2016 BMW 3 Series

New for 2016

The 3 Series received a number of updates for the 2016 model year, including a revamped exterior that adds available LED headlights, as well as a slightly refreshed interior that adds a number of new trim accents. Other changes include the addition of a new 340i model, which replaces last year's 335i. Furthermore, all BMW 3 Series models receive revised tuning for suspension and steering. And finally, later this year, BMW will debut an all-new 330e Plug-in Hybrid version. 

Follow the Leader

The 2016 BMW 3 Series is, by all objective measures, a good car. It essentially created a new category of luxury cars, continues to rack up awards, and keeps rival carmakers at work tirelessly developing rivals. 

Yet the 3 Series isn’t just one car, it’s many. Its fundamental goodness is spread out over multiple body styles, powertrains, and a long list of equipment, meaning there’s a 3 Series for virtually everyone.

What's more, the BMW 3 Series continues to lead the sport sedan segment, thanks to BMW's combination of pliant powertrains, silky smooth handling, and luxurious appointments. And if the 2016 3 Series is any indication, BMW's crown isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Powertrains and Performance

Few cars offer more powertrain options than the BMW 3 Series. For this latest generation, BMW’s signature smooth inline engines have been upgraded with turbocharging and other efficiency-improving features, and there are diesel and hybrid options as well.

The entry-level 3 Series model is the 320i, and it comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. BMW offers both six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions on the 3 Series, but with either one the 320i will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. All 3 Series models are electronically limited to 130 mph as standard.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on all 3 Series models, and in that configuration the 320i gets an EPA-rated 28 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 36 mpg highway)* with the manual and 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway)* with the automatic. The 320i is also available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive, but only with the automatic, getting  27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway).*

Next up is the 328i, which has a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four that produces 240 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. With the six-speed manual transmission, it will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds; the eight-speed automatic takes 5.8 seconds.

Fuel economy figures for the 328i are 27 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 35 mpg highway)* for the automatic and 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 34 mpg highway)* with the manual. All-wheel drive is available with the automatic, and that version gets 26 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*

BMW also offers a diesel 328d that features a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but minus the spark plugs. It produces 181 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, and is available only with the eight-speed automatic. The sprint to 60 mph takes 7.4 seconds.

With rear-wheel drive, the 328d gets impressive EPA-rated fuel economy of 37 mpg combined (32 mpg city, 45 mpg highway),* while the all-wheel drive model gets 35 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 43 mpg highway).*

Another economy-focused option is the ActiveHybrid 3. Its powertrain consists of a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six and eight-speed automatic teamed with an electric motor and 1.3-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack.

Total system output is 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels. The ActiveHybrid 3 will do 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and achieve EPA-rated fuel economy of  28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*

If you’re more interested in power than economy, consider the new 340i. This new range-topping model has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder generating 320 hp and 330 lb-ft. That's an extra 20 hp and 30 additional lb-ft of torque. With rear-wheel drive, BMW says the 340i goes from 0-60 mph in just 4.8 seconds. With all-wheel drive, that number drops to an impressive 4.6 seconds. Official fuel economy figures for the 340i are unavailable at this time. 

Features and Trims

Complementing the many powertrain choices, the 2016 BMW 3 Series is one of the few cars offered today in multiple body styles. You can have a four-door sedan, Gran Turismo hatchback, or station wagon, all with seating for five. Prices start at $33,150.**

Standard equipment includes a three-spoke, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, ambient lighting, SiriusXM satellite and HD Radio, and BMW’s iDrive infotainment system.

Like virtually everything else about the 3 Series, the list of options isn’t easy to summarize. Highlights include navigation, a moonroof, heated seats, a rearview camera, and park assist.

BMW also offers multiple trim “lines”—including Luxury Line, Sport Line, and M Line—with their own unique exterior and interior styling features.

Exterior/Interior

Whether it’s a traditional sedan, station wagon, or the high-roofed Gran Turismo hatchback, the 3 Series looks good. It maintains classic cab-rearward proportions, with BMW’s trademark “Twin Kidney” grille and halo headlights up front, and no unnecessary clutter to ruin the clean lines.

Clean describes the interior as well. Many cars are cluttered with buttons, display screens, and touch pads, but BMW keeps things simple. The thick-rimmed steering wheel and analog gauges are perfect for sporty driving, and the iDrive rotary controller is intuitive.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 BMW 3 Series includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and front, knee, and side-impact airbags. Automatic high beams and side- and top-view cameras are also available.

Bottom Line

The 2016 BMW 3 Series’ strong fundamentals are made better by the wide variety of powertrain, equipment and body style options available. Despite rivals nipping at its heels, the 3 Series continues to set the benchmark from which all others are judged. If you're looking for the ultimate luxury sport sedan there is the 3 Series, and then everything else. 

Be sure to contact us online or visit BMW of Silver Spring to schedule your test drive.

*EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length, and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

**MSRP excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration.

Image: BMW (European model shown)