#45 BMW 328i xDrive – Ultimate compact executive saloon

The BMW 3 Series has, in more than three decades, been the enduring symbol of entry-level luxury and practicality all over the world. Recently, the 3-series underwent a major transformation, with major improvements. For instance the new 3-series is larger and better looking than the model it replaced. The beautiful 3-series is available in various versions with different trim lines. The model I will be focusing on is the BMW 328i xDrive. This particular saloon comes packed with lots of features and four-wheel drive as standard.

BMW 328i xDrive

Appealing design

The 328i xDrive has an aggressive poise, characterised by a wide forward-slanting BMW kidney grille. Next to the grille are the signature twin headlights with corona rings. LEDs, visible at the top of each headlight, are positioned to act like ‘eyebrows’. The headlights merge with the kidney grille to give the BMW 328i xDrive a continuous look from each side of the front.

Headlamps 

The old central air intake system has been replaced by a new larger dual air intake system, located underneath the headlights. The new air intakes not only channel more air to the engine, but also give the saloon a sporty look. The double swag line, which is consists of two lines that run from the front to the rear, give the 328i xDrive a stunning look. 

Aggressive front look 

The BMW 328i xDrive rides on 17-inch Star-spoke wheels, that incorporate 225/50 R17 run-flat safety tyres. At the rear it has some BMW 5 series design characteristics. The saloon has similar L-shaped rear lights, low-set reflectors (on the far edges) and vertical lines flowing out of the rear lights to the wheels.

Efficient twin turbo power unit 

Efficient engines

The BMW 328i xDrive features an all-new 2.0-litre Twin Turbo four cylinder power plant. The new four-cylinder unit replaces the old six-cylinder engine that was fitted in the outgoing 328i. Output is pegged at 180 kW (245 hp) and 350Nm of torque. The BMW 328i xDrive accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds.

Majestic profile 

Top speed for this dynamic saloon is electronically capped at 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption is pegged at 6.4 litres per 100 km. Mated to the engine is a smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive in the BMW 328i can vary the power from the engine between the front and rear wheels with split-second speed. This ensures that the saloon has lots off traction, improved safety and handling on any surface.

Large alloy rims 

The BMW 328i xDrive rides on a double joint front axle suspension and an advance five link rear axle suspension. Both suspension set ups ensure maximum grip on any road surface and reward the saloon with the celebrated 3-series handling dynamics. The BMW 328i xDrive saloon uses lightweight sliding-calliper brakes with large vented discs. The brakes are integrated to the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. DSC ensures that the 328i xDrive remains stable and safe at any given time.

Dynamic handling and stability 

Stunning interior

The BMW 328i xDrive posh interior is adorned by various materials. All trim surface options can be combined with either a cloth or one of two leather upholstery colours.  The interior has the traditional BMW ‘driver-focused’ cockpit where driving controls and other important controls are easily accessible to the driver.

Driver focused cockpit 

The instrument dial has four circular dials (fuel gauge, speedometer, rev counter and oil temperature gauge) which feature a black panel display.  An iDrive monitor, with high-resolution display, is positioned on the horizontally-structured instrument panel.  The monitor has no folding mechanism, allowing the entire dashboard to retain its flat, smooth lines.

Comfortable front seats 

Positioned centrally on the centre console is the iDrive Controller. It’s easy to reach for both the driver and the front passenger. The BMW 328i xDrive front seats are nicely shaped and supportive. Automatic climate control is standard in the while buttons located underneath the armrest adjust the front seats. A compartment for mobile devices, which also contains a USB/AUX-IN socket, is fitted as well.

Split folding rear seats 

The BMW 328i xDrive huge size is devoted to boosting rear legroom. The saloon now has 15-inch extra legroom and an extra eight millimetres of headroom. The rear storage has been increased to 480 litres. The rear seat fold nearly flat in a 60/40 split to reveal a large opening to the boot.

Rear design 

Verdict

The BMW 328i xDrive combines impressive performance and exceptional design in every detail. The addition of the xDrive all-wheel drive system improves the acclaimed 3-series dynamic handling capabilities even further. The 328i xDrive proves that BMW still churns out ultimate driving machines.