BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i Luxury / Sport Review: Four play

What we like:

Strong mid-range performance

superb gearbox

taut handling

sublime steering

well proportioned looks

What we dislike:

Engine slightly too clattery during idling

interior fit and finish not up to Audi standards

The F30 3 Series once again features a driver-oriented interior. The overall look of the driving environment up front takes design cues from the recent 1 Series’. The driving position is comfortable and the standard seats offer wonderful side support. Compared to the 335i’s Sport trim, the Luxury trim of the 328i is more subtle as it makes do without the former’s red accents on the dashboard, instruments and other areas.

With the new F30, BMW finally has the opportunity to put things right when it comes to the 3 Series’ rear accommodation - the F30 offers significantly improved rear accommodation for passengers – both head and legroom have improved noticeably over the E90, so much so that the 3 is now right up there with the class best when it comes to rear accommodation.

The all-new interior is superior in perceived luxury and build quality over the E90’s but it somehow just doesn’t look or feel premium enough. Moreover, the cup holders just feel flimsy to use. The switchgear is mostly familiar BMW items – they not only look good but work with tactility as well.

Despite being a mid-range model, the 328i Luxury offers almost as much standard kit as the range topping 335i Sport. The 328i only lacks the 335i’s rear view camera, sports seats, electric sunroof, head up display and Harman Kardon surround sound system in addition to the lack of the sportier suspension and steering set ups.

The 328i is over $40,000 more affordable than the 335i while costing just $22,000 more than the base model 320i. Considering how close its straight-line performance is to the 335i in the real world and its long list of standard kit, the 328i Luxury is quite possibly the most all rounded F30 3 Series variant out there and our pick of the range.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai