2024 BMW 320i Reviews

Paul Gover road tests and reviews the 2016 BMW 3 Series with specs, fuel consumption and verdict.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the BMW 3 Series with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australia launch.

We turn the spotlight on the car world's newest and brightest stars as we ask the questions to which you want the answers. But there's only one question that really needs answering would you buy one? What is it? This is BMW's main model accounting for more sales than any other model. The 320i is a favourite of the

In Europe the phrase ‘grand touring’, later shortened to GT, was coined in the 1930s to describe cars owned by wealthy people for fast point to point travel while cosseting their passengers in luxury.

Few things will make your neighbours weep as much as parking a new BMW in your driveway. It is one of the preferred weapons of mass jealousy that is guaranteed to scorch all adjoining brickwork with the silent heat of envy.But is it all about the badge or is the smaller BMW set worthy of praise above similar-sized - and half-priced - cars from Korea, Japan and even Australia?VALUEPay $62,600 for this BMW 320i Touring and drive away in a pretty German-built wagon that has less occupant and cargo room and similar performance agility as an Aussie-built $29,040 Holden Cruze Sportwagon. But technical data dismisses how the BMW feels to drive, the sensible and clinical precision of the switchgear and the way the cabin integrates with its occupants.Standard kit includes dual-zone airconditioning, electric tailgate, trip computer with central monitor, reverse camera, 17-inch alloys and leather-look upholstery. It's not actually a lot for the bucks - see Hyundai i40 or Mazda6 - and the option list is enormous and candy to a buyer dazzled by the badge.But don't think a BMW is expensive to own - smart buyers can opt for BMW's pre-paid three-year service plan from a fixed $1045 for three years/60,000 km up to $1569 for five years/100,000km. That's better than some Japanese models. The 320i resale is a respectable 53 per cent, equal to the Mercedes C-Class but up slightly on the equivalent Audi.DESIGNThis is an impressive-looking wagon that oozes style. Few rivals can do the same and makes even the Mercedes equivalent look frumpy. It is, however, small. The boot is standard at 495-litres and with the 40:20:40 seats folded down, is 1500 litres. The Cruze, by comparison, is 686 to 1478 litres. The rear-drive layout is the culprit, intruding its mechanicals into the interior.Until BMW's smaller models go front-wheel drive from late next year, not much here will change. Dash design is functional and BMW increasingly applies logic to the once-complex iDrive information system. It's now dead easy.I love the electric tailgate to aid full-handed shoppers, think the materials and fabrics used are first class, acknowledge that four run-flat tyres need no spare and admire the fact that BMW makes really good cars despite knowing that most buyers miss the point and only own one for the prestige of the badge.TECHNOLOGYApparently we're running out of petrol and cars are polluting the planet. All car makers are keen to dissolve these accusations. BMW equips the 320i with a stop-start system (for those who came in late, this turns the engine off when the car is stationary, then automatically restarts to save fuel), regenerative braking (engages the alternator/generator when braking or coasting to charge up the battery) and has an economy mode in the drivetrain's four-mode program.The 2-litre engine is the same as in the 180kW/350Nm 328i but is dumbed down to 135kW/270Nm. Fuel economy is claimed at 6.2 L/100km, not much different to the 328i. The engine has a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and features direct-petrol injection. It's attached to a slick eight-speed auto with paddle shifters.SAFETYPretty much standard for its class, the 320i gets a five-star crash rating, eight airbags, electronic stability and traction control, cruise control with a braking function, park sensors front and rear, LED tail lights, heated mirrors and a reverse camera. It has run-flat tyres with a tyre pressure monitor.DRIVINGYes, first impressions are that this is a small car. The seating position is more like a sports car - precisely what BMW aims to achieve - and for tall drivers, there's not a lot of room in the footwell. It certainly feels cosy and that's magnified by the small-diameter steering wheel and the body-hugging curves of the seat.Ergonomically it's spot on. Like an iPhone 4, it's intuitive and that allows the driver to concentrate on enjoying the car. Despite electric-assist steering, it's as sharp as a Gillette through the corners. The 320i appears to be down a bit on power but the eight-speed box, paddle shifters and the strong mid-range delivery means it won't disappoint the enthusiast.BMW is up to about generation-five for the run-flat tyres and they have matured from hard-riding rubber rings to some with decent compliance. The car rides a bit firm but no occupant should complain.VERDICTWell-appointed car that's fun to drive. But its low height makes it awkward to get in and out and at $62,600-plus, has a lot of like-size rivals with better value for money.BMW 320i TouringPrice: $62,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited km, roadside assistCapped servicing: NoService interval: 12mths/15,000kmResale: 53%Safety: 8 airbags, ABS, ESC, EBD, TCCrash rating: 5-starEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-spd auto; rear driveThirst: 6.2L/100km; 95RON; 145g/km CO2Dimensions: 4.6m (L), 1.8m (W), 1.4m (H)Weight: 1445kgSpare: Repair kit

Why don't wagons attract an Aussie audience? It's a mystery worthy of a CSI episode. Yet we line up like sheep to get into a five-door load-lugger if it's got more than 180mm of ground clearance (ie, a compact SUV), even if we're no more likely to drive it on dirt than through a combat zone.The latest wagon from BMW's top-selling 3 Series range provides yet further evidence that SUVs aren't the duck's guts for shifting offspring and their gear. The Touring (as BMW labels its wagons) is lighter than most soft-roaders, better looking to boot (so to speak) and outperforms them.VALUEMost of the Touring's features carry over from the sedan range, which has been on sale for more than a year. The petrol versions - 320i and 328i, running differently tuned versions of the same turbo petrol engine - join the diesel 318d.The Touring comes at a $2500 premium over the corresponding diesel sedan and $4000 over the equivalent petrol sedan. Pricing starts from $58,900 for the 318d which has three upgrade options, from $3768 to the $6000 M Sport pack. Petrol versions start from $62,600 for the 320i with $3152 for Luxury, Sport or Modern packs. For some reason M Sport is even dearer at $6385.At least the petrol models have paddle shifters for the eight-speed auto transmission, which is standard on the range, with stop-start function. All versions get an automatic tailgate as standard. A reversing camera is standard on the two petrol models.Rolling off the production line from this month is the 328i priced from $69,900, with the upgrades adding $1538 or, for the M-Sport, $5000. It too sits on 17-inch alloy wheels but gets electrochromatic mirrors (with folding function for the exterior), "fine-wood burled walnut" interior inserts, Dakota leather trim and top-spec satnav and audio.The Sport Line option pack adds high-gloss black exterior trim bits, 17 or 18in alloys, black and red accents in cabin, red stitching on the sports steering wheel and standard leather upholstered sports seats.Those looking for the finer things can tick the Luxury Line box - high-gloss chrome exterior trim bits and wood trim inserts for the interior, 17 or 18in alloy wheels and model-specific leather upholstered seats are among the highlights.The Modern option pack adds satin-finish aluminium trim, 17 or 18in alloy, a light-coloured dashboard and a steering wheel in dark oyster, leather upholstery in oyster or black and a choice of four trim strips in pearl-effect chrome or optional wood surface in three-dimensional structure.The M Sport package has aerodynamic add-ons, 10mm lower sports suspension, an optional brake upgrade, as well as the exclusive optional exterior paint shade Estoril Blue' metallic, 19in M-design alloy wheels, an M leather steering wheel and aluminium hexagon trim.TECHNOLOGYDiesel power propels the entry wagon. The 318d Touring has a 2.0-litre turbo diesel producing 105kW/320Nm. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds but also sips 4.7L/100km.The 320i and 328i share a turbo direct-injection four-cylinder, which in the mid-spec model has 135kW/270Nm and gets to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds for a 6.2L thirst. The 328i develops 180kW/350Nm, cutting the sprint time to 6.0 seconds and raising consumption to 6.5L.The range gets the fuel-saving stop-start system, brake energy recovery and the Eco Pro mode, which encourages economical driving and claims up to 20 per cent improvement in economy by way of "intelligent energy management" engine systems.DESIGNFrom the nose to the front occupants' shoulder at the door pillar, the Touring mimics the sedan. It's longer and roomier than the superseded 3 Series wagon. The cargo area is 495 litres with the rear seats up, on par with most big sedans. This trebles when the seats are folded flat.Access is via an electric-opening tailgate (which works via remote or by “kicking'' underneath the rear bumper when the key is in range), which also has a glass-only opening function, with extra clever underfloor storage in the cargo area.SAFETYThe European NCAP program ranked the sedan five stars so the wagon will surely win full marks too. The active electronic driver aid list is long stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, cornering and dynamic brake control, as well as brake drying and electronic "limited-slip" for the rear differential, activated when the "DSC Off" function is employed.Also fitted standard is the Active Protection safety package, which readies the car's myriad safety systems if it detects a imminent impact. The options list has the obligatory raft of choices, including active cruise control (with stop-go function) and head-up display, surround-view camera system and high-beam assist.DRIVINGThe 320i's engine is willing, smooth and works well with the eight-speed auto. It hesitates a little when exiting corners, but is fuss free in fast open country running.Fans of older BMWs will miss the six-cylinder engine soundtrack, but they'll welcome the new car's Sport Plus mode and its steering wheel paddles for changing gears manually. A highlight is the ride afforded by the optional adaptive suspension it remains settled and unperturbed through mid-corner bumps.Switching to the diesel is anything but a stepdown. Its torque is reasonable and the noise intrusion minimal. The noisiest thing on the diesel drive was the climate control's fan. The diesel doesn't get the paddleshifters but has little need for them with the two sport modes offering clever shift patterns, but the more powerful petrol engine is our choice.VERDICTA versatile wagon that offers chassis balance, ride comfort and driving ease. A serious rival for an SUV.BMW 320i TouringPrice: From $62,600Warranty: 3 years/ unlimited kmCapped servicing: NoResale: 54% (Glass's Guide)Service interval: 12 months/25,000kmSafety: 5 starsEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-speed automatic; RWDThirst: 6.21/100km,Dimensions: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1495-1595kgSpare: None

With 12 million sales around the world since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3 Series is the Bavarian marque’s best selling car. It has recently been launched in its sixth generation and looks set to continue its popularity, especially with its generous suite of standard features.As well as a standard features list that’s longer than many times in the past, BMW also offers a range of trim and equipment options – Sport Line, Modern Line, Luxury Line, for example – to add more class to the car, while the M is on the list for the serious driver. These option packages combine the variety of accessories and extras the company had previously found to have the most boxes ticked when buyers made their individual choices. Thus making choices less complex than in the past.A full colour monitor that’s integrated into the top of the dashboard for all iDrive operations has information, entertainment, communication and navigation functions on offer. Below, on the centre stack are buttons for the dual zone climate control with the iDrive controls at hand on the centre console. Bluetooth is standard and the BMW Professional six-speaker and this audio unit also incorporates an MP3 compatible CD drive.The new BMW 3 Series comes with a choice of three petrol (two fours and a six-cylinder) and two four-cylinder diesel engines ranging in capacity from 1.8 to 3.0 litres.Despite its excellent fuel efficiency, the BMW 320i we tested has plenty of performance. Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine pumps out 135 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque, 20 kW and 70 Nm more than the motor it replaces. At the same time it clips 2.2 seconds off the sprint time to 100 kilometres per hour - covering it in an almost sporting 7.6 seconds.BMW has long been one of the leaders in minimising carbon dioxide output from its cars. All models in the new 3 Series have a start/stop function that automatically cuts the engine at traffic lights or in stationary traffic. BMW says this is a first for the class.Further fuel saving measures include brake energy regeneration that ensures power for the vehicle electrical system is generated predominantly during braking and overrun. Electrically assisted power steering that calls on power only when needed in cornering also helps reduce fuel usage.An Eco Pro mode that alters throttle response and transmission shift points can be dialled up by a driver really keen on cutting their impact on the environment. As well as keeping the draw by heating and air-conditioning to a minimum it also controls the use of the (optional) heated seats and the door mirrors working at optimum levels. BMW has measured a cutting of fuel consumption by as much as 20 per cent when Eco Pro is used.Axle weight distribution is the optimum 50:50, giving the 320i the balance and handling ability to give the owner a high-level driving experience. Talking of driving experience, the new 320i features BMW’s own Driving Experience Control which, via a switch on the centre console, can shift between four driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, which pretty much are self explanatory, and Eco Pro as just described.An Adaptive M Suspension, available as an option, lowers the car by 10mm and brings in electronically controlled damping that adjusts for road surfaces and driving conditions. In a first for the segment, an eight-speed automatic transmission incorporating Sports Automatic function with steering wheel-mounted paddles, is standard. The close cog ratios mean that in fully auto mode it’s almost as if the car has a constantly variable transmission.If it’s playtime the driver seeks, use of the shift paddles go some way to upping the driving input but the tranny gives the impression it is still in control.Safety is never far from BMW’s mind and a new Active Protection package is fitted as standard across the 3 Series. The system is automatically activated above18 km/h when it gently tensions the driver and front passenger seatbelts. If a crash is likely the seatbelts are further tightened and windows and sunroof (where fitted) are automatically closed. In the event of a crash the system will also automatically brake the car beyond the initial impact for 1.5 seconds to reduce the likelihood of a second collision.BMW ConnectedDrive also offers optional technology to help drivers and avoid any potential collisions. This includes a full-colour head-up display in which key driving information is projected onto the windscreen in the driver’s field of vision. Further safety options include a Lane Change Warning System and Lane Departure Warning System, including Collision Warning that warns the driver of a possible collision during a lane change manoeuvre or if the car strays out of its lane.The all-new BMW 3 Series is slightly larger than before. Greater cabin dimensions particularly favour rear passengers where extra space has resulted in 15 mm more leg room and 8 mm more headroom and larger door openings for easier entry and exit. We tried the seat for size and while it’s certainly better than before this is still not exactly a spacious car for five adults. Three kids and two grown ups works nicely.The driver is made to feel very much in control of any BMW model, with the cockpit layout being angled towards them to ensure controls are ergonomically positioned and fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge are easily visible. The choice of standard upholstery is between beige and black Sensatec man-made leather trim. Dakota hides are an option.An excellent prestige car at a modest price for its class, the BMW 320i provides a lot of driving pleasure, yet achieves this with a minimum of damage to the air we all breathe.

Europe's latest new-car wave mimics athletes evolving over consecutive Olympic Games to be lighter and faster than predecessors. The BMW 320i reflects the direction - bigger cars with smaller engines and more features yet with even perkier performance. It's a philosophy that's easy to understand but the mandate is so

Life gets a little nicer when you have a prestige car in the driveway. Some people just crave a prestige badge, but it's true that the better European brands deliver a better car.That means more comfort and quietness, more equipment, and - if you have the cash to splash, or a company that's paying the freight - genuine luxury in a mid-sized package.The obvious choices for prestige buyers are the three big-name brands: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Lexus is also a contender, which is why it's included in this four-car shootout, but you can also find prestige strengths everywhere from the Citroen C5 to the Skoda Superb and even - at a pinch - something like the Volkswagen Golf.Even the better Japanese brands, Mazda and Subaru, have models that make a prestige pitch and Holden and Toyota want you to believe their Caprice and Aurion are also rivals for the German heavyweights.VALUEThe price of a German prestige car is like a length of string - it depends on what you want but, more importantly, how much you have to spend. There are a vast range of Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models in showrooms and an almost infinite choices of colours and optional equipment.BMW has the widest choice with 57 different 3 Series cars, 40 of them carrying a boot in the back end. Prices range from the 318d at $56,400 to more than $150,000 for an M3 hotrod. Mercedes has 28 different C-Class models, without thinking about the super-fast C63 AMG Black Series, with prices from $58,600 for the C200.Audi trails the other Germans with 'only' 14 versions of the A4, including nine sedans, and a starting price of $53,000 for the 2.0 TDI running to $95,300 for the 3.2 FSI quattro. There are seven Lexus IS sedans and three convertibles with prices ranging from $55,800 for the 250 Prestige up to $81,300 for the 350 Sports Luxury.Digging deeper, Lexus serves up the best standard package and even metallic paint which is $1270 in the A4, $1415 in the 3 Series and $1600 in the C-Class - is standard. It also has the longest warranty at four years including roadside assistance, but is limited to 100,000km while the others are unlimited.Mercedes has the longest service intervals of 25,000 kilometres, which counts with potential service costs. At the other end resale values are fairly similar. BMW is the leader, retaining 53 per cent of its value after three years according to Glass's Guide, followed by Benz and Lexus at 52 per cent and Audi at 50 per cent.TECHNOLOGYThe prestige smorgasbord continues on the mechanical front, with various petrol and diesel engine choices, apart from Lexus which is unleaded-only. Our test group includes three four-cylinder petrol turbos and the long Lexus six, which makes the best power and torque but trails on fuel economy at 9.4 litres/100km.The Audi A4 benefits from the newest engine, with 155 kiloWatts and a whopping 350 Newton-metres, while the Benz trails on paper but feels strong with solid torque. Germans cars have stop-start systems to boost economy - although it's only a realistic one per cent saving - to the eight-speed auto in the BMW helps it to diesel-like figure of 6L/100km. The Audi and Benz also come in under the 7L/100km fuel-efficient Luxury Car Tax threshold.There is technology everywhere, as the Germans have wheel-style controllers for their on-board computer, infotainment system and air-conditioning; all have Bluetooth, although the Lexus refuses audio streaming and the Benz has hiccups in playback; and Lexus has the brightest touch screen although the BMW has the best design and the biggest display.SAFETYFive-star safety is a given in the prestige class, but all four should have even quality when Australian New Car Assessment Program guidelines get tougher thanks to high-tech driving aids, although many are optional. Only the Lexus comes with a standard rear-view camera, and that's something you can now get in a humble Hyundai i30.DESIGNThe Lexus is the oldest design and it shows, especially against the good looking new 3 Series. Inside, the BMW is focussed more on the driver but the cockpit can feel a little snug, although not as bare as the overly-black Lexus.About a year ago, Mercedes gave its C-Class models a makeover inside and out. The exterior still looks a bit "grey cardigan" but the interior has more jewellery and a modern styling. Audi's interior design is standing the test of time but its exterior is a little boxy and boring. Infotainment controller is the best, the cabin finishes are great and the interior lighting is first-class.DRIVINGThe BMW should be an easy winner on the road, but it's not. The Lexus has a sportier feel, helped by the big six in the nose, and the Benz feels more solid and planted over bumps and other annoying acne. The BMW engine also lacks the shove of the Benz, although its transmission is silky smooth with a gear for everything, with the Audi also getting along nicely enough.For handling, the BMW is just ahead on a smooth surface but I'm shocked to feel steering kickback over slight corrugations, something that's usually associated with the front-drive Audi. The Benz feels rock-solid and balanced in all conditions, the Lexus is fun, and the Audi is better for cruising.During highway work, the A4 hits its sweet spot with a quiet and comfortable cabin that edges out the BMW - despite optional sports seats - and the Benz. The Lexus has way too much tyre roar. Assessing the cabins, BMW has done a great job in creating an Audi ambience with good design and classy materials.It's probably a tick ahead of the A4, with the Benz - despite a mid-life update last year and a larger display screen - still boring and the Lexus trailing with an outdated interior. It's hard to pick winners in other areas, because of the varying levels of equipment and options, but I like the big wheels on the Lexus, the great seats in the BMW, the headlamps in the Audi, and a bunch of other stuff. If I had to pick a back seat for a longish trip I'd probably go for the BMW.VERDICTThe Lexus goes out first. It looks nice enough, it has good grunt and plenty of cornering grip, but it shows its age in too many ways. The cabin is dark and uninspiring against its rivals, and the back seat is too tight. It's also way too noisy with road roar on anything but a perfect surface.The Audi is next to fall, not because it's not good but because it's not good enough against the other two Germans. The A4 is a nice design and the car is beautifully built, the new engine is smooth and very efficient, but it falls short of the rock-solid feel and driving enjoyment you deserve - and expect - in the prestige class.So it's down to the BMW and the Benz, and I admit that I chose the new 3 Series to drive away at the end of the test. That's usually the sign of a sure-fire winner, and the Three is very good. But it is flawed. The cabin now manages to out-Audi the A4, with classy design and a big display screen, but some of the plastics feel cheap and the things I really like - especially the cushy seats - are extra-cost options.Worst of all, since BMW has always billed itself as the Ultimate Driving Machine, there is front-end chatter over bumps and the silky-smooth eight-speed auto cannot totally compensate for an engine that's too noisy at idle and missing the mid-range shove you need for overtaking in Australia.So the winner, in the end, is the Benz. It's rock solid, it has the best badge in the business, and Mercedes has done a great job on updating the car to make it a nice drive, a value package, and the top choice in this class.Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattroPrice: $64,500Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 50 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo, 155kW/350NmTransmission: 7-speed S tronic, quattroBody: 4.7m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1570kgThirst: 7/100km; 159g/km CO2Options fitted: metallic paint ($1270), sports front seats ($577), hill hold assist ($154)Total: $66,501BMW 3 Series - 320i SportPrice: $57,600Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 53 per centService interval: optionalSafety rating: 5 starSpare: Nil, run-flat tyresEngine: 2-litre, 4-cyl, 135kW/270NmTransmission: 8-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1425kgThirst: 6/100km; 141g/km CO2Options: metallic paint ($1415), glass sunroof ($2245), Navigation System Business ($1538), Sport Line package ($3152) includes 17 light-alloy wheels Double-spoke 392, Ambience light, switchable between Orange and White, BMW Sport Seats, Chrome Pearl Grey surrounds for centre console, Dakota leather upholstery, Exclusive high-gloss Black exterior trims, Red contrast stitching for sport leather steering wheel, Red detailing on key, Speedometer and rev counter with Red chronoscales, Welcome light, switchable between White or Cold White, Sport designation, exterior, BMW Sport door sill finishers in AluminiumTotal: $65,956Lexus IS 350 PrestigePrice: $64,800Warranty: 4 years/100,000kmResale: 52 per centService interval: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 3.5-litre 6-cyl, 233kW/378NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, FWDBody: 4.6m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1645kgThirst: 9.4/100km; 223g/km CO2Options: Enhancement Pack (includes moonroof, satnav and semi-aniline leather) at $3500.Total: $68,300Mercedes-Benz C250 Avantgarde StandardPrice: $67,400Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale:  52 per centService interval: 25,000km/12 monthsSafety rating: 5 starSpare: spacesaverEngine: 1.8-litre 4-cyl, 150kW/310NmTransmission: 7-speed auto, RWDBody: 4.5m (l); 1.7m (w); 1.4m (h)Weight: 1505kgThirst: 6.8/100km; 158g/km CO2Options: metallic paint $1600, Option Vision Package $3785 - Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system- Glass electric sunroof- Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Light SystemTotal: $72,785 

Not everyone wants to drive a big, boofy SUV. Small wagons are making a bit of a comeback, especially sporty Euros with offerings from all of the big three - Audi, Benz and BMW.BMW's new 3 Series Touring wagon is one of the tastier morsels to choose from, due to arrive early next year in Oz. We got a taste of things to come this week in Munich.DESIGNThe 3 Series is still very much the jewel in the crown, by far and away the German car maker's biggest selling model. The wagon, although it doesn't account for a huge number of sales (less than 10 percent of 3 Series), still makes a worthwhile contribution. The look this time around is long and low with sweeping lines that convey a sense of athleticism. It's identical to the sedan from the centre pillar forward, with a wider stance and lower front 'kidney' grille designed to accentuate its sporty appearance. At the rear BMW's characteristic L-shaped tail lights with integrated LEDs serve to emphasise the car's wider, stronger haunches - 37mm wider at the front and 48mm at the rear.LARGERThe fifth generation Touring is almost as long as a Commodore and 97mm longer than before, with a 50mm longer wheelbase that translates to 17mm of extra legroom in the back and more space for luggage behind the seat.In fact, with an extra 35 litres of luggage space, BMW claims the car now offers a greater capacity than any of its rivals - with room for three golf bags. Through the use of high strength steel the engineers have been able to reduce the weight of the car by 40kg.THE BOOTThere's 495 litres of space with the rear seat upright and 1500 litres with it folded, with a power operated tailgate that has a window that opens separately for quick access. Wave your foot under the rear of the car and the tailgate opens magically. The rear seat splits and folds in a 40:20:40 ratio that means you can fit several pairs of skis down the centre of the car and still have room for four adults.A partition net and luggage compartment cover are provided that stow neatly under the floor when not in use. The floor hatch is reversible for carrying dirty items. In the front, larger stowage bins in the doors now accommodate 1-litre drink bottles.THE RANGEWe're getting three models: the 328i, 320i and 318d. The 323i is no more and the 335i performance model has been dropped due to lack of demand. The first two are powered by 2.0-litre petrol engines and the third by a 2.0-litre diesel. Of the trio we got to sample only the top of the range 328i.UNDER THE BONNETThe twin turbo 2.0-litre four cylinder direct injection petrol engine produces 180kW of power and 350Nm of torque. It will be hooked up to an eight-speed automatic as standard in Aussie cars. A sports auto with gear change paddles and more dynamic shift characteristics is also available. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 6.0 seconds flat, with a top speed that is electronically limited to 250km/h. The 320i meanwhile produces 135kW/270Nm and the 118d 105kW/320Nm.FUEL CONSUMPTIONThe 328i is rated at 6.8 litres/100km and produces 159g/km of CO2. During the launch this week we returned a figure of 9.4 litres/100km over a distance of 230 easy kilometres. All models will be fitted with stop/start and other fuel saving tech, as well as a drive control with Eco Pro mode to maximise economy.BMW claims the latter can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Stop/start as its name suggests shuts down the engine at traffic lights and in other situations to save fuel, automatically restarting the engine when the driver presses the throttle.ON THE ROADI have to confess it's been a while since I last drove a Beemer and I had forgotten just how sporty they always manage to make them. The transition from six to four cylinder engines in the name of better fuel economy has been seamless, with the 2.0-litre engine in the 328i punching well above its weight.The chunky steering wheel feels snug in the hands and performance is strong, with plenty in reserve for overtaking. It even sounds the part under full throttle which is so important. The eight speed auto is excellent and responds quickly to throttle input, with the option to change gears manually, via the shifter or the steering wheel mounted paddles.Whether you're in auto or manual mode, the effect is satisfying, especially under hard acceleration when the gears snap home. In fact, we'd go as far as saying it's more responsive  than the tranny in the Porsche wagon that we drove the other day. Whether barreling down the autobahn or threading our way through the many villages that dot the countryside, the car remained unfazed.INSIDETypical BMW. The cockpit has a clear driver focus and the computer screen is bigger than ever. There's even a cradle for your iPod in the centre stowage bin, along with AUX and USB ports. It's available in Modern, Luxury and Sport trim lines, as well as with the M Sport package with lowered suspension. And, of course, there's plenty of options.SAFETYIt hasn't been tested yet, but the sedan gets a full five stars and the wagon is expected to achieve the same rating. Front and side airbags are fitted, plus head airbags for front and rear along with a full suite of safety systems.VERDICTMuch more stylish. The previous model looks positively small in comparison, although this one is physically only slightly larger. Like we said not everyone wants to drive a rolly-polly SUV, particularly if you're just driving around town. In this context a wagon makes more sense as it offers the same kind of utility but in a more refined and more engaging package. Your call. Pricing and specifications for the new wagon will be revealed closer to launch in February-March.BMW 3 Series Touring wagon 328iPrice: from $66,900Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder direct injection petrol, 180kW/350NmTransmission: 8-speed automaticThirst: 6.8 litres/100km, 159g/km CO2 emissions