Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-series review - Still the best compact executive car? - Design

The latest generation of 3-series is the most comfortable yet, but some of its sporting character has been lost

Evo rating
Price
from £25,580
  • Usual BMW blend of great chassis and high build quality
  • GT is ugly and dull to drive, xDrive models detract from the fun

Design

The BMW kidney grilles on the new 3-series are mounted low and give the 3-series an aggressive look. It’s easily as handsome and appealing as its supposedly more rakish 4-series siblings. A mild facelift in 2015 freshened up the shape, which had been on sale since 2012, with more defined LED headlamps.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As much as we like the look of the saloon, it’s the Touring that we think is the most handsome of the range. Even though its actually heavier, the proportions of the estate model make it look lighter and almost ready to pounce.

Our least favourite, both in terms of looks and the way it drives, is the hunch-backed GT.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024