Though historically the perfect instrument to carve up ribbons of twisty roads, the recent iteration of the 3 Series had emphasized luxury and technology over sport. But with the very latest update, BMW has now rebalanced the luxury-to-sport ratio in favor of the enthusiast again.
Our 330i's 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo provides punchy performance and a competitive 26 mpg, even with AWD. Complementing the engine is an excellent eight-speed automatic that delivers smooth and timely shifts.
No matter the road, the BMW is a delight to drive, thanks to its agile, engaging handling. The suspension absorbs most bumps well, but the ride feels a bit nervous. Plus, the BMW's distinct engine sound and some road noise on coarse pavement creep into the cabin.
The interior features high-quality materials that are impeccably constructed and assembled. We found the front seats to be supremely comfortable and supportive. Relative to the class, the rear seat is livable for a few hours but not an all-day trip.
BMW continues to improve the iDrive infotainment system, but for the uninitiated it still takes practice to master.
Although advanced safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera are available, they cost more than $4,500.
Read the complete BMW 3 Series road test.
HIGHS: Handling, transmission, front-seat comfort, fit and finish, fuel economy lows
LOWS: Some controls, choppy ride powertrain
POWERTRAIN: 248-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo; 8-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive
FUEL: 26 mpg
PRICE AS TESTED: $51,745
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Editor's Note: This article also appeared in the February 2017 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.