Summarize

Until recently, the BMW 320d was, well, just another turbodiesel with a premier, lengthy, yet most successful presence on the South African car market. However, the German automobile giant changed that image somewhat with this impressive latest 320d M.

Improved it certainly is too – this new three makes a statement with its many updates and improvements. Turbodiesels usually fit in with specific, perhaps utilitarian demands, even if the car is quite posh in this neck of the woods, but this 320d M brings an impressive change.

It’s technically sophisticated to start – its twin turbo setup – one smaller low pressure blower, the other a larger high pressure snail conspire to ensure little or no engine lag.

On that base, the Bavarian giant has produced another great driver’s car with highlights aplenty, from reduced weight to that good old 50-50 weight distribution and a stiffer body, all of which add up to a truly sporty and positive feel – which is what you’d expect from a Three. And it’s efficient too – my average came in at its claimed 6.5l/100km with some spirited driving included.  

Importantly, that good-looking body shape offers a .23 drag coefficient efficiency for improved streamlining and its looks and attentions to styling detail along with this one’s M styling bits bring a most welcome step apart from recent shoebox design out of München. Audi-copy taillights and all. 

Longer and wider 320d M misleads due to the fact that it is a 2-litre diesel that accelerates to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds at Reef altitudes. Those results come via impressive outputs of 140kW and a healthy 400Nm of torque, assisted of course by that smooth-changing 8-speed autobox.

Perhaps most impressive are 320d’s ride and handling via quite brilliant continuously variable damping, even if it is perhaps a trite too severe at times – especially over bumpy Jozi road surfaces with this one’s Sport suspension and 19” low profile tyres. There’s more to that though – this new bi-turbodiesel contributes too – not just in performance, but also thanks to a level of silence expected from a top every petrol mill.

That of course contributes to a sublime sense of serenity in new three’s edgy and, comfort and tech rich cockpit that brings a sexy Star Trek instrument panel, mood lighting, and several other impressive design features to further befit its upstaged characteristics. 

Never mind that its large infotainment screen can be controlled by touch, voice, gesture control and the good old iDrive knob – a broad variety and a boon to not so tech savvy old folk like me! Add advanced technology, from emergency self-braking, steering and sure distance safety adjustment to reverse brake-assist and 320d M is safe as houses too.

The BMW 3 Series has long been a South African favourite – between it and its old sparring partner C, they have totally dominated the vital core of the local car market and right now, I can quite happily say that this Bavarian holds the high ground. Let’s see how long it can keep it! – Mario Lupini

ROAD TESTED: BMW 320d M

Engine: 140kW 400Nm 1958cc turbodiesel I4

Drive: 8-speed automatic RWD

TESTED: (1500m ASL)

0-60km/h: 3.67sec

0-100km/h: 7.89 sec   

0-160km/h: 19.33 sec

400m: 15.7 sec @ 145km/h

80-120km/h: 5.31 sec

120-160km/h: 8.45 sec       

CLAIMED:       

VMax:              237km/h 

Fuel: 6.5 l/100km

CO2: 131g/km

Warranty/Service: 2y unl./5y 100Kkm

LIST PRICE:         R684K

RATED:    91%