• An attractive range of petrol and diesel with plenty of power
• Outstanding driving experience with great comfort and control
• Very impressive active safety technology

Petrol engines

The bread-and-butter 320i features a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo motor. The range-topping M340i uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine – and if you can run to it, is likely to be all the better for it. The entry-level 320i petrol develops 184hp, and is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.

This is available with rear-wheel drive as standard or xDrive all-wheel drive for about £1,400 more. It’s a fine default choice, with a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and delivering oodles of driver satisfaction. For those looking for a 330i, that’s secondhand only now after BMW’s 2023 trimming of the range.

Fastest is the M340i petrol Touring, with xDrive as standard, 374hp and 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds. It’s fast, responsive and an absolute delight to drive.

Diesel engines

The 320d suits the requirements of a compact executive estate superbly; though with 190hp minimum, no Touring feels slow. Best all-round choice is the 190hp 320d diesel, however.

Performance is brisk and lively – refinement is first-rate and we averaged very nearly 50mpg in mixed driving. It really is a rounded engine choice that will suit so many British buyers, even if it sounds a little grumbly.

You can read all about the hybrid 330e in its own separate review.

What’s it like to drive?

• Well-weighted steering
• Balanced handling
• Refined and comfy cruiser

In short, it’s as good as it gets in this class. Every 3 Series Touring comes with a choice of driving modes ranging from Eco Pro to Sport Plus, allowing you to fine-tune the experience to your tastes in a genuinely noticeable way. This driver-assistance system is also used as part of the M Sport suspension upgrade, which is 10mm lower and firmer for a more driver-focused experience.

The 3 Series is impressively quiet, and although diesel engines can be a little noisy, any other sounds are exceptionally well isolated. At speed, the engine is almost inaudible, and road and wind noise are minimal. The 3 Series comes with double glazing as standard and it shows. It’s a very well hushed car at all speeds, and makes long journeys very relaxing.

Choose a 3 Series Touring on 18-inch wheels and standard suspension, and you get a smooth ride quality that isolates bumps from the cabin very well. On larger, optional 19-inch wheels it’s less comfortable, so it’s best to try one with them fitted before choosing them. It’s never jarring, but it feels more hot hatch than family estate car.

Otherwise, the 3 Series Touring is brilliant on the motorway – it’s here that it comes into its own in terms of comfort and refinement. The seats are supportive and comfortable – especially M Sport sports seats that have a wide range of adjustment – and will suit a range of drivers because of this.

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