We recommend the 2020 BMW 3 Series over all of its rivals
The car in the photo is the 2020 BMW 3 Series and it’s arguably one of the most complete cars on sale today. It’s an executive saloon, that’s also available as an estate, which provides plenty of quality, equipment, practicality and most importantly an excellent drive.
Even though the 3 Series pretty much provides all you can ask for it does have a wide spectrum of rivals to contend with. Rivals which include the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Audi A4, the Jaguar XE and also the Alfa Romeo Giullia all of which are very good cars in their own right. So, would we recommend the 3 Series over all of its rivals? The answer is a resounding yes.
To help understand why we recommend the 3 Series over its rivals let’s start with its interior. It’s undoubtedly one of the car’s best bits. The level of quality on display is superb and the general control layout is far superior to its rivals. For example, the BMW Live Cockpit Plus infotainment system is excellent but the Live Cockpit Professional pack, which is standard on M Sport models and upwards, is even better. You get a 10.52 inch primary screen that can be operated by an easy-to-use rotary dial on the central console. It’s far simpler to get on with than systems integrated in rival cars. There’s also the latest incarnation of BMW’s multimedia software and a digital dashboard display that replaces traditional dials. Sadly the latter doesn’t quite have the same level of functionality that you get in the Audi A4.
As of typing, there’s currently five trim levels on offer on the 3 Series. These are the SE, Sport, M Sport, M Sport Plus Edition and finally the M340i. All versions are equipped with at least an 8.8 inch touchscreen, three zone climate control, a reversing camera and cruise control. Climb into the rear seats and the 3 Series offers up more space than both the Audi A4 and Mercedes Benz C Class. As for boot space, the BMW’s 480 litre capacity is larger than in the C Class and the same as the A4.
As you’d expect from a car built by BMW the 3 Series excels in the driving department. Regardless of which suspension set up you go for the on-road handling is sharp and precise while providing plenty of traction from both the standard rear wheel drive layout or optional xDrive system. As small side effect is that the ride comfort is slightly firmer than in many of its rivals especially in M Sport spec. However, the strong levels of refinement more than make up for this.
Engine options include entry level 2.0 litre petrol and diesels, the big selling 320d with 190 brake horse power (bhp), a performance M340i version and a 330e plugin hybrid that combines a four cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. In truth all variants are impressive with the 320d being a particular highlights thanks to its ample performance, refinement and fuel economy.
While some rivals may better the 3 Series in a number of minor areas the BMW’s across-the-board talents and superb build quality means that it’s the executive saloon car to have. If you’re interested in buying one then be sure to check out the used BMW 3 Series cars for sale available on the DesperateSeller.co.uk website.
