contenders

BMW 3 Series

PRO Fantastic transmission • I-6 engine rips • Decent back seat

CON Rough M Sport suspension • Unimaginative interior • Distant steering

Although the new 3 Series was supposed to show BMW has its mojo back, it’s now merely competitive—a long fall for an icon that once defined the compact sport sedan segment.

BMW sent a 330i model with a jarring, unsettled M Sport suspension; at least that meant sharp, precise handling that is only let down by a slightly overboosted, artificial steering feel.

Walton called the BMW’s 2.0-liter mill “all torque and no horsepower”—saved only by the well-executed ZF eight-speed transmission. When mated to the 340i’s zingy 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, the eight-speed’s tuning is even more superb. The higher-horsepower engine also provides a more balanced driving feel—like a 3 Series used to.

A couple judges experienced moments of understeer followed by a feeling of lightness and sudden drifty oversteer, and not in a fun way. Also, the brakes have a distant and unpredictable feel. At least BMW’s vaunted high-speed straight-line stability is still present.

The familiar styling and kidney grille will let everyone know you’re driving a BMW. The laser headlights are super bright and reach a good distance.

Inside, designers stuck with the consistent BMW layout. Quintessential or boring? You pick. The seats are upright and firm. Some of the plasticky trim pieces are off-putting for a luxury car. Plus, BMW charges a fee for CarPlay, and its phone connectivity software is buggy. At least the Harman Kardon audio system is clear and crisp.

As this iconic Bimmer moves into its fourth decade of existence, MacKenzie summarized: “The 3 Series was once the benchmark sport sedan others aspired to emulate. Now it feels like an aging rock star desperately trying to stay the headline act.”

Mark Rechtin

Vehicle Layout 330i xDrive Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan M340i Front-engine, RWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedan Engine/Transmission 330i xDrive 2.0L turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4/8-speed automatic M340i 3.0L turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6/8-speed automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 330i xDrive 3,702 lb (53/47%) M340i 3,787 lb (52/48%) Wheelbase 112.2 in Length x Width x Height 330i xDrive 185.7 x 71.9 x 56.8 in M340i 185.7 x 71.9 x 56.4 in Energy Consumption, City/Hwy 330i xDrive 135/99 kW-hr/100 miles M340i 153/112 kW-hr/100 miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 330i xDrive 0.68 lb/mile M340i 0.78 lb/mile

BMW 7 Series

PRO Smooth hybrid powertrain • Beautiful interior • Quiet while cruising

CON That grille • Soggy dynamics • Poor brake feel

For decades, BMW has