… BMW 320d M Sport …
Once upon a time, the terms ‘sports car’, ‘diesel’ and ‘automatic gearbox’ didn’t go together, but that was then, the BMW 320d M Sport is now! What BMW has done with the latest 3 series is combine all of the above and build it into an executive saloon car. It shouldn’t work, should it?
The easy answer is a vehement ‘Yes’! The longer answer is – take it for a test drive and see for yourself.
The first thing you’ll notice on that exploratory test drive is the firmness of the ride, but that’s down to three things. This is the M-Sport version, so the sports suspension system incorporates weight adaptive damping, and the car rides on run-flat-tyres. However, anyone buying a BMW with the M-Sport badge on the boot will expect that. Even so, the ride is still on the comfortable side of firm with the pay-off coming when you hit country roads.
That’s when you really take notice of the 2 litre turbo diesel. It may have a relatively modest 190 hp but that’s more than enough to enjoy the surefooted handling and steering. The secret under the bonnet lies in the combination of a small high-pressure turbo with a large low-pressure unit which ensures an almost lag-free response at low revs, sending the car forwards ina seamless surge of power. Critics might be able to discern a certain amount of thump and bump over really bad pot holes but this is much less pronounced when carrying passengers or having a weight in the boot.
The extra weight just takes the initial tension out of the damping making it much smoother, but that’s only if you’re being picky. There are many other cars out there with ‘comfort’ suspension which this BMW will out-cushion! Just one wee niggle here though. A little extra foam in the seat cushion wouldn’t go amiss. The seats are comfortable and well shaped, but a prolonged journey can leave the nether regions a wee bit tender even if you have your own built-in personal shock absorption system.
Another benefit of this drivetrain is the economy. On a motorway cruise expect over 50 mpg as you ride along cocooned in silent comfort. The 8 speed automatic ‘box can be left to its own devices while the semi-autonomous adaptive cruise further eases the burden. This is a car that is as content on the Motorway as it is happy in the more rural landscapes.
Naturally, the car comes with all the latest tech but more is available at extra cost. The test car had quite a few Options added including the £1,800 Technology Package with its a head-up display, gesture control and WiFi hotspot, and also a wireless smartphone charging pad. The £990 Comfort Package added a heated steering wheel, powered boot lid, keyless entry and extra storage. Not really necessary but welcome all the same.
So if you’re tempted to buy a sports car, don’t be selfish and go for a two seater, why not get a serious five seater with a decent boot? It’s so much more practical and every bit as enjoyable. Prices start from around £28,000 for the base model 3 Series 1.5 litre petrol saloon, but this 2 litre turbo diesel car had a starting price of £35,500 plus almost ten grand’s worth of extras.
Would I have one? Perhaps not. I live at the end of a cul de sac which never sees a gritter or snowscraper in Winter. It’s not that we have a lot of snow in Lanarkshire but occasionally I have been marooned with rear wheel drive test cars and vans going nowhere – even on some occasions with Winter tyres fitted. However, Sod’s Law dictates that the snow will fall when I need to get out!
Otherwise this is a mighty fine and highly desirable motor.
Review Date: August 23, 2019
Price: £45,405 (as tested)
Engine: 1995cc, 4 cylinder turbo diesel with 188 bhp
Performance: 0-62 mph in 6.8 secs, flat out at 150 mph
Economy: 53 mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions: 142 k/gm
