2019 BMW 330i Review Review

What are the big changes?

The 3-series has switched to the CLAR platform already introduced for the 5- and 7-series, and it looks – and is – a considerably larger car than its predecessor. It grows by 85mm to 4709mm long and gets a 41mm longer wheelbase too. The most obvious benefit is more than generous legroom for two six-feet tall adults in the rear seats, even with equally tall passengers sitting up front.

Despite the increase in size, the new model is actually 55kg lighter than before, partly thanks to an aluminium bonnet, front wings and some suspension components.

What does the 330i badge mean?

The last-generation 330i switched from a 3.0-litre straight-six engine to a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder, and it’s the four that’s updated for this latest model. It gains 6bhp and 37lb ft torque over the previous car at 254bhp and 295lb ft, and its 41.5mpg and 134g/km CO2 represent small improvements too.

What’s it like inside?

This is an impressive cabin crafted around driving. The low-set leather driver’s seat is perfection, and despite a firm feel to the cushioning with very little give and meaty bolstering around your middle, the seats are comfortable over long trips. The sporty feel is reinforced by a lean, crisp look to the dashboard, which references old-school BMWs in the tilt of the centre console towards the driver.

The real stand-out, though, is the new infotainment, as shared with X7 and 8-series models. The central 10.3-inch display can be controlled with the iDrive rotary controller or the touchscreen, steering-wheel controls and by gestures like slapping at the air to cancel an incoming call. You can even say ‘Hey BMW’ to enter navigation instructions, change music choices and more. If it sounds complicated, it’s soon second nature.

How does the 3-series drive?

The last 3-series was challenged hard by the Jaguar XE and Alfa Giulia, so BMW has taken an extra close look at driving dynamics. Body stiffness increases by a claimed 25 per cent overall, the suspension is 20 per cent stiffer and the front and rear tracks are wider, for a more planted stance.

It certainly shows. The steering has a light, quick feel, lending an eager, fleet-footed sensation to changes of direction, and the chassis strikes a great balance between unflappable grip and composure and good old-fashioned rear-biased fun. Factor in our car’s optional M Sport Plus package with uprated brakes and a limited-slip differential and the 330i is very much a sensible-shoes M3. We had a ball driving it over one of the best roads in the Alps.

The engine is also a big step on from BMW’s first modern attempts at four-cylinder turbo engines. Highlights include flexibility from low revs, a likeably throaty soundtrack and a richness to the power delivery that continues through to peak revs. Combined with the smooth and quick eight-speed auto, it adds up to a really perky powertrain.

If there’s one trade-off for the 330i’s dynamic focus, it’s the ride quality: on our test car’s 19-inch alloys and even with adaptive suspension that can be softened or firmed up at the push of a button, it’s definitely on the firm and slightly agitated side, if far from intolerable.

In a nutshell

The new BMW 330i is the best 3-series in years, and again sets the benchmark, most notably thanks to its class-leading dynamics, spaciousness and state-of-the-art infotainment. There are more powerful 3-series and more frugal diesels too, but as a sweet spot somewhere between that delivers a fantastic driving experience on a sensible budget, the 330i represents a very smart choice.

Similar Car Reviews

If you’re not convinced by the BMW 330i, the Audi S7 offers thumping mid-range performance with excellent handling.

A powerful twin-turbocharged V6 Saloon, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce successfully translates the excitement of the excellent Quadrifoglio to a significantly lower price bracket.

The humble Ford Focus, on the other hand, is quietly and consistently been in the top 10 selling cars in the UK market, with its blend of practicality, versatility and slick gearboxes, it’s always been a popular choice with consumers.

If you have a slightly bigger budget available to you and you’re looking for your first EV, the Jaguar i-Pace and its supercar-meets-SUV design will give you an impressive range of 292 miles.

There is then the lesser-known Lexus ES, not well known in the UK, it’s actually been around for seven generations now. If you’re looking for a more spacious kind of Premium car, the Lexus ES300h f Sport makes a strong case for itself.