Sheer driving pleasure. That’s the BMW’s tagline and 3-series testifies the same. Unlike usual facelifts, the one on this model isn’t simply limited to beautification treatment. BMW has plonked in a 4-cylinder, 1995 CC B47 common rail diesel engine unit which is a successor of the N47 motor that was fitted previously. It’s capable of delivering 190 BHP @ 4000 RPM and a torque of upto 400 Nm @ 1750 – 2500 RPM. It’s a couple of kilograms lighter (thanks to an aluminum crankcase), meets Euro-6 emission norms and is claimed to be more refined and efficient. Now there’s a 2.0 liter twin-power turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine on offer too that churns out 181 BHP @ 5000 RPM and torque of 270 Nm @ 1350 RPM mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. But since we’ve driven diesel, we’ll be specific to it.
The diesel motor too is a rear-wheel drive, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission which does 0 – 100 Kmph quickly in 7.2 seconds with a top-speed of 230 Kmph. Its output benefits from further improvements in internal friction and responsiveness through the use of anti-friction bearings instead of plain bearings. Additionally, C02 emissions have been reduced by more than nine per cent over its predecessor. Gently press accelerator and 3-Series moves on effortlessly. There isn’t any noticeable lag whatsoever and the overall NVH levels have been improved. Precise and a light-weight steering helps making those tight U-turns a breeze.
The eight-speed steptronic sports automatic transmission (now coupled with paddle shifters) has following modes to choose from, suitable for all types of driving conditions: Comfort, EcoPro, Sport and Sport Plus. The Sport Plus, which is available on all variants except Prestige, allows you to rev the engine right up to the rev limiter and also performs multiple sequential downshifts. This intelligent transmission system also helps optimize fuel efficiency by using navigation data to work out in advance where the driver will have to slow down on the upcoming route and accordingly adapts the powertrain strategy. The other energy saving features includes Auto Start Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration. The on-demand coolant pump, electronically controlled oil pump and electromechanical power steering consume no electrical power when steering straight ahead. Also, whenever the air conditioning is not being used, its compressor is automatically disconnected.
The New 3-series rides on a re-tuned suspension that improves both transverse and longitudinal dynamics under all payload conditions. This is expressed in reduced roll, unwavering directional stability and an exceptionally high level of steering precision. The ride is on the stiffer side but if you’re an enthusiast, it’s not something that you’d complaint about considering better handling dynamics. However, at the same time, the suspension gulps potholes well when driving in a sedate manner. BMW claimed mileage figures for diesel variant is 22.69 Kmpl (and 17.61 for Petrol) although in real-world it delivered us around 12 Kmpl in cities and 15 Kmpl on highways under mixed driving conditions with AC on full-time. Safety features include front, side and head airbags, ABS, cornering brake control, traction control, stability control etc. So the final question arises: should you buy one? If you’re someone truly obsessed with driving, 3-series is a car that still ticks all boxes and additionally, supports it with an equally performance oriented design.
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