By Karl Peskett.
How much technology is too much? In a world that seems to be progressing faster than it spins, most would say that it doesn’t matter. The more, the merrier.
While that’s true for phones, computers, tablets and other consumer electronics, when it comes to cars, there’s a point when it starts to detract from the driving experience. Fly-by-wire controls, electric steering, airbag suspension – they can be good, but when they haven’t been tuned correctly, it actually separates the driver from what’s going on beneath them.
One of BMW’s selling points is that the company sells the “ultimate driving machine”. So, you can imagine the disappointment when the 3 Series was saddled with an electric steering system that made it feel a bit numb and disconnected.
However, the 2019 3 Series appears to have fixed that, and brought along a host of new tech as well, but this time it works as a seamless package.
The tech is pretty obvious from the moment you open the door. Slide into the supremely comfortable seats and you’ll find a large screen where the dials should be, the iDrive has now been upgraded (iDrive 7.0 for those interested) and the controller now has extra buttons. The drive mode selection button sits next to the stop start button and the gear shifter has been reshaped.
All the controls have been grouped together, meaning if you’re used to BMW’s old ways, it takes a little time to get used to seeing it all in the one spot. And the headlight controls are a series of buttons, instead of a regular dial.
But now, with the new iDrive system, every menu has a preview, so you don’t have to press it first to find out what’s in the menu. It’s easier to use than ever before, has clearer graphics, and it’s more intuitive. Finally, BMW has caught up to Audi’s MMI, and is now the benchmark infotainment system.
There’s also a series of ConnectedDrive applications, one of which is called “Caring Car”. This has two modes – Vitalise and Relax, each set with a different climate control program and music. The relax, program, for example, plays three minutes of soothing tunes, with seat heaters on, and warm air gently feeding into the cabin. The vitalise program, however, puts on some upbeat dance music, cools off the ambient lighting and blows cool air at the driver in repeated waves.
The 3 Series has also had a nice uplift in materials and quality, now presenting at the same level as the C-Class and Audi A4 in terms of presentation. And with more room inside for both front and rear passengers, it’s a whole lot nicer to sit inside.
But what about to drive? Well, that’s where things improve, too. As mentioned, the steering is now far more natural in feel, even with electric assistance. And the braking is a fraction more progressive than before.
Under the bonnet is a revised 2.0-litre turbodiesel producing 140kW and 400Nm, again backed up by ZF’s excellent eight-speed auto. It’s as smooth as you can get from a diesel, but with so much torque on offer at such low revs, you never need to keep the boot in for long to get it up to speed.
With a 0-100kmh time of 6.8 seconds, you’d be fooled in thinking it’s chewing through the juice. In fact, BMW says it’s only using 4.5L/100km. Of course, that’s a factory figure, but even on test it was only in the high fives.
But it feels like a more resolved vehicle than the past 3 Series, and one that will suit BMW’s faithful as well as new buyers to the brand. The fact that it’s also better looking is just icing on the cake.
However, the ridiculously expensive options remain. With a list price of $67,900, you’d expect everything to be included. But with metallic paint, blue stitching on the leather, sunroof, Sensatec material around the instruments, ambient lighting, bigger wheels and an electric boot lifter, the final price ended up at $82,000.
If you can live without these little additions, then the new 320d is definitely one to look at closely. And if you don’t like diesel, there’s the 330i for a smidge over $70K.
Look out Audi and Benz – BMW is back.
