There are luxury sports sedans and then there are BMW’s. I have always found BMW’s to be very forgiving to the average driving attempting to maneuver through S-curves like Mario Andretti. The BMW 3-series may be the most popular vehicle that the industry benchmarks. They look beautiful, handle like a dream, perform effortlessly and just look so hot sitting anywhere–even in your garage!
The 3-Series is BMW’s bread-and-butter vehicle, so to increase its reach the 2013 model year introduces new models and platforms. The sedans and wagons sit on a new platform. The coupes and convertibles remain on the previous generation platform, but will be replaced by the new 4-Series in the near future.
New to the lineup for 2013 is the 320i, an entry-level 3-Series sedan designed to attract new buyers with a friendlier price point. The new 320i relies on a less powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the BMW 328i and generates 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. It is available in either a rear- or all-wheel drive (x-Drive) version.
Also new for 2013 is the BMW ActiveHybrid3. The ActiveHybrid3 combines the 335i’s engine with an electric motor for a total of 335 horsepower. It is paired with the 8-speed automatic and has a lithium-ion battery pack.
The full 3-Series lineup for 2013 includes the following: 320i Sedan ($33,445), 320i x-Drive Sedan ($35,445), 328i Sedan ($37,445), 328i x-Drive Sedan ($39,445), 328i Coupe ($38,700), 328i x-Drive Coupe ($40,400),328i Convertible ($47,600), 335i Sedan ($44,045), 335i x-Drive Sedan ($46,045), 335i Coupe ($45,100), 335i x-Drive Coupe ($46,800), 335i Convertible ($53,800), and the ActiveHybrid 3 ($50,545).
Sedan powertrain stats – I already mentioned the 320i, but will add that it is available with either 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 328i upgrades the turbocharged 2.0-liter to deliver 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. Need more speed then go for the 335i, which is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that pounds out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. All x-Drives models only are mated only to the 8-speed automatic transmission.
The 328i coupes and convertibles are packaged with a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 lb.-ft. of torque, while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. 335i coupes and convertibles are powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 found in the sedans.
The 2013 BMW 3-Series comes in three body styles: coupe, sedan and the upcoming wagon. All feature short front and rear overhangs and prominent BMW styling cues. LED accent lights are angled above the headlamps. The lines are clean and flow throughout the models with smooth angled edges. Each trim level offers subtle exterior differences and unique grilles.
The different trim levels also enjoy seat variations and comfort levels. The interior has a rich and luxury feel with soft touch-points, dark wood and silver trim and tech features throughout. The BMW Connected app allows users to access Pandora and the owners music library, text messages, and email by tethering their iPhones with a built-in cable docking system.
My test model included rear heated seats, moonroof, Satellite radio and the M Sport Line with red seats. Passengers sitting in the rear seat will benefit from the increased leg and headroom introduced in the 2012 model year. Both the front and rear cabins have a power outlet to charge up your phone or operate other devices. There are plenty of little storage areas too, yet there isn’t a specific place to place your cell phone.
Room for improvement:
- My test model priced out at $47,295 and didn’t include a backup camera or navigation. They were available for another $5000. Just saying…
Cool Features:
- Opening your trunk is as easy as kicking your foot under the rear bumper and the system will pop open the trunk lid
- The Parking Assistant system helps the driver parallel park by finding a space, turning the steering wheel, and practically parking the car itself
- Push-button start
The standard safety equipment on the 2013 BMW 3-Series includes but are not limited to front airbags that deploy at different rates based on the severity of the impact, front passenger side-impact and full-cabin airbags, curtain-style head protection airbags, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Optional features include lane departure warning system with forward collision warning, active blind-spot alert, and rear view camera.
In Summary – The 2013 BMW 3-Series in my opinion will continue to be the iconic benchmark that the industry will measure again in the Premium Compact passenger car category. It manages to deliver style, luxury, performance, technology, handling and sportiness in a single package. The new offerings for 2013 will bring in new buyers at lower price points and different body styles. The 2013 BMW 3-Series remains a favorite to drive.
Specifications
2013 BMW 328i Sedan
Base price: $36,885 as driven: $47,295 (including destination)
Engine: 4-Cyl, 2.0-Liter Turbocharged
Horsepower: 240 @ 5000-6000 RPM
Torque: 255 @ 1250-4800 RPM
Transmission: Eight-speed Automatic
Drive: Front Wheel-Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 37.1 feet
Cargo space: 13 cubic feet
Curb weight: 2461 pounds
Fuel capacity: 15.8 gallons
EPA mileage: City 23/Hwy 33
Wheel Base: 110.6 inches
Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles powertrain limited
Also consider: Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Lincoln
MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S60
Thank you for this fantastic review!