+ STAFF INSPECTION
I love this car. I truly do. All subjective ramblings aside--and by that I mean I won't be critiquing the new styling--this is truly a great automobile. And, once again, it is the benchmark for all other sport sedans. Even as the 3 Series has historically gotten larger and heavier, it has never lost its sporting edge. The edge has only gotten sharper.
Take the active steering for example. This is an option we chose on a whim, mainly because it sounded kind of cool. Now I can't imagine driving the car without it, and itmakes virtually every other steering rack I've subsequently driven feel totally disjointed and nebulous. On-center response is incredible; even the slightest hint of input will yield a marked change in direction. It makes the car extraordinarily maneuverable, particularly at lower speeds. For the life of me, I can't imagine any downside to this option, other than the extra $1,250.
We also opted for the sport package, which includes bigger wheels, better tires and a slightly stiffer suspension tune. This setup might actually strike the perfect balancebetween comfort and performance. You really couldn't make either one any better without sacrificing something from the other.
Then there's the engine: 255 bhp, maximum torque available as low as 2500 rpm, claimed 30 mpg highway efficiency, and a 7000-rpm redline. This is more performance than you'd get from an M3 of just two generations ago.
The only drawback could be the price. At a base MSRP of close to $37,000 this is not an inexpensive car. If you have the means, though, it is highly recommended. And we're definitely not the only ones saying that. --K.F.
Bigger, better, faster. What more can I say about the new 330i? A lot. As with the outgoing model, this fifth-generation 3 Series raises the competitive bar yet another level and once again distances itself from a growing fleet of segment contenders of which seemingly play a tireless game of cat and mouse.
The venerable E46 was a tough act to follow, but Munich's latest offering outshines its predecessor in every respect. Even the car's bold styling cues, which are a bit toned down from the 5 and 7 Series, work remarkably well on this car.
Candy-coated in bright red, you can spot our new long-termer a mile away. It's also equipped with a slick carbon-fiber front splitter, part of BMW's catalog of genuine accessories. The cabin is pretty damn close to perfection and features plenty of bells and whistles, including a start/stop ignition button (although you still have to insert the key fob). It's a bit roomier too.
Impressive as these features are, the real reward comes with the driving experience. Just thinking about its high-revving inline six and crisp-shifting six-speed manual combined with its perfectly balanced ride (50.6/49.4 weight distribution) reminds me that I need to bail out early today. --R.H.