New BMW 3 Series review: Is the sedan too skewed towards men

The German brand makes some of the best luxury sedan in the world but certain features can turn off those of the fairer sex.

BMW’s seventh-generation 3 Series sedan may not look dramatically different, but under-the-skin changes are significant. The new model is longer and wider, yet lighter than its predecessor.

Our family of testers sampled the diesel version, costing from $73,950 drive away.

First impressions

Iain: There’s a BMW 3 Series in the driveway: my life has balance once more.

Jules: What is it with blokes and BMW sedans? Some kind of primitive guy club thing?

Iain: What’s wrong with appreciating excellence? A BMW 3 Series is like a Porsche 911 or Range Rover: they’ve been around forever and just do what they’re supposed to do better than anything else.

Jules: Such as?

Iain: The 3 Series is a driver’s car. It has always meant rear-wheel-drive joy, balance, comfort, style and just enough luxury. Our 320d, at $73,950 drive away, is kind of affordable too.

Jules: And I suppose the BMW alternative, for the fairer sex, is a 2 Series Convertible or X3 SUV?

The BMW 3 Series is one of the best driver’s cars in the world.

Iain: Let’s just say there’s a BMW for everyone, and I like the 3 Series.

Jules: And you’ve owned how many?

Iain. Five. So far. But never a new one. We’re too poor for that.

Jules: Well apart from the 320d being overtly masculine, it is a sporty-looking thing with its edgy bodywork and skinny-spoked alloys.

Iain: Thanks to the free M Sport package. That means sporty aero body bits and black trim. Ours has nearly $10,000-worth of extras too, including metallic paint ($2000), glass sunroof ($2900) and ($1400) 19-inch wheel upgrade.

The living space

Jules: A word of warning, the doors are heavy and it’s low, so not easy for getting in and out if you’re older.

Iain: But once you’re in, it’s glorious and very modern. Seat comfort and driving position are faultless, I love the chunky M Sport leather steering wheel and there’s proper space for two adults in the back. Who needs a 5 Series?

Jules: This may be the cheapest model, but it feels properly premium. Leather seats, giant screens, head-up display, wireless phone charging and the infotainment is a cut above.

Iain: You need a few hours to get used to all the functions through the 10.25-inch screen; there’s a boggling amount of information to access. The 12.3-inch digital dash may not be as beautifully presented as a Mercedes or Audi, but it’s classy nonetheless.

Jules: Electric memory seats are really useful, as it appears you like driving reclined on the floor. I can press my memory button and electrically move up so I can actually see the road.

Iain: That’s why BMW makes SUVs too.

The diesel powered 3 Series is seriously fuel efficient.

The commute

Jules: Are you sure it’s a diesel? It’s so quiet inside.

Iain: Diesels may be out of favour, but BMW knows how to make a good one. BMW claims an incredible 4.5L/100km fuel use — we managed 5.6L — and it’s a refined, classy four-cylinder.

Jules: It’s really quick; great for safely pulling out of junctions.

Iain: It has a chunky 400Nm of torque, making it zoom off the mark and hit 100km/h in 6.8-seconds. It runs out of revs and guts in each gear though; real joy requires a petrol 3 Series.

Jules: It’s a beautiful motorway cruiser, with adaptive cruise control and speed limit information systems really helpful.

Iain: It has Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity but — shame on you BMW — only a one-year subscription for this. And no Android Auto.

Jules: Kia gives it free-for-life in sub-$20,000 cars.

The 3 Series’ cabin feels properly premium.

The shopping

Iain: Wouldn’t be shamed out the front of any posh shopping strip.

Jules: I don’t feel very feminine driving it though. This 320d looks so manly it should have hair growing on its body panels.

Iain: For the weekly shop, as with most sedans, the boot is deep but not as practical as a hatch or wagon.

Jules: Ours had a $700 power tailgate option, which I’d pay for, while the surround-view camera was integral for car parks. The front bumper is so low you’ve got to be so careful not to hit a kerb.

Sunday run

Iain: This is why you own a 3 Series. Show it a back road and its balance and rear-drive fun bring utter joy, even with a 2.0-litre diesel powering you.

Jules: It is good fun. The suspension crashes a bit at times though?

Iain: Fair call. It has M Sport suspension included — 10mm lower than standard — and combined with run flat tyres, bump absorbing isn’t brilliant. Adaptive suspension, as found in the 330i, would help.

Jules: There’s a Sport mode making everything a bit more responsive. And makes the digital dashboard a bit redder.

Iain: Red equals fast. Overall the 320d is brilliant, efficient and smooth, but call me old-fashioned, I want the petrol engine for playtime.

The 3 Series isn’t the easiest car to get in and out of.

The family

Jules: Safety’s great, loads of space in the back for the two kids, but I couldn’t get their bikes in the boot.

Iain: We’ll have to wait for the new 3 Series wagon, due later this year.

Jules: Not bad for the family budget. It sips such little fuel, and the service costs aren’t as scary as expected.

The verdict

Iain: I’ve always loved 3 Series BMWs, and this latest edition remains exceptional in drive and presentation. The 320d doesn’t look best value though. The more engaging 330i is only $3000 more and has more kit too. For me, it’s the 3 Series to have.

Jules: Nope. This diesel offers all you need for normal everyday driving. I’d option the Luxury Line pack (for free) rather than M Sport to get fancier leather and trim. I’d want a wagon rather than sedan too; anything to make it less blokey!

BMW 3 Series vital

Price: $73,950 ($83,550 as tested) drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 3 years/unlimited km; $1565 for basic service pack 5 years/80,000km

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel, 140kW/400Nm

Safety: Not yet rated, 6 airbags, AEB, head-up display, active cruise control, lane change and departure warning, speed limit warning

Thirst: 4.5L/100km

Spare: None, run flats

Boot: 420L