It looks like a classy sedan and it is, but the 2016 BMW 3 Series and particularly the 340i that I drove, is a sporty rendition of a luxury sedan offering comfort, style and power behind the wheel. This year, all the 3 Series offerings have been tweaked a bit inside and out with not only suspension improvements, but also a name change from 335i to 340i, a new stereo offering and some fun new optional packages.
Looking at the name change, take note that under the hood there is more power in the 340i than in the previous incarnation. There are also more options like choosing from rear or all-wheel-drive or a choice of the transmission.
As for competition, check out the Audi A4, Lexus LS 350 or the C-Class Mercedes. Do know, however, that the BMW still stands high on the list of choices in the luxury sport sedan class for the serious luxury performance driver.
You can opt for a sedan or wagon body style in the BMW 3 Series and there are four trim levels; the 320i, 328i, 328d and 340i. For the wagon, you can only get that style in the 328i trim in rear or all-wheel-drive. The other trims are offered in all-wheel-drive as standard and called xDrive.
On the 320i, you get 17-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, automatic headlights, fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control with automatic wipers and a remote keyless entry and push-button start. The seats are premium vinyl and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. For technology, there is the Bluetooth and audio connect, iDrive electronics, a 6.5-inch display with nine speakers and the BMW Assist.
On the 328i sedan, you get a stronger engine as well as the Sport Line package that comes standard offering exterior accents, anthracite headliner and sport instrumentation along with power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. There are wood trim and split-folding rear seatbacks, and if you want diesel, that is offered in the 328d. For the wagon versions, you get the same features and an added sunroof.
For the 340i sedan, there is a six-cylinder engine that comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, matte chrome exterior trim, power trunk lid with a foot sensor, sunroof and 16-speakers.
Of course, there are also additions that can be added to the BMW 3 Series, like the Sports Package on the 320i with bigger wheels and manually adjustable sport seats. The Premium package for the 329i will give you auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition and a sunroof.
There is a Cold Weather package that comes with heated steering wheel and front and rear seats and on the Lighting package there are LED headlights.
For upgrade packages on the 328i, the Track Handling package has variable-ratio steering, and lighter weight 18-inch wheels. With the M Sport package, you get 18-inch wheels and M steering wheel with sport-tuned suspension and the Luxury package has upgraded upholstery.
The Technology package is available on all but the 320i and you get an upgraded navigation system, touchpad iDrive controller and more advanced instrument cluster.
Under the hood, the 2016 BMW 3 Series offers a variety of engine types form the 320i with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque to the 328i model’s 240 horsepower and 255 pound feet of torque. On the 328d, you get a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The introduction of the 340i sedan offers a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque in an automatic or manual option.
Standard safety features on the BMW 3 Series include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side, side curtain and front knee airbags as well a brake rotor drying system when the windshield wipers are being used and the BMW Assist emergency with crash notification and roadside assistance. The Driver Assistance package will also add a rearview camera with front and rear parking sensors and the Driver Assistance Plus package has a side/top view camera with blind-spot monitoring, lane departure and frontal collision warning and automatic braking.
Inside the cabin of the BMW 3 Series, it’s fashionable, of course with an eye to luxury and comfort using high quality materials for the upholstery. The seats move and recline in a variety of configurations and take note of the gauges, which are easy to read and a throwback to pre-BMW design. The 6.5-inch infotainment will give you everything you need to know and there is also the iDrive controller with a menu that works intuitively.
For backseat passengers there is plenty of room both leg and head-room and the trunk space has 13 cubic feet on the sedan with the wagon coming in at 53 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.
It’s a wonderful driving experience, the ride is smooth and since this one is a sportier version you can definitely feel that ramped up aspect when driving it. On the open road if the sunroof is open there is a bit of road noise, but you can still carry on a conversation. With great styling, handling and just overall taking the road, the BMW 3 Series will give you performance with a serious attitude and an experience that puts this one at the top of its game.
Should You Need to Know: Take note that the Sport Line package is a standard feature now on the 320i with the M sport suspension from the 2015 model.
Miles Per Gallon: The 2016 BMW 340i Sedan I drove had 22 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
Cost: The price tag on the 2016 BMW 340i Sedan I drove was $58,820.
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