The 3-series is not just a range of cars but it is a statement of intent. Although, there are a number of models that swirled up around the peripheries of the marque, the 3-series remains BMW's rock-solid nucleus, ever since 1975.
Automotive purists on the look out for the most enthusiastic sports oriented sedan in the market, look no further than the 2015 BMW 3-series. Even though the competitions from Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz are rather very advanced, the well equipped 3-series is still a step ahead of them when it comes to latest in-car tech.
Exterior
From the front, the new 3-series follows in the footsteps of the previous model; a modern take on the kidney grille, aggressive headlights and flared air intakes. But that is where all the similarities with the older model ends. Move to side and a completely new profile takes shape. The bonnet has sunken down at the nose, but the overall height has been raised over the previous model, giving it a much more aggressive stance. And also the overall length and width of the car have increased. The upshot is that the 3-series is now up-to-date with a familiar silhouette that still radiates off the 3-series’ function, performance and luxury.
Interior
The moment you open those doors and step inside, you realise that the 3-series interior is no longer cramped like before. The cabin is rather spacious and with the additional two inches of wheelbase, it all sums up to an extra inch of legroom over the previous generation models. The well-contoured leather seats can now comfortably seat full-sized adults in the second row, meanwhile the passengers up front get ample amount of space in every direction. There are optional sports front seats available with extended thigh and side support for a more aggressive driving pleasure.
Performance
A new model has joined the sedan range at the entry-level price point - the 320i. At the heart of the 320i is the same basic 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo charged engine, that can be found in the 328i, but de-tuned to 180Hp and 200lb-ft of torque. The 320i is BMW's answer to the Mercedes-Benz C180 and Audi A3 sedan. And if petrol is not your thing, you can always opt to go for the 328d, which has 181HP on offer via a turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine. Both the options are offered with a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an available eight-speed automatic transmission as an upgrade. All 3-series models have standard rear-wheel drive with an option to go for all-wheel drive.
Safety
On par with safety, the 3-series comes standard with stability control, eight airbags, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with collision mitigation features. Other additional safety features include BMW Assist, which provides automatic crash notification and roadside assistance. The 2015 3-Series received a perfect five stars overall in the Euro-NCAP crash test.
The 3-series is a jubilant testament to BMW’s driver focussed engineering prowess, furthermore, it now stands head and shoulders above its competition, towering clear of any other class-leading car available in the market. And until someone can think of anything better than such a myriad array of diverse fronts that the 3-series has to offer, it stays firmly rooted as the world’s best small saloon.
Available at: Executive Motors Ltd 222, Bir Uttam Mir Showkat Sarak, Tejgaon-Gulshan Link Road, Dhaka
