View Photos of the 2019 BMW 330i
We sample the new four-cylinder 3-series with all of its sport options to see if it's returned the 3 to its former dynamic glory in the compact-luxury class.
This is our first test of a 2019 BMW 330i with all of the sport options. It's our chance to see if the 3 has returned to its former glory as the best-driving compact luxury sedan. Read the full story here.
BMW's 3-series was completely redesigned for the 2019 model year (2020 for the six-cylinder M340i), with a renewed focus on driving dynamics.
This test car was equipped with the $5000 M Sport package (larger wheels and summer tires, plus a bundle of convenience items) and $2450 Track Handling package (limited-slip differential, larger brakes). Opting for the latter also now includes adaptive dampers, which were formerly a $700 option. All in, it's an expensive, $7450 proposition, $1000 more than last year's 3. It also adds a flurry of M logos to the car's interior.
There's plenty to like from behind the wheel of the new 3-series. Overall suspension damping and body control are excellent.
And it puts down the performance numbers. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires help the 330i cling to the skidpad with 0.94 g of grip and stop from 70 mph in 150 feet, both improvements over the 330xi we tested on performance Bridgestone tires, and it's ahead of the competition.
Its steering, however, still isn't as good as the best in the business. BMW has yet to crack the code on excellent electric power steering as well as Porsche or General Motors.
The 330i's 255-hp turbo inline-four is smooth, powerful, and fuel efficient, truly a benchmark among turbo fours. We can't fathom why BMW chose to augment the engine's note with such a fake engine roar, though, which gets even louder in the Sport driving mode.
The 330i shocked us by achieving 42 mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test, the best in the compact-luxury segment, matching even the Jaguar XE diesel.
The 3 remains an excellent luxury sedan: quiet at speed, refined in the daily grind, with comfortable and supportive front seats.
However, the interior materials, particularly at this near-$60K price aren't as upscale as those in some competitors. The Genesis G70's quilted-leather confines are far more luxurious at a much lower price point.
Although rear-seat space is no larger than before, it's on the generous end of the segment and much larger than the Genesis G70's.
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
2019 BMW 330i
View Photos of the 2024 Kia EV9 Land AWD
View Photos of the 1987 Sterling 825SL
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Interior Photos
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet Exterior Photos
