BMW 328i automatic review (2012 onwards)

Model: BMW 328i
Bodystyle: four-door saloon
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder
Transmission: eight-speed automatic

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What is it?
BMW, once the six-cylinder master, is forging ahead with a range of potent new four-pots that offer the performance you expect with the emissions and economy you want.

This is the case with the BMW 328i, a car you naturally assume to feature a straight-six. Fitted with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with a turbo attached, it heralds a new era of the fast BMW. Question is, does the 328i lose in character, noise and appeal or does its impressive emissions and economy sweeten the trade-off?

Where does it fit?
The 320i is the entry-level petrol, followed by the 328i. Then you're into big-boy territory with the six-cylinder 335i. So you could say the 328i is the best compromise in the petrol range between performance and economy.

Of course, there's a full raft of diesel 3 Series models to choose from, ranging from a 316d to the ever-popular 320d. High-performance diesels are yet to be added to the range, but expect to see 330d and 335d six-cylinder variants.

Is it for you?
The 3 Series remains the driver's car in the small executive class. Its sweet, naturally-balanced chassis and sharp steering are further fuelled with a dramatic improvement to the interior and a softening of the ride, though that depends on many factors including how bling you want your alloys and which mode the Driver Experience Control is in. The 328i will appeal to those who don't want to be another corporate 320d driver and who want something with serious firepower but don't want to spend all their time at the pumps.

What does it do well?
Fast, mid-range BMWs tended to have one thing in common: a silky-smooth, sonorous six-cylinder engine, delivering naturally-aspirated driving thrills via a rear-wheel chassis. This simplicity was part of the appeal. As was the noise, a deep burble that belied its usually-humdrum styling.

The modern BMW is more likely to have a potent four-pot under the bonnet these days, breathed on with a turbocharger or two and releasing the sort of emissions and fuel economy that makes the six-cylinders look like dinosaurs.

This is the case with the BMW 328i. What was once a lieutenant of the range, the 328i for the F30 3 Series is now a four-cylinder - but that is no bad thing, believe me.

This is still a fast car, the turbocharger adding a welcome mid-range punch and enough to speed it to 62mph in 6.1 seconds (5.9secs if you choose manual). Better still, with 245hp between 5,000rpm and 6,500rpm, it rewards when revved. Alternatively, slide the eight-speed shifter into auto and let the 258 lb/ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800rpm handle the chore.

The handling is still top-notch. The power and torque never seems to threaten the rear wheels' traction and it turns corners like no other car in this class. In fact, we'd say the longer, lighter F30 3 Series handles better than before.

The Driver Experience Control allows you to flick between Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. The latter does introduce a firmness to the suspension but it's a worthwhile compromise because the car feels more alive, the traction and stability pared back for an even more engaging driving experience.

What doesn't it do well?
It's really hard to criticise the 3 Series, even this leftfield 328i. I suppose if you're a BMW fan you won't appreciate the rather dreary four-cylinder soundtrack from the engine, especially when you put your foot down and it sounds like the engine is straining. Which it definitely is not... BMW was going to emit artificial six-cylinder noise from the stereo to counteract this. I think you'd learn to live with it as it is...

What's it like to live with?
Despite the lengthened chassis, the interior is still tight in the rear if you're sitting behind a couple of six-footers, and the door entrance is narrow so getting in isn't as graceful as you might like.

On the plus side, the boot has grown in size by 20 litres and fitting in a set of golf clubs or two is a cinch. Up front, the dashboard angled towards the driver is back, and the general ambience is one that hints that BMW is fed up with Audi taking all the interior plaudits. The switchgear, detailing and dash materials are very chic, a mix between sporting touches and premium finishes. We're not sure the Volvo-esque, Swedish-style textured wood and cream leather finish of our test car will be to everyone's tastes, though.

How green is it?
This is where the 328i really delivers. Despite that scorching performance, BMW says it will return 44.8mpg and emissions of 147g/km for the automatic. Do you still want that diesel? When you consider the premium you pay to use the black pump, the 328i might just be the perfect substitution.

Would we buy it?
It's a shame about the bland noise, but apart from that the 328i is a fantastic driver's car that delivers everywhere you expect, and then some with a smoother ride than before, more interior space and a classier cabin. Don't follow the herd with a 320d, try one of these.

Read a BMW review
Read a first drive of the new F30 3 Series range
Buy a three-year-old BMW 3 from £7,500