What is the 3 Series Now?

The 3 Series, which forms the backbone of BMW, is rapidly expanding its lineup. The following summarizes the flow of the 6th generation 3 Series (F30 series) that debuted this year.



January 30th328i Debuts

April 9th6-speed Manual Added Simultaneously with 320i Debut

July 25thActiveHybrid 3 Debuts

August 8th320i xDrive Debuts

August 22nd320d BluePerformance Debuts

September 5th3 Series Touring Debuts



This is a rapid succession of model introductions, but let's highlight a few key points to understand about the new 3 Series.



1) The Japanese specification 3 Series is equipped with a 4-cylinder turbo engine in almost all models. The exception is the ActiveHybrid 3, which combines a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine with an electric motor.





2) The maximum output for the 328i and 320i is 245ps and 184ps respectively, but they are essentially the same engine tuned differently; the base 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine is common to both.






3) Each model is available in five trim levels: Standard, Sport, Modern, Luxury, and M Sport. However, the Sport, Modern, and Luxury trims differ only in interior and exterior styling, while the suspension and tire sizes are the same. The prices are also identical.





4) The 6-speed manual transmission is only available for the 320i sedan.





5) The 3 Series' xDrive is notable for being the first right-hand drive BMW sedan with all-wheel drive. However, it is only paired with the 320i sedan.





6) The Touring wagon body style is exclusively paired with the 320d and 328i.




These are the basic rules to consider when looking at the new 3 Series, yet the number of choices is still more than sufficient. Therefore, we will focus on the recently added powertrains to help you choose the ideal 3 Series.

What is BMW's Hybrid System?

First, let's look at the "ActiveHybrid 3," the only model in the new 3 Series lineup for Japan that is equipped with a 6-cylinder engine.

In Japan, hybrids are often associated with fuel efficiency, but German car manufacturers likeBMWtend to view hybrids as "high-performance models with good fuel economy."

Press releases emphasize its high performance, such as a system output of 340ps and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.3 seconds. Regarding the price, it's presented as a "mere 130,000 yen increase over the previous generation 3 Series high-performance model, the '335i,' at 6.99 million yen."

Furthermore, it boasts zero-emission driving in EV mode and fuel efficiency comparable to a 4-cylinder gasoline engine (16.5 km/ℓ in JC08 mode, same as the 320i).

However, the impression from test driving was somewhat different from the previous generation 335i.



As mentioned, the ActiveHybrid 3 is the only model in the new 3 Series lineup equipped with an inline 6-cylinder engine. It was genuinely pleasing that it retains the "straight-six" character that is a BMW tradition. Unlike the somewhat gruff tone of the previous 335i, its light and clear exhaust note is also a welcome characteristic.

The Latest F30 Series: 328i, 320i, and 320i xDrive

BMW'sall-wheel-drive system, called "xDrive," is exclusively offered on the 320i in the new 3 Series. The 320i has recently been evaluated as having a light front end but lacking in performance, with a somewhat unrefined 4-cylinder engine. However, the F30 series 320i, also a 4-cylinder but with direct injection turbo, delivers ample torque from low RPMs, offering performance comparable to the 328i in most situations.



Furthermore, in terms of noise and vibration, it has been refined to the point where the disadvantages of a 4-cylinder engine are no longer noticeable. Considering cost performance, it is arguably a more recommendable model than the 328i.



Naturally, there are no complaints about the performance or refinement when paired with xDrive.



Moreover, during our test drive, which took place in the rain, the traction provided by the all-wheel drive was reassuring, allowing us to confidently navigate the winding roads of Hakone.



The benefits of all-wheel drive are not limited to good traction. Unlike 2WD vehicles, where handling characteristics change significantly when the drive wheels begin to slip, with 4WD, the cornering trajectory remains almost unchanged even with some skidding. This allows for confident high-speed cornering even in wet conditions.



The only drawback might be a slight compromise in the steering feel, which is typically rich in information for BMWs, due to power being sent to the front wheels. However, this difference is very minor. The advantages of all-wheel drive far outweigh this. The price, starting from 4.8 million yen, is also attractive for a BMW all-wheel-drive model.

The Surprisingly Refined Diesel Model - 320d Touring

Finally, we introduce the 320d BluePerformance Touring. This model is surprisingly well-executed.



BMW'sdiesel models, such as the "X5 xDrive35d BluePerformance"equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, have already been introduced in Japan. However, compared to the X5, which tends to favor high RPMs, the 320d, true to its diesel nature, produces abundant torque at low RPMs, offering excellent drivability.



Its highly linear response to throttle inputs is another strong point. Furthermore, the absolute power is sufficient, and the responsiveness is excellent, so there was no feeling of being held back even when driving aggressively on tight winding roads.




Additionally, the body rigidity is remarkably high, and the slightly firm suspension setting is exquisite, providing a sense of unity as if you were controlling the car with your palm.





It may come as a surprise, but in terms of being able to drive the car exactly as you intend, the 320d BluePerformance Touring we tested is the best among the new 3 Series models.




The new 3 Series boasts a diverse lineup, including the 328i, 320i, ActiveHybrid 3, xDrive, 320d, and Touring models. Although I started writing this article to help readers choose a model, I now deeply regret that by detailing their charms, I may have ended up confusing them even more.


BMW ActiveHybrid3 M Sport

Body Dimensions: Length 4,625 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,440 mm

Wheelbase: 2,810 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,525 / 1,540 mm

Weight: 1,740 kg

Engine: 2,979cc Inline 6-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC TwinPower Turbo

Maximum Output: 225 kW (306 ps) / 5,800 rpm

Maximum Torque: 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 1,200-5,000 rpm

Motor Output: 40 kW (54 ps)

Motor Torque: 210 Nm (21.4 kgm)

System Maximum Output: 250 kW (340 ps)

System Maximum Torque: 450 Nm (45.9 kgm)

Transmission: 8-speed Automatic

Drive System: Rear-Wheel Drive

Suspension Front: Double-joint Strut / Coil

Suspension Rear: 5-link / Coil

Tires Front/Rear: 225/45R18 / 225/40R18

Trunk Capacity: 390 Liters

Fuel Economy: 16.5 km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price: 7.45 million yen



BMW 320i xDrive Luxury

Body Dimensions: Length 4,625 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,440 mm

Wheelbase: 2,810 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,520 / 1,560 mm

Weight: 1,610 kg

Engine: 1,997cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo

Maximum Output: 135 kW (184 ps) / 5,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 270 Nm (27.5 kgm) / 1,250-4,500 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Automatic

Drive System: All-Wheel Drive

Suspension Front: Double-joint Strut / Coil

Suspension Rear: 5-link / Coil

Tires: 225/50R17

Trunk Capacity: 480 Liters

Fuel Economy: 15.2 km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price: 5.00 million yen



BMW 320d BluePerformance Touring Sport

Body Dimensions: Length 4,625 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,460 mm

Wheelbase: 2,810 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,520 / 1,560 mm

Weight: 1,620 kg

Engine: 1,995cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Diesel Turbo

Maximum Output: 135 kW (184 ps) / 4,000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 380 Nm (38.7 kgm) / 1,750-2,750 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed Automatic

Drive System: Rear-Wheel Drive

Suspension Front: Double-joint Strut / Coil

Suspension Rear: 5-link / Coil

Tires: 225/50R17

Trunk Capacity: 495-1,500 Liters

Fuel Economy: 19.4 km/ℓ (JC08 mode)

Price: 5.11 million yen