2020 BMW 3-Series

Pros: Outstanding agility and ride/handling balance; satisfying power and respectable fuel economy

Cons: Steep pricing; somewhat stingy on standard features; manual transmission no longer available; limited model lineup for now

CG Says: The 2020 BMW 3-Series gains sporty new M340i models that are powered by a turbocharged six. All cars now have standard navigation and the wagon has been dropped. BMW’s benchmark 3-Series is a premium midsize sedan that was redesigned last year. The base 330i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that develops 255 horsepower. The higher-performance M340i has a 382-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. An 8-speed automatic is the only transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and both models offer all-wheel drive. Available features include laser-powered headlights, Parking Assistant, Back-Up Assistant, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot alert, and Extended Traffic Jam Assistant (which can steer and brake the car on certain highways at speeds up to 37 mph, provided the driver’s attention is on the road). Historically, the BMW 3-Series has dominated the premium compact car segment, thanks to its sport-sedan handling, polished powertrains, and all-around refinement. In recent years, however, improved rivals have challenged the 3-Series and bested it in many ways. Purist driving enthusiasts will bemoan the redesigned 3-Series’s lack of a manual transmission, but the new car is still a marked improvement over its predecessor; it adds welcome new technology features while maintaining the trademark athletic driving moves and upping the overall refinement level.