Pros: Outstanding agility and ride/handling balance; availability of wagon body style and diesel engine option; broad selection of powertrain choices
Cons: Steep pricing; somewhat stingy on standard features; Intrusive automatic start/stop system
CG Says: After gaining a wagon body style and losing its coupe and convertible versions (which were renamed 4-Series) for 2014, the 2015 BMW 3-Series lineup sees only minor trim changes and a few small alterations in option-package features. The available hands-free trunk opening feature now includes a hands-free trunk closing function, and M Sport brakes are no longer available on 328 models. BMW’s premium-compact mainstay continues to excel for its dynamic excellence, solid build quality, and surprising fuel efficiency. The 4-cylinder engine is robust, but not as smooth as we would expect, and on all models, the automatic transmission seems to hold back the engines from delivering on their full performance potential. Base prices are in line with the class, but BMW continues its practice of charging rather exorbitant sums for items that are either standard or much less costly on rival premium-compact cars. The turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel 328d is a welcome option. The gas/electric hybrid (which pairs an electric motor with the 335i’s turbo 6-cylinder for 335 horsepower total) is also noteworthy, but its projected fuel economy (25 city/33 highway) is not much better than its conventional siblings–and it commands a significant price premium over them.
| Class | Premium Compact Car |
| Body Style(s) | 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon |
| Passenger Count | 5 |
| Drive Wheels | rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive |
| Manufacturer | BMW |
| Nation of Manufacture | Germany |
| Base Prices | 320i: $33,520 AWD 320i xDrive: $35,700 328i: $38,350 AWD 328i xDrive: $40,350 335i: $44,450 AWD 335i xDrive: $46,450 ActiveHybrid 3: $50,850 328d: $39,850 AWD 328d xDrive: $41,850 328i xDrive Sports Wagon: $42,700 328d xDrive Sports Wagon: $44,200 |
| Base Engine turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 180 (320i), 240 (328i) |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 22-24 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 33-36 |
| Optional Engine turbo-diesel 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower 180 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission NA |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 31-32 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 43-45 |
| Optional Engine turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder |
| Horsepower 300 |
| Std. Transmission 8-speed automatic |
| Avail. Transmission 6-speed manual |
| EPA City Range (mpg) 20-22 |
| EPA Hwy Range (mpg) 30-32 |
