BMW’s 320 D M Sport Saloon

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The BMW 3 Series has set the benchmark of compact saloons since 1975. The arrival of a new 3 is always a special occasion in the executive saloon market.

Special mention : It’s got great quality throughout the cabin, comfort and style are at a premium as well as a few tricks up it’s sleeve with the technology packs

Needs work :  Driver pedals are slightly offset and can mean a twist in the seating position. Options are pricey. Run Flat tyres. That is all.

Specs: As tested

Max Power 190 BHPDiesel / Auto 8 Speed
0-100 km/h in 6.8 secondsRoad Tax €200
Starting price €49,213
as tested €59,286
Boot litres 480

To stay competitive in the exec saloon market, BMW have ticked every box when it comes to design and connectivity. The digital dials are good with 3D Nav displaying more information than ever but there’s room for further development. With enhanced communications optioned, you can mirror the screen of your mobile phone onto the touch screen which is brilliant in it’s simplicity and usefulness. Whatsapp messages can be displayed with ease as well as quickly sending standard hands free responses.

The latest version of BMW’s iDrive can be operated by gesture, rotator or voice control. “Hey BMW” activates a host of commands such as temperature control, vehicle settings, tyre pressure checks, ambient lighting, and navigational requests. Third party integrations include Microsoft Office 365 and Skype for Business where the driver can accept conference calls and have emails read out loud. Although I’m not sure a conference call behind the wheel is practical or safe, but perhaps best used at a service station between journeys if needs must.

An innovative feature that some find tricky but once you get the hang of it is useful, is Gesture control, whereby using simple hand gestures in front of the touch screen, you can perform various hands free actions in vehicles with 3D technology. Mostly you can turn the volume up/down, accept or decline a phone call, change the rear-view camera angle or select navigation on the iDrive infotainment system.

As for the line up, you’ve got the 318d up to the M340i and the very enjoyable 330e (petrol electric hybrid). Trim levels are comprehensive with plenty of packs available to option. This 320d M Sport had the Technology Pack – €2,473.78 (wireless charging, which tends to heat up the phone), Comfort Pack – €1,360.59 (includes powered boot lid) and the M Sport Plus Package – €3,023.52 (lots of sport design goodness). Not everyone will add all three but if you’re wise with your selection, you will appreciate having forked out the extra.

The 320 D M Sport is all the 3 Series any road warrior could need. With 190 PS and 400Nm at 1,750-2,500rpm, it swiftly moves to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds. It’s entertaining to drive as well as frugal, not something that a lot of manufacturers can achieve as well as this in a driver focused car. Even better, it’s accomplished without a diesel rumble, although it does come with acoustic glass to give the interior that extra hush. There are three settings to take you through most driving situations, comfort is best used in busy cities, otherwise you’ll be twitching your way through traffic in anything sportier. Out of it’s usual competitors (A4 & C- Class), the 3 series has them beat hands down for dynamics. But wait, there is another contender, Volvo’s S60 beats the other two German’s into (a well deserved) second place.

For now, the more kilometres driven in the 320d, the more impressed you are with its mix of technology, engineering and premium materials which creates one hugely engaging all round package.