2014 BMW 3-Series

Up close, the 3-Series wears the current BMW-family front end better than of the other current sedans in the lineup; headlights curve around the corners of the wide kidney grille, also contributing to the wider and more aggressive appearance. In back the 3-Series sedan is traditional and conservative, but very handsome.

Two other body styles round out the current 2014 3-Series lineup. The BMW 328i Sports Wagon offers a traditional wagon variant, looking essentially the same as the sedan from the front doors ahead, but in back extending the roofline and tapering the sides only slightly, to maximize cargo convenience and versatility.

Also new this year is the 3-Series Gran Turismo, a five-door hatchback that's nearly eight inches longer, as well as about four inches longer in wheelbase and about three inches taller--amounting to a shape that has completely different sheetmetal, but one that stands as recognizably part of the 3-Series lineup. Frameless windows, a large hatchback, and a rear spoiler, along with the coupe-like profile, altogether push this model in a new direction that appears as one third fastback, one third wagon, and one third crossover.

There's really nothing retro or nostalgic about the current 3-Series models, and we appreciate that; the horizontally oriented instrument panel helps maximize space, and overall the interior layout provides a coherence missing from the last-generation 3-Series. A slim, tablet-like optional widescreen display on the dash stands alone but fits right in, while understated but high-tech-looking appliqués on the face of the dashboard, done in brushed aluminum or wood, make your statement of luxury, whatever that might be.

The 3-Series sedans are being offered in three different trim lines—Luxury, Modern, and Sport—and each of them cover the details with different materials and finishes. For instance, Sport cars have blacked-out detailing and red accents; Luxury-line cars come with chromed grille slats and more chrome on the outside, and glossy wood trim on the inside; Modern-line cars include satin-aluminum for the grille and brightwork, with dark oyster or black leather inside, combined with pearl trim and wood inlays.

Taking a look back at the interior of the 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, we can't help but think that the newer Sedans are a little busy in some of their interior variations, and all of their clever cut lines and transitioning surfaces.

The 2014 BMW 3-Series an all-turbocharged lineup (and it gets confusing as the model numbers no longer correspond to engine size). BMW 320i and 328i both come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 335i gets the latest N55 version of BMW’s 3.0-liter in-line six. In the 320i, the four makes 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, while in the 328i it makes 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Step up to the turbo six in the 335i and you get 300 hp and 300 lb-ft.

Laggy turbocharged engines are a thing of the past. In all cases, these turbocharged engines have boost that comes on so quickly that you probably won’t guess that they’re turbos; if it weren't for the sound, the 328i's four, especially, feels like a larger-displacement six most of the time (peak torque happens at just 1,250 rpm).

In manual-transmission form, the 328i sedan can get to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds with the manual transmission—only 0.3 faster than the 335i—and it churns out the torque in the low-to-mid rev range, where it matters to feel perky with an automatic transmission. Ante up to the 335i models and you get performance that just a few years ago would have been the exclusive domain of the top-performance M3.

The 2014 BMW M3 sedan, like the M4 coupe, is completely new this year, and will arrive later in the model year. It's lighter overall, yet more powerful than its predecessors, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six making 425 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. A special M-DCT dual-clutch gearbox does the shifting, and it can get to 60 mph in an official 3.9 seconds. A manual will also be offered, and an Active M Differential will help handling and stability. We'll update this section as soon as we've driven the new M3. 

In the meantime, an available M Sport package drops ride height for sedans by 0.4 inches, firms up springs and dampers, and includes larger anti-roll bars along with larger 18- or 19-inch M alloy wheels. Other performance options include the Adaptive M Sport suspension package, with electronically controlled damping. While both of these options do provide improvements you can feel, the base car’s setup is still a hoot, with good ride quality combined with satisfying, crisp control for all but serious track use.

In any of the 328i or 335i sedan models, you can opt for either a six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed automatic transmission. The only exception to that is 328i xDrive models, which are automatic-only. Sport-model automatics come with special programming for faster shifts, and in sedans with the eight-speed it’s so good out on the racetrack that we might actually choose the automatic over the manual. Otherwise, we’d have to go for the precise-feeling six-speed manual for the inspiration it brings daily driving.

Driving Dynamics Control is included for the entire 3-Series lineup. With a rocker switch that’s right beside the driver’s knee, you can toggle between Eco Pro, Comfort (default), Sport, and Sport+ modes. With Sport, you get sharpened steering response, delayed shift points, and such, while Sport+ allows more slip from the stability control and permits an electronic limited-slip diff mode to give the rear wheels more traction.

All the 3-Series sedans now get an electric power steering system that loads and unloads nicely, and gives you—when you finally reach the 3’s impressive limits of grip—a little feedback from the road. We'd only wish for a little more sense of the roadway surface before you approach those limits, which is what the hydraulic steering in the former F90 (and the current Coupes) provided. A premium Variable Sports steering option permits easier parking along with sharper handling, by altering the ratio mechanically (avoiding the digital transitions that sometimes make electric power steering systems frustrating.

It's now possible to fit adults in back in the sedan, although taller occupants will still be splaying their knees and you won't want to subject adults to vast distances in the back seat. It's no executive limo, but it'll fit kids or a quick lunch with co-workers just fine.

Trunk space in sedans is impressive, even though the trunk opening can be a bit small for fitting larger or longer items. As with some other premium models, you can move your foot under the rear bumper to pop the trunk when your hands are full, if you have the keyfob.

The new 2014 BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo (GT) might look from some angles like just a hatchback version of the sedan. But it's more than that; with a completely different roofline, a higher hoodline, and a completely repositioned seating arrangement, the GT offers a somewhat different, higher, driving position, plus many inches more space to back-seat passengers--although headroom feels a bit tight in the back positions. Cargo-wise, the GT has some of the versatility offered by the Sports Wagon, although the shallow, sloping hatch can be a limiting factor.

Ride quality is superb in virtually all models in the lineup. While the base 328i setup is definitely the most isolated, thanks mainly to its slightly higher-profile tires, you don’t sacrifice all that much in going with one of the sportier tire and wheel combinations. That can't be said of most of this model's rivals, which can get pretty harsh with their top-performing (or showiest) setups.

Likewise, you’ll find a bit of road noise in the 3-Series on some of the coarser surfaces, but it’s nothing compared to some other models in this class like the Infiniti G37 or Lexus IS 350. Even four-cylinder models are geared tall for highway cruising.

Across the lineup, you get the latest version of iDrive, which requires you to use a multi-way controller down on the center console to navigate menus for non-essential functions. It's much easier to intuit than earlier versions of the system, and we don't seeing it as a deal-breaker, yet you'll want to spend some time getting a tutorial at the dealership. We do, however, like how the latest models with navigation also add a capacitive touch pad on top of the controller--a very useful feature.

It's worth noting that the federal government has extended those results for the sedan to both the wagon and GT, while the IIHS hasn't yet done so.

All 3-Series sedans include front and front side airbags, plus side head airbags covering both rows. Several other optional tech features might enhance safety. Active Blind Spot Detection and the Lane Departure Warning System include a camera-based Collision Warning system and are for the first time offered in the 3-Series. It's offered as part of an enhanced Park Distance Control is a new rearview camera system with side view and top view modes to give a bird’s-eye view in close spaces and to monitor cross traffic when pulling out of concealed exits (like alleys).

The 3-Series also includes an Automatic Collision Notification system that relays to emergency responders detailed information on the type of accident and likely level of trauma.

At the base level, there's an impressive list of features, including a moonroof, automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, ambient lighting, and fog lamps, as well satellite radio compatibility and HD Radio. Step up to any of the 335i models and you get a few more features, including larger 18-inch alloys, power front seats, and xenon headlamps with adaptive light control. All models include Bluetooth hands-free and USB audio capabilities.

Again, the 2014 BMW 3-Series models can be dressed up in Luxury Line, Modern Line, and Sport Line guise. Each version adds $1,400, up to several thousand, to the sticker price, but in return you get some distinct trim—some of which feels like it could be from a much more expensive vehicle. An M Sport line adds special 18-inch BMW M wheels, a sport suspension, an M steering wheel, and an aerodynamic package, plus Aluminum Hexagon interior trim and an anthracite headliner. There’s also a long list of a la carte items that includes performance items like the variable sport steering and Adaptive M suspension, plus items such as rear sunshades and upgraded wheels and trim.

Dip into the options list for the 3-Series and you can raise the sticker price, easily, by thousands. Yet you'll gain items that either add luxury ambiance, performance improvements, or advanced-tech appeal. For instance, the head-up display (HUD) is especially well-placed and useful here, while heated front and rear seats, as well as a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers, are all part of the Cold Weather Package. A Driver Assistance Package brings Lane Departure Warning and Active Blind Spot Detection. The Park Distance Control system is part of a Parking Package, which also includes a rear-view camera and the Side and Top View camera system.

For 2014, BMW has added a new iDrive rotary controller, containing an integral touch pad, to models with navigation. The navigation system also includes real-time traffic information and 3D topographical views--a feature that can help when you're road-tripping through mountains.

Separately, there's still BMW Apps integration—enabling music streaming from Pandora and MOG, using your smartphone’s data stream—requires a $250 smartphone holder, and it’s only compatible with versions of the iPhone.

Equipment for the 3-Series Gran Turismo and the ActiveHybrid 3 is essentially the same as with the other 3-Series models. Hybrid models include as much as 335i sedans, only with a hybrid-specific display, special 18-inch Streamline alloy wheels, and there's no Sport, M Sport, or Active Cruise Control.

What does it all bring? From our experience, real-world mileage is very impressive in the 3-Series, and you'll likely manage to meet the EPA ratings with a rather light right foot. The Auto Start-Stop system can be pretty rough with the six-cylinder—delivering more of a shudder/kick than we’ve felt from other systems—but it’s smoother with the four.

Going turbocharged has a very positive effect on fuel economy. BMW 328i models with the automatic earn 34 mpg on the highway, which is on par with some four-cylinder mid-size sedans that aren't nearly as exciting to drive.

Unfortunately, with a turbo six instead of a four-cylinder engine under the hood, the ActiveHybrid3 likely won't much more fuel-efficient than the 328i and 335i models--both earning up to 23 mpg city and 33 or 34 mpg highway. But with a supplemental electric-motor system and 675Wh of lithium-ion cells in the trunk, it has an all-electric range of 2.5 miles--which could significantly boost real-world mileage in stop-and-go driving. One thing that's quite noteworthy about the system is that it can shut off the gasoline engine at up to 100 mph, when coasting.