2018 BMW 3-Series

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: The 2018 BMW 3-Series is essentially unchanged. The BMW 3-Series is a premium compact available as a sedan or wagon. There is also a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 3-Series offers a wide range of engine choices. The base engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder available with 180 horsepower in 320i or 248-hp in 330i. The turbo four is paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 3.0-liter six cylinder develops 320 hp in 340i and is mated to a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. In the high-performance M3, the turbo 3.0-liter six develops 425 hp and is available with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The hybrid drivetrain of the 330e combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a combined 248 hp. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission choice. The 330e is capable of traveling approximately 14 miles on electric power alone. Also available is a 328d with a 180-hp turbodiesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic. BMW’s premium-compact mainstay continues to excel for its dynamic excellence, solid build quality, and surprising fuel efficiency. The four-cylinder engine is robust, but not as smooth as we would expect, and on all models, the automatic transmission sometimes 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 diesel 328d offers excellent fuel economy with satisfyingly robust power. The 340i’s turbo six should deliver acceleration that justifies the 6-cylinder’s price premium over the 4-cylinder models.