What's the difference?
Back in the day, the 3 Series sedan was often the entry to the brand for first time BMW owners, and for good reason. They offered practical interior space without compromising on engine performance.
And they simply looked good, no boring nanny design elements. Then the 1 Series came along and price points bumped up, so how does the ‘entry’ BMW 320i M Sport live up to its long-standing reputation?
With an updated dashboard that brings the interior and tech up to market and a sharper exterior design, it more than holds its own at the table of luxury sedans, despite hard competition from the likes of the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C200 and Jaguar XE.
However, if the Merc is a placid and well-behaved mare… the BMW is the barely-broken-in bronco and it takes a certain kind of ‘rider’ to enjoy what the 320i has to offer.
I’ve been discovering just that this week with my family of three. What did we find out? Read below!
When the GLB arrived in Australia in 2020 it did so to much fanfare as the little premium SUV which could do it all.
It had seven-seats, ideal dimensions slotting underneath the mid-size GLC, the option of all-wheel drive, and even a go-fast AMG version to boot.
Now, the clever little luxury SUV can add another headline feature - it’s gone fully electric.
The EQB, like the EQA before it, follows the formula of its donor car to a T, being familiar for an existing Mercedes buyer whilst also making the jump to a fully electric drivetrain.
For now it comes in two variants, a two-wheel drive with seven seats, and a five-seat all-wheel drive which leans more on the performance aspect of its electric drivetrain. Is the trade-off worth it?
The answer is: It depends. Read on to find out why.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the BMW 320i M Sport. It’s fun to drive and I felt connected to what the car was doing on the road. The harder ride may not appeal to some but I didn’t mind it. The cosy back seat and boot mean it will probably suit a smaller family best and one which doesn’t have to worry about carrying a lot of gear around regularly, but it suited my needs just fine.
I reckon this is a car for those drivers who don’t want to compromise on performance but still have a kid or two. If you’re after the cushioned comfort of a Merc, this won’t appeal but I didn't want to give this one back and happily give it a firm 8/10.
My son liked the sports car looks and enjoyed the amenities in his row. He gives it a 10/10.
I really liked the combustion version of this car, the GLB, for its funky style and flexibility and I was pleased to find how easily Mercedes has made the conversion to a fully-electric layout for the EQB.
Despite a tall price, the EQB 350 is a compelling option for those seeking something a bit more luxurious than the Tesla Model Y, something a bit larger than the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and something a bit smaller than the Audi e-tron or the EQC.
The main trade-off for this 350 variant is the loss of the seven-seat layout in favour of more performance. Instead it offers a huge boot, has a sufficient range for city-based buyers, and offers surprising levels of fun, too.Â
Just make sure you’ve considered its rivals which may potentially offer more range or features for the same money.