BMW 3-Series Saloon (2012 -) Review

This is the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series. The German four-door has been dominating the premium saloon market for some time now and this latest version has all the ingredients to do the same. This car has far more to boast about than ever before. It’s more spacious than its predecessor with a bigger boot, the interior feel classier than ever with a driver-focused cabin and high-end materials, while the handling is better too - which is no mean feat. Not only is the BMW 3 Series high on the list for private buyers though, it's also a sought-after company car. Why? Well, if you are a company car driver looking for a good motorway cruiser with a premium badge, excellent fuel economy and pin-sharp handling, then you'll struggle to find anything better than the popular 320d. The major advantage, however, is the low emissions that mean monthly tax costs should be affordable.

Engine line-up

There’s a wide range of excellent engines to suit almost any customer’s needs. From the economical and low-emitting 320d EfficientDynamics model right up to the more potent 335i version. The 320d EfficientDynamics car is capable of 68mpg and emits just 109g/km – resulting in low cost company car and road tax. At the same time it takes just 7.7 seconds to go from zero to 62mph. The 335i meanwhile produces 301bhp and will hit the 62mph mark in 5.3 seconds.

Premium fit and finish

As well as the exterior good looks and excellent performance, the interior has also had a bit of step-up in usability and quality. The central control system is slicker, while the sat nav screen is now larger and no longer buried in the plastic housing. At the same time the stereo and air-con controls has swapped to a more logical position. Higher specification models also get ripple wood touches for the interior that help lift it to a more premium feel. Rivals, like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the Audi A4 and the Infiniti G, will have their work cut out to match this new all-singing, all-dancing BMW. This 3 Series has laid down a marker for every other car in its class. To see just how good the latest model is, read the full BMW 3 Series review.