Rest easy: BMW's not messed with success with its 3-series facelift - _jakegroves drives the refreshed 3 saloon
Would you promise to keep reading if I say they’re largely the same as they were before? If you’re still here, the 3-series is still an absolute peach of a small saloon, but it’s worth pointing out that both 3-series versions we drove in Germany were on 19-inch wheels with adaptive suspension.
Let’s start with the 320d. It’s very much still the sensible choice for high-milers, even during a time when plug-in hybrids dominate company car spreadsheets. The engine itself is grumbly and a little coarse, with a persistent – if admirably shrouded – din in the background. But it’s as quick as it needs to be, with a useful swell of torque and a super-smooth eight-speed automatic .
And, while the 320d remains a resolutely sensible choice, the M340i is arguably all the car anyone could really need. BMW says 10 per cent of 3-series models sold globally were M Performance versions, but the share is more like 15 per cent here in the UK. We like it, then, and I’m happy to report it’s still very, very good. That 3.0-litre straight-six is silky smooth and explosively powerful, with a 4.4-sec 0-62mph time meaning you’re propelled into the middle distance at an alarming rate.
It’s a properly calm cruiser, while also being a sharp steer, too. Perhaps, in fact, too sharp; the steering has next to zero feel, but the rack itself is hyper-alert off-centre, giving the 3-series a slightly twitchy vibe to it on twistier roads. Ditto the brakes; so much as breathe on them and they spring into action. On the face of it, it’s great to see that BMW still wants to give drivers the impression the 3-series is still a sporty saloon, but it feels a smidge too artificial these days.
And, while the 48V mild hybrid assistance claims to have environmental benefits , the engine-off coasting can be irritating. It cuts out as you slow down or come to a complete stop, but if you’re at a roundabout or T-junction where you can make a quick getaway after pulling up, it’s not quite quick enough to react. Not the first time a start/stop system has been irritating, and we’re sure it won’t be the last.