On the outside, the new BMW 3 Series is still what it was even after the facelift. Inside, things change: this is the test of the BMW 320d Touring
Some fans of the brand may like a BMW facelift better than a new model at the moment, at least those who find the new grille too big or the infotainment system, without an iDrive controller, too cumbersome. So that you do not worry, we have a spoiler for you: the iDrive remains.
A little adrenaline to start
Before we jump into the BMW 320d Touring, we take a spin in the M340i xDrive, which has a new rear apron, and the 48-volt mild-hybrid flat-six engine.
It continues to deliver 374 hp, with an additional 11 hp provided by the electric motor when accelerating spontaneously or starting from traffic lights, and a maximum torque of 500 Newton meters is distributed to all four wheels.
The M340i catapults from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and with sustained pressure on the accelerator pedal it reaches a limited speed of 250 km/h.
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However, this fun rocket costs more than 70,000 euros in combination with an M sports suspension, specific brakes, sports seats for long distances, variable steering and paddle shifters.
Now yes: we get on the familiar
The BMW 320d Touring is the counterpoint to the M340i, so to speak. With 500 liters of storage space, it offers 20 more d for luggage than the sedan and pleases long-distance drivers with the diesel engine, which is also supported by a 48-volt starting generator.
In the 0 to 100, it is clearly inferior to the M340i although it does not do anything bad with 7.2 seconds, and the tip is 229 km/h. In costs, it clearly wins: the basic variant is around 55,000 euros and, of course, consumes much less (they call it 320d efficientdynamics for a reason). In this respect, not much has changed after the facelift compared to the predecessor.
Interior design of the new BMW
Completely different in the cabin. As I said, the fantastic iDrive controller has been kept. The same applies to control of driving programs using the toggle switch on the center console.
The cockpit design itself is different. The so-called curved screen (BMW Curved Display), which was first presented in the BMW i4 in 2019, has now also arrived here. The group of slightly curved screens consists of a 12.3-inch behind the wheel and a 14.9-inch center.
It looks very modern, but it has meant reducing a lot of buttons and switches, and the air conditioning can now only be controlled via the touch screen.
Factors to decide the purchase
Technically and optically, the 3 Series has remained much the same, and that’s good news. The interior has been modernized, yes, and to master some control elements will have to take time to adapt. At least the iDrive remains.
conclusion
The best
Performance, behavior, design, quality… the usual in a Series 3
Worst
It takes getting used to the new cockpit; basic price a bit high
