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BMW 3 Series

Our pick: BMW 318i Sport from S$258,888 with COE (May 2022)
Read our review of the BMW 318i Sport here

BMW’s 3 Series has been synonymous with the luxury executive sedan segment for decades, to the point that the category has sometimes been dubbed the ‘3 Series class’. It’s a testament to how high BMW has set the bar in this class, and it continues till this day to set the benchmark for others to follow.

The current model was introduced in 2019, and incorporates all the qualities that have made the 3 Series such a favourite, namely an engaging drive, well-rounded performance, sumptuous luxury, and top notch German engineering. But the latest version also adds in some very impressive technology features that will impress even the most jaded of Millennials.

In any case, a mid-life facelift has just been announced, and it should be expected to arrive in Singapore by the end of 2022.

For instance, there’s the Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) voice activation system, which lets you command the car to do things just by talking to it. All you need to do is say “Hey BMW, navigate to office/call my boss/turn down the air con” and it’ll execute your orders dutifully, like, well, a personal assistant. It’s the best voice-control system in a car right now.

Clever tech aside, the 3 Series’ main draw has always been its drivability, and while the latest one has grown in size over its predecessors, it still remains one of the best handling cars you can buy today. And it combines that with a decent amount of luxury and comfort, although its ride quality and overall refinement may not be quite as smooth as its rivals from Audi or Mercedes-Benz.

At launch in 2019, there was only the 330i model, but as of 2022, the model line-up in Singapore has been trimmed down to just the 318i in Sport and M Sport trim with 156hp. Despite being the least expensive 3 Series, it’s certainly not slow, and still packs a decent level of equipment as well. That’s why it has gained our recommendation as the 3 Series to get here in Singapore.

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For those who crave a need for speed, there’s the whopping nutso BMW M3 Competition (S$528,888 with COE), which features a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six with 510hp and 650Nm of torque, as well as an aggressive-looking front grille that is guaranteed to scare off lesser traffic.

There’s also a plug-in hybrid version, the 330e (S$336,888 with COE), for the environmentally-conscious. It features the same engine as the 320i, combined with an electric motor, and together they produce a total output of 292hp. It can also travel on electric power for up to 56km, thereby dramatically cutting down on emissions on your commute.

The 3 Series remains one of the best choices in the luxury executive sedan market, thanks to its all-round capability, being able to please enthusiasts and regular drivers alike. It costs slightly more than its main competition, but for the money you are getting a whole lot of car.

Continue to: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Jump to:
Introduction
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Lexus IS

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