Vehicle Tested
2013 BMW 328i Sedan (2.0L 4-cyl. Turbo 8-Speed Automatic)
Driven On
4/29/2013
Ratings Summary
There's a reason why the BMW 3 Series remains a perennial favorite. It simply does everything well. Impeccable build quality, smart design, admirable fuel economy, ample power and everyday ease of use keep it in a class-leading position.
A
Performance
Even as a mid-range 3-Series model, it's a joy to really drive the 328i. There's plenty of seat-of-the-pants feel and all systems combine to instill unparalleled confidence.
| Acceleration |
A
|
The 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is fast for the segment and incomparably smooth with torque everywhere. Shifts from the 8-speed automatic are quick and smooth. |
| Braking |
B
|
Predictably linear, highly effective and no detectable fade after hard driving. No grabbiness in daily driving. |
| Steering |
A
|
Good feedback and weighting. Less precise than previous BMWs, but still at the top of the class. M Sport wheel is near-perfectly sized. |
| Handling |
A
|
Excellent manners in hard driving with predictable limits. Stability control is smart and non-intrusive. Dislikes the rapid transitions of our slalom, though. Very good grip. |
| Driveability |
C
|
Start/stop feature is jarring and it defaults to "On" after shutdown. It's the only liability in an otherwise great setup. Score would be much higher without this feature. |
B
Comfort
Suspension, seats and insulation are deftly balanced between comfort and driving performance. Even with the M Sport suspension and 18-inch wheels, passengers will not object to the added stiffness.
| Seating Comfort |
B
|
Firm, well-shaped seats with adjustable bolsters, headrests, thigh-support and lumbar. Leather looks good and feels more durable than soft. Seats lack ventilation. |
| Ride Comfort |
B
|
M Sport suspension and 18-inch wheels add a lot of stiffness, but manage to avoid being harsh. Rear can get bouncy over successive bumps. |
| Quietness |
B
|
Road noise is detectable thanks to grippy summer tires, but not at all intrusive. At higher revs, light engine noise creeps into the cabin. An expected performance for a car in the luxury class. |
A
Interior
Admirable materials, thoughtful, if plain, design and overall usability earn this car top scores. The lack of interior storage could be a concern.
| Ergonomics |
B
|
Well-organized controls (cruise on stalk) are within a short reach. Frequently-used features like HVAC and audio controls are given redundant hard buttons on dash. |
| Ingress/Egress |
B
|
Short doors allow access in confined parking spots, Good seat height doesn't require squatting or climbing. Rear seat access is similarly easy. |
| Space/Room |
B
|
Open and typical German sedan with ample room for taller people up front. Rear seats comfortably fit two adults. |
| Visibility |
A
|
Excellent all-around visibility with low belt lines. A rare instance in modern cars where camera and/or parking sensors are not a necessity. Thin pillars help forward visibility. |
| Cargo/Storage |
B
|
Trunk space is adequate. Handy pulls to fold down the split-folding rear seats located helpfully in trunk. Interior storage is lacking with a small center bin and small cupholders. |
B
Value
This $45,000 328 may come up a little short in features compared to some rivals, but in terms of overall quality and performance, few can compete.
| Build Quality (vs. $) |
A
|
Solidly built from the ground up with excellent materials and precise engineering. No gimmicks. After a decade, iDrive is finally clean, fast and simple enough to be a benefit. |
| Features(vs. $) |
B
|
For a car priced in the mid $40k-range, this 328 doesn't have navigation or parking sensors. (These would add $2,675.) Instead, you get driving performance and a great engine. |
| Cost |
B
|
Equally outfitted, the 328i falls right into line with other entry-level luxury sedans. |
| MPG |
B
|
EPA estimate of 23/33/26 mpg is good for the class, but we exceeded that figure on our 116-mile mixed evaluation loop with an impressive 33.6 mpg. |
| Warranty |
B
|
BMW's warranty is 4 years/50,000 miles on the 2013 328i. |
| Ownership |
A
|
Free scheduled maintenance is included for 4 years/50,000 miles and includes oil services, wiper blades, brakes, belts and more. |
A
Fun To Drive
Impressive power, sharp handling, smart stability control and communicative steering combine to instill a high level of driver confidence.
| Driving Experience |
A
|
The 3-Series remains the true sports luxury sedan, delicately balancing performance and comfort. It begs to be driven. |
| Personality |
B
|
The 3-Series is notable for its subtlety, not its splash, as the slow-to-evolve design tends to blend in. From behind the wheel, the BMW 3 Series continues to prove its worth. |
