call it comfortable. From past experience, we know that the standard car’s smaller wheels – rather than our model’s fussy-looking rims – strike a better compromise.
The SE-spec BMW is the most expensive car here, at just under £26,000, although parking sensors and cruise control are standard. There is a cheaper ES version, but this is rather basic. Still, it’s worth noting that the maker recently announced ‘Edition’ ES and SE variants, with leather, metallic paint and 17-inch alloys, for a £750 premium – a saving of around £2,250.
Details
Price: £25,940
Model tested: 320d SE
Chart position: 2
WHY: Our long-time compact exec favourite still sets the benchmark for involvement in this class.
Economy
With its stop-start and brake energy regeneration, the 320d delivers great economy. We averaged 42.4mpg – although this fell well short of the claimed figures.
Residuals
A 45.7 per cent residual means the 320d will be worth £11,855 after three years. The fact that BMW’s fixed price servicing package can be transferred from owner to owner helps.
Servicing
Fixed-price servicing is a real selling point on the 3. You can add maintenance and specify the time period. And BMW dealers came 11th in Driver Power – the best here.
Tax
The BMW has the lowest emissions, but its steeper list price means fleet users in the top bracket pay £1,868 in tax annually. Still, it’s cheaper to run than the C-Class and Mondeo.
