babypuppi: [15] 320i Bmw Becomes Monthly Talks

At first blush, the most-accessible model in BMW’s best-selling 3 Series sedan lineup looks like an easy recommendation for someone like yours truly who gets asked for new car buying advice on a regular basis. For decades, the compact Bimmer has been the entry-level, luxury/sports sedan class-leader for driving pleasure. But a week spent behind the wheel of a 2013 320i xDrive Sedan left me with more questions than answers.

If you’re up on your BMW 3 Series nomenclature, you’ll know the $37,995 (all prices include a $2,095 freight and pre-delivery inspection fee) 320i Sedan is the bottom-rung brother to its mid-rung $45,695 328i and top-rung $53,295 335i Sedan siblings. If you’d prefer traction at all four wheels in the name of BMW’s xDrive— instead of the standard 320i’s rear wheel-drive setup — you’ll need to add a further $4,000 to the bill, as my tester was equipped. As well, my 320i xDrive had $8,355 worth of heated steering wheel, leather seating, sunroof, bi-xenon lights, navigation and various trim bits.

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Which brings us to my first query: Why does my nearly $50,000 BMW only have 181 horsepower? That’s the output from the detuned version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder gas engine that makes 241 hp in the 328i. With 20 and 89 less respective horsepower than rivals like the Audi A4 2.0T Quattro and Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0 T, it’s no surprise the 320i xDrive (equipped with a no-charge eight-speed automatic transmission) is slower than the Audi or Caddy, taking a leisurely 7.6 seconds to go from zero to 100 km/h.

Keep in mind, the 320i xDrive’s quickest times are only if you hit the right buttons. The blown-four comes with a tri-mode, driver-controllable system that adjusts the BMW’s climate control, steering, throttle and transmission. The “Eco” mode is best for trying to score government estimates, where the BMW claims 9.5 L/100 km city and 6.3 highway. In my week with the car, I saw an average of 10.8 L/100 km.

You have to really want to sip fuel to drive the 320i xDrive in Eco mode. It forces you to use BMW’s unrefined stop/start system, which turns the engine on and off when the vehicle is at rest with an accompaniment of shuddering and clunking. As well, the 320i xDrive’s steering becomes numb, the throttle response lazy, and the autobox’s shifts are slow and languid, leaving the BMW with an uncoordinated feel overall. At least when driven at this pace, the 320i xDrive is quiet, smooth, and undemanding of its driver.

For those other buyers who are interested in the German automaker’s reputation as a maker of Ultimate Driving Machines, you’ll need to select “Sport” mode. (Why you have to push a “Sport” button to get a BMW to act like a BMW was also a question I had.)

Still, the 320i xDrive is not the definitive sports sedan in its class. Even in said Sport mode, the BMW’s tiller actions — a characteristic the 3 Series once led handily in its class — will leave driving enthusiasts wanting. Non-linear and lacking feel, the list of rivals with more communicative and natural-feeling steering systems (i.e. Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Lexus IS) is getting longer by the year.

Here’s another question: From a company that has the word “motor” in its name, why does the 320i xDrive’s mill have such little soul? At idle, the blown-four’s direct-injection mechanicals sound like a diesel. And unless you really stomp on its gas pedal and rev the bejesus out of it, the engine is nearly silent in any other use. And when it does make a noise, it’s more like a sick dog farting than an angry dog snarling.

Perhaps I’m missing the point of the new BMW 320i xDrive. There isn’t a straight-six under its hood. Its steering and gearbox are more tuned for chauffeurs than racecar driver wannabes. Maybe the BMW is supposed to be a luxury car first, sports sedan second. Seemingly to broaden its appeal beyond driving enthusiasts, the 3 Series offers more high-tech gadgets, comfort features and interior room than ever before. But then why does the 320i xDrive sport an interior that, while stylish, lacks the precision and quality feel of luxury brand rivals like an Audi A4?

BMW’s catering to the masses certainly seems to be paying dividends on the sales charts. Just don’t expect the luxury of exclusivity with your BMW. Sales of the 3 Series in Canada through to the end of September this year are up almost 20% to 9,855 copies sold. That’s more than A4, ATS and IS sales combined.

Here’s one question the 2013 BMW 320i xDrive answers: Can you find a faster, more rewarding to drive, entry-level sports sedan with a nicer interior for the same or less money?

Yes.

The Specs

Type of vehicle All-wheel-drive, compact sedan
Engine 2.0L DOHC turbocharged four-cylinder
Power 181 hp @ 5,000 rpm, 184 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1,250 rpm
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Brakes Four-wheel-disc with ABS
Tires P225/45R18
Price (base/as tested) $39,900/$46,350
Destination charge $2,095
Natural Resources Canada fuel economy (L/100 km) 9.5 city, 6.3 highway, 10.8 as-tested
Standard features AM/FM/CD/HD stereo/MP3 audio system with auxiliary input and USB jack, Bluetooth, speed-sensitive volume, LCD monitor, steering wheel-mounted controls, 17-inch alloy wheels, front bucket seats, six-way driver and passenger seat, manual tilt and telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, power locks, windows and mirrors, proximity key with remote keyless entry, cruise control, dual zone automatic climate control and more
Optional features Premium Package ($2,400) heated steering wheel, 18-inch wheels, sport leather steering wheel, sunroof, through loading system, anthracite trim, trim highlight chrome, Modern Line, Black Dakota leather; Lighting Package ($1,200) auto-dimming interior/exterior mirrors, bi-xenon headlights, Navigation Package ($2,000); BMW Assist/Bluetooth Package ($800).

babypuppi

Monday, December 31, 2018

[15] 320i Bmw Becomes Monthly Talks

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