Test drive BMW 320d xDrive: And on the water
Test Drive

Test drive BMW 320d xDrive: And on the water

Test drive BMW 320d xDrive: And on the water

The test of the new generation of the "troika" BMW - the benchmark for handling in the middle class

When it rains all Sunday ... How it happened right now! When we drive the new BMW 3 Series, on the track. Well, not only on the track, but where else is the easiest way to answer the question, did the "troika" remain true to itself in the seventh edition? Despite the increased length and large wheelbase, does it still move dynamically and nimbly, as if anticipating the driver's wishes?

Over the past 40 years, the BMW Troika, especially in the sedan version, has become one of the cornerstones of the automotive world - a benchmark, concept and already a training example of an elite middle-class model with a sporty character and a focus on the person behind the wheel. With more than 15 million vehicles built, this reputation has made the 3 Series the heart of BMW, not only in terms of image and emotion, but also from a purely economic standpoint. This makes us even more interested in what the designers have invested in the new version of the model - from which we can judge the path taken by one of the leading brands in the global automotive industry.

Corners and edges

Before we shelter from the rain in a slightly grown 320d, let's take a look at it. The line has been preserved, but the edges and corners, creating the impression of volume and three-dimensionality, are larger - the “buds” are no longer purely oval, but somewhat polygonal, even the famous “Hofmeister bend” on the back column has an angle in the middle. More corners and edges appeared on the taillight housings. BMW claims that all this not only does not increase the air resistance of the body, but also reduces it - the flow coefficient in the new model has dropped to 0,23. Amazing.

Inside, we experience the familiar feeling of integration with the car, enhanced by the well-designed M Sport version seats. The angular style of the exterior design is continued in the instrument panel. Control devices, decorative elements, metal applications - everything is designed in one style in accordance with the whole idea. Otherwise, the good news is that, despite the new generation of touchscreens, there are still buttons that can be used to control certain functions, so sometimes it's easier and less distracting.

The first impression after starting the engine is that the diesel engine is quieter, which is due to both improved sound insulation and deeper design changes that have affected the entire range of 1,5- and 190-liter diesel engines last year. Now all engines fully comply with the Twin Power Turbo name, which has been adopted for several years, and are forced to be filled with two turbochargers - a smaller one with variable geometry and a larger one with a simple turbine. While power (400 hp) and maximum torque (6 Nm) remain the same, power is now unleashed even more vigorously and performance parameters are better controlled, which in turn helps meet Euro XNUMXd-Temp emission standards. .

In addition to the engine that our machine is equipped with, two four-cylinder petrol engines with 135 kW / 184 hp will be available in the first months after the start of sales. (for BMW 320i) and 190 kW / 258 hp (BMW 330i) and two diesels, one of which will be at the start of the 110 kW / 150 hp engine range. (BMW 318d) and the other six-cylinder is so far the peak of the BMW 330d with 195 kW / 265 hp.

Assistants

The vehicle is equipped with the BMW 7.0 operating system, with which controls can be configured according to customer preferences, and functions can be controlled by touching the display, iDrive controller and voice commands. There is also the possibility of gesture commands, but it has a more limited use. A more interesting novelty is the so-called BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which can be spoken to as "Hi BMW" (it can also be called by another name chosen by the customer), and it accepts questions and commands in a very free and close to normal speech form. The assistant learns itself, adapts to the characteristics and tastes of the user, answers questions and gives advice on the operation and maintenance of the vehicle. He mediates the navigation and infotainment system, serves as a secretary and liaises with other assistants such as the BMW concierge and others.

For another group of assistants, those who assist the driver in driving, progress towards an increasingly autonomous driving experience faces legal barriers. The package of features called Professional Driving Assistant includes, among other things, the Lane Keeping Assistant and Narrow Heading Assistant, which, when combined with extended cruise control, can ensure continuous driving, for example on the highway, without touching the steering wheel and pedals. ... And this is already possible in the USA. However, in Europe, you will have to put your hand on the wheel every 30 seconds to show that you are attentive to the situation. This trampling of territory due to legal restrictions is offset by progress in parking. The new 3 Series can (at an additional cost) park and exit the car park alone, without the driver touching the steering wheel or pedals. And after parking forward, when it is difficult to reverse, the car can move out on its own, because it remembers the last 50 meters.

On the podium

We drive onto the highway along the highways and secondary roads to experience the behavior of the new "troika" in different conditions. Impressions suggest that the model not only retained its sporty character, but also deepened it, which is likely due to the lower center of gravity and changes in the suspension (adaptive dampers with variable characteristics depending on the course) and steering system. ... The emphasis on cornering, balanced behavior and driving pleasure is at the proverbial level that has earned the Series 3 reputation over the years to maintain, we would even say, a resurgence of this character with increasing size and weight over time. an incredible amount of engineering effort. The ride is a little harder, but that can be attributed to the 19-inch tires that the test car was shod with.

Finally we are on the right track. It is still raining and the wheels are throwing up clouds of spray as we do the exercises to suddenly change direction and avoid the obstacle. The troika obediently obeys steering wheel commands, and the systems allow for a little feed before catching the car and prevent it from sliding and turning. That does not progress in technique! The older of us drove cars that, with such abrupt maneuvers, simply turned over at such a speed.

And finally - a few quick laps. It's amazing how sporty suspension modes and an eight-speed automatic turn a diesel family sedan into a source of sporty pleasure from every corner, every second won, and every served serve. When we finish a little later and get out of the cars, the joy of touching the magic shines on the faces of our colleagues. I'm afraid that despite BMW's success in autonomous driving, the Bavarian brand's cars will continue to win hearts, mainly for their traditional virtues.

The price of the model for Bulgaria starts from 72 800 levs including VAT.

Interesting suggestion how to get the new BMW 3 Series

For consumers who prefer not to pay cash for a new car and want someone to take care of its full service.

This is a new premium service for the Bulgarian market, thanks to which the buyer receives a new car for only 1 month of installment deposit. In addition, a personal assistant will take care of the general maintenance and maintenance of the car - service operations, tire changes, damage registration, insurance and CASCO insurance, transfers from the airport and to the parking lot and much more.

At the end of the rental period, the client returns the old car and receives a new one without selling it on the secondary market. All that is left for him is the pleasure of driving this powerful and stylish car with a sporty spirit and dynamic radiance.

Text: Vladimir Abazov

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