The new BMW with an extra punch

As performance vehicles go, the new BMW 3-Series is the agressive cousin of its well-behaved counterparts

Performance vehicles are a different breed altogether. Unlike their well-behaved cousins, these are all about power and aggressiveness. The new BMW 3-Series 320d M Sport is a 3-Series with an extra punch.

The updated design on the 3-Series consists of LED headlamps with an “aggressive” look, which is almost standard now. The car also gets new aprons with revised air intakes, standard LED tail lamps and the M Sport is also available with an exclusive Estoril Blue (Metallic) colour. The M Sport features a car key with the M trim, M logo on the front wings, an exclusive chrome trim in the centre console area and an M Sport leather steering wheel.

The 3-Series M Sport can go from 0-100 kmph in 7.2 seconds and can achieve a top speed of 230 kmph. The suspension setup is a double joint spring strut in the front and a five-arm one in the rear. BMW has increased the suspension stiffness on the new 3-Series and this caters to a well-balanced and comfortable ride. The car glides over potholes and bumps with ease, rendering minimum discomfort to the occupants.

With the M Sport, one can select from four driving modes: Comfort, ECOPRO, Sport and Sport+. While Comfort and ECOPRO modes are for a more relaxed and laidback driving and makes for better fuel efficiency, the Sport and Sport+ mode are for more responsive and aggressive driving. The ground clearance of the 3-Series stands at 157mm, which is decent by most standards.

The driver and co-passenger get power-adjusted seats as well. Another very handy feature I found on the 3-Series was the full colour HUD (Heads Up Display). The car also comes with a start/stop function and brake energy regeneration to improve its fuel efficiency. It comes fully loaded with safety features such as airbags for the driver and co-passenger, head airbags for the front and rear occupants, side airbags for the driver and co-passenger, ABS, corner braking control, dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, crash sensors, vehicle immobiliser and run flat tyres that can be driven up to 80kmph for a limited distance.

The 3-Series M Sport also has a sliding armrest as well as plenty of storage spaces and cubby holes. Occupants get a two zone climate control and rear ac vents as well.

The 3-Series M Sport package comes with a 22.3cm iDrive colour touch infotainment system with handwriting recognition, DVD playback, integrated 3D maps, bluetooth audio streaming and USB integration.

BMW 320D M SPORT
Engine: 1995cc, 16V, Diesel
Torque:  400Nm@1750-2750rpm
Power: 190bhp@4,000rpm
Top speed: 230 kmph/ 7.2 seconds
Price: Rs 44.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Motown India; www.motownindia.com