BMW 3 Series M Sport review
"The top of the range M Sport model features a sporty bodykit, gorgeous sports leather seats and lowered sports suspension."
It’s incredible to think that the BMW 3 Series has been on sale for almost 50 years and that seven generations on, time has done little to dent its appeal.
In fact, we think the latest version is one of the best all-rounders you can buy. The 3 Series is much sleeker than the swathes of SUVs that currently inundate the new car market, while also offering similar interior space and practicality. Plus, while the latest Mercedes C-Class has one of the most hi-tech cabins you can buy, the BMW trumps the Merc in terms of driving dynamics and material quality.
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The current BMW 3 Series is available in four distinct trim levels; SE Pro, Sport Pro, M Sport, M Sport Pro Edition, and then there’s the sportier ‘M’-badged models. Undeniably the most popular model in the range, the M Sport trim attracts thanks to its sportier styling and wide choice of engines.
On the petrol side, the range kicks off with the 154bhp 318i, which averages around 44.1mpg. Buyers can also step up to the more-powerful 320i and 330i, which produce 181bhp and 254bhp respectively. These models offer roughly the same fuel economy and can be specified with BMW’s slick xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
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The entry-level 148bhp 318d diesel is the only model in the range offered with a manual gearbox and can average a very respectable 65.7mpg. Other diesel options include the 187bhp 320d and 282bhp 330d; like all of the petrol models, these are fitted with a eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Buyers looking for a middle ground between petrol and diesel can opt for the plug-in hybrid 330e. This pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine to an electric motor, which together produce 249bhp. When in Sport mode, the 330e’s electric motor can produce an extra 41bhp in short bursts, allowing for 0-62mph in less than six seconds. The 330e is not all about speed, however, as it offers a pure-electric range of 37 miles and can return up to 217.3mpg - if you recharge the battery regularly.
Standard spec is high on all M Sport models, but most will be attracted by its BMW M3-inspired looks thanks to its M Sport bodykit and standard 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. Inside there’s a leather interior with heated sport seats, a reversing camera and three-zone climate control.
If this just isn’t quite sporty enough, the M Sport Pro Edition trim adds adaptive suspension and plenty of gloss black detailing including a set of model-specific 19-inch wheels, a darkened kidney grille and black wing mirror caps. M Sport Pro Edition cars are only available with diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains and can be specified in one of three metallic paints.
Behind the wheel, the M Sport model drives just as sharply as any 3 Series, with incredible balance from the rear-wheel-drive setup. All of the available powertrains are smooth to drive, with the most powerful making full use of the 3 Series’ finely tuned chassis. However, while the BMW’s steering is certainly direct, it lacks the precise feel found in the Jaguar XE.
To give M Sport cars their muscular stance, BMW have fitted a set of lower, stiffened suspension. While this does go a long way to making the car look more purposeful, it also makes the ride rather firm over longer journeys. The adaptive suspension setup that is found as part of the M Sport Pro package does help this somewhat, nonetheless it is a costly option and the equivalent Audi A4 will still provide a more supple ride.
What you get
- Alarm
- Alloy wheels (18 inches in diameter)
- Ambient lighting
- Apple CarPlay functionality
- Cruise control
- Curtain airbags
- DAB radio
- Digital instrument cluster (12.3-inch)
- Folding wing mirrors
- Heated front seats
- Height adjustable driver's seat
- iDrive infotainment system (10.25-inch)
- Leather sport seats
- Leather steering wheel
- LED headlights
- Reversing camera
- Sat-nav
- Split-folding rear seats
- Sports suspension
- Stop/Start
- Three-zone climate control
Recommended optional extras
- Metallic paint (Solid ‘Alpine White’ paint is the only no-cost colour) - £695
- Parking Assistant Plus w/ 360-degree camera - £650
- Enhanced bluetooth w/ wireless charging - £350
- Lumbar support - £195
Verdict
The BMW 3 Series is one of our favourite executive cars – and the M Sport trim is perhaps its most convincing iteration. The sportier bodykit is befitting of the 3 Series’ superb driving dynamics and the figure-hugging sport seats go a long way in making the interior feel even more premium. There is plenty of standard equipment and the wide choice of engines means that there will be a model to suit all budgets and lifestyles.
The BMW 330e M Sport is our pick of the range for company-car drivers for its low Benefit in-Kind rating. With 37 miles of electric range on offer, the 330e will be a frugal option on shorter commutes, while the punchy powertrain will entertain on longer journeys. However, private buyers may be deterred by this model’s higher base price. In this case, we’d instead recommend the 320d diesel (if you’ll be doing long journeys fairly frequently) or the 320i petrol for lower-mileage drivers.
Check out our full reviews of the BMW 3 Series saloon and the practical BMW 3 Series Touring estate
