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March 5, 2021
Test Drive of the New BMW 3 Series' Basic Model, the "318i" | BMW
BMW 318i
Test Drive of the New BMW 3 Series' Basic Model, the "318i"
The BMW 3 Series, the backbone of the brand, was fully redesigned in 2019, entering its seventh generation. Fumihiro Ogawa, a motor journalist, test drove the 318i, the entry-level model, which was launched in August 2020 with a price tag under 5 million yen.
Text by Fumihiro Ogawa | Photographs by Atsuki Kawano
Comfort at Town Speeds is Its Appeal
While some say sedans are fading, the popularity of good sedans has not waned. Why not consider a sedan for your next car? Take the BMW 3 Series, for example. Its body size is ample for Japanese roads, and its performance is impressive. Plus, its sporty sedan proportions—a long hood and short deck—are captivating.
The wide range of configurations available in Japan is a testament to this car's appeal. Looking at the catalog, you'll find the "M340i xDrive," which combines a 3-liter 6-cylinder engine with a 4WD system, and plug-in hybrid models. Here, we're focusing on the "318i," the basic model.
The 1998cc inline-4 engine, producing 115kW (156ps) of maximum power and 250Nm of maximum torque, drives the rear wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is a familiar mechanical layout for BMW enthusiasts.
The strength of the 318i, I believe, lies in its comfort at town speeds (the kind of speeds you encounter in city driving). The suspension system moves smoothly, providing a ride that is free of harshness. It's excellent as a driver's car and also suitable for family use.
As is common with recent BMWs, the steering wheel is thick. This is an interesting point. You might have noticed that many cars today feature thicker steering wheels. BMW pioneered this trend. Designers at Japanese manufacturers were impressed, remarking, "This will be appreciated by female drivers with long nails, as they won't need to grip it tightly."
Whether it was designed with that in mind is unclear; at the press launch for this 3 Series generation overseas, no one could provide a definitive answer. Regardless, it is indeed easy to grip.
Its Relatively Approachable Price of 4.89 Million Yen is a Merit
Settling into the supportive seats, you notice a design that sets it apart from previous 3 Series models. This is due to the enhanced connectivity features. The instrument cluster is now digital, and a 10.25-inch monitor screen is centrally located on the dashboard.
It features the "BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant," which responds to voice commands starting with "Hey, BMW." This system can be controlled by imperative speech, except for functions that could interfere with driving or compromise passenger safety.
This system is similar to Mercedes-Benz's MBUX. In fact, Sajid Khan, the Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Mercedes-Benz, was instrumental in developing this system at BMW before being headhunted by Mercedes-Benz.
For those who find constantly saying "Hey, BMW" to activate the system cumbersome or even embarrassing, BMW allows you to register your own custom wake word. You could even set it to a discreet "Okay."
Incidentally, the "MBUX Interior Assistant" system in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class uses a gesture—forming a V-shape with a finger and quickly gesturing over the center console—which the interior camera recognizes as a command to activate preset functions. This is done silently. Perhaps the future of interaction lies in silence rather than voice commands.
While the relatively approachable price of 4.89 million yen is a merit of the 318i, the firmer yet refined ride of the 318i M Sport (5.59 million yen) is also compelling. For those seeking more engine power, the 320i (from 5.38 million yen) offers 135kW (184ps) and 300Nm, while the 330i M Sport (6.47 million yen) boasts an even more potent 190kW (258ps) and 400Nm.
BMW offers a diverse range of specifications, starting with the 318i. This approach is highly appreciated by car enthusiasts, as it provides the joy of finding a model that perfectly suits their preferences.
Inquiries
BMW Customer Interaction Center
Tel. 0120-269-437 (Weekdays 9:00-19:00, Weekends and Holidays 9:00-18:00)
https://www.bmw.co.jp/
