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Updated BMW 3 Series leaves company car drivers with a tough decision

BMW 3 Series Touring e1502723774202
Updated BMW 3 Series Touring

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14 August 2017

  • Updated 3 Series boasts new styling changes
  • Wide range of body styles, engines, and trim levels
  • Options added to the list include new colours and new alloy wheels
  • Engine choice offers a wide range of power and economy
  • Prices start from around £25k

 

THE updated BMW 3 Series just made the choice for company car drivers even harder. Not that you shouldn’t choose a 3 Series, but picking which one is increasingly difficult.

For a start you will need to decide if you would like a saloon, estate, or coupe. Then you need to choose between a petrol, diesel, or hybrid. Once you’ve got that far then you can decide exactly which engine and trim you would like.

Complicated isn’t it?

New BMW 3 Series
Ever popular BMW 3 Series Saloon

The main decision to be made when choosing from the updated BMW 3 Series is which body style to go for. The choice of engines and trims are pretty much the same across the range. The Saloon is usually the most popular while the Touring increases the practicality of the car and the coupe-like Gran Turismo adds the flexibility of a hatchback.

Once that decision is made you can then choose an engine. Petrol engines range from the three cylinder, 1.5-litre petrol found in the entry level 318i to the six cylinder, 3.0-litre of the range topping 340i. Diesel options start with the four cylinder, 2.0-litre in the 316d to the six cylinder 3.0-litre in the 335d.

If you choose a diesel you can expect economy figures to start from around 70mpg and 99g/km. Petrol starts around 52mpg and 120g/km. Either way you’ll be able to configure your ideal 3 Series regardless of whether you place economy over performance or vice versa.

If economy is your main concern it may be worth considering the 330e iPerformance Saloon. This is a plug-in hybrid that can deliver an electric only range of up to 25 miles and a combined fuel consumption of up to 148mpg. CO2 emissions are also significantly reduced with an impressive 44g/km.

The interior of the updated BMW 3 Series is still built around the driver-oriented cockpit and is finished with chrome and high gloss touches for an elegant feel passengers can enjoy. There is actually a choice of finishes including ash black wood and high gloss, and a range of materials and stitching options for the upholstery and interior trim.

BMW 6.5-inch Navigation System with live tiles, LED headlights, fog lights and Servotronic steering are now standard on every 3 Series. You can also choose from new wheel options and exterior colours including Sunset Orange. There is also a rather impressive looking Digital Cockpit with BMW Touch Control that could make it worth delving into the options list.

The updated BMW 3 Series also has a remodelled front bumper and apron emphasising the wide stance of the car. The new LED headlights use adaptive technology to automatically adjust to the driving conditions, including LED cornering lights that anticipate bends by turning before the car for optimal lighting on twisty roads. The LED fog lights help to reinforce the sporty look.

Driving a car that’s as well balanced as a BMW does allow you to make the most of twisty roads when conditions allow. Rear wheel drive and a powerful engine is all the excuse most people need to channel their inner racing driver, but the economy figures could give a whole range of drivers a very good reason to consider the new 3 Series.

What’s more important is that the updated BMW 3 Series range still contains a wide mix of power, practicality, and economy that should mean there is a car in there for everybody. All you need to do is find it.

 

 

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