2018 BMW 3-Series

A testimony, this is – towards a totally exemplary mix of both performance and luxury with technology, directly within the 2018 BMW 3-Series. A part of the legendary 3-Series line-up, in its sixth generation, it continues the legacy of being one of the most engaging compact luxury sedans available in the market. Its appearance – be it inside or out – reveals a pretty refined, sporty look that appeals especially to drivers looking for a touch of sophistication as well as excitement at the same time.

On first look, the outer design of the 2018 BMW 3-Series is a stunner as it features dynamic lines and a kidney grille. The car body features aerodynamics and sleek configurations providing some hints of its performance. The sharp headlights are featured in the front fascia and can be accented with full LED technology, giving it an aggressive, modern configuration. The sides see an almost characteristic Hofmeister kink in the rear window line, low and sporty setup profile for the 3-Series, and BMW hallmark. Sporty and timeless design allows 3-Series to stand out regardless of where one may sit in a traffic jam.

The coupled variants have been improved for the 2018 BMW 3-Series, being classed into what will be referred to as lower-powered units and the higher performance ones. From the turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, which are smooth, efficient, and also relatively responsive to driver input, to the more potent 6-cylinder variants, BMW gives the choice of drivers to either prioritize performance, fuel economy, or both. Transmissions are available with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, depending on the trim and configuration. Its rear-wheel drive is standard, although the xDrive all-wheel-drive system from BMW can be ordered to add even more traction and stability, particularly in poor weather. Any of the engine options comes with excellent road feed-back that makes handling sharp, thus making the 3-Series fun to drive on twisties as well as highways.

Inside, the 2018 BMW 3-Series is driver-centric. The dashboard is well-designed and intuitive to use. High-quality materials and finishes characterize the interior, but then you start to add soft-touch surfaces, premium leather upholstery, and offered wood or aluminum trim. The driver’s seat in the sedan is very supportive for enthusiastic driving, but also suited to more mundane long-distance travel. There is sufficient space for three full-sized adult passengers abreast in the rear seats, although taller passengers might find their legroom slightly limited-an attribute of any small luxury sedan. Trunk space is generous for the class, so there’s ample room here for daily errands or weekend outings out of town.

Other strengths of the 3-Series lie in its technology. For 2018, BMW’s iDrive infotainment system has its responsive interface controlled via a rotary knob on the center console. Navigation and smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity and available Apple CarPlay will keep both drivers and passengers well-connected at all times. The opulent trims or packages also throw in a few interesting advanced features: there’s a head-up display, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, and wireless charging.

Of course, safety has not been forgotten in the new 2018 BMW 3-Series either. A good deal of advanced driver assistance systems are included here: forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors. All these definitely contribute to secure car performance, both structurally and with such features in crash tests and overall feel for the driver and passengers.

The 2018 3-Series remains very much a driver’s car. Its nearly perfect 51% weight distribution, razor-sharp steering, and supple suspension make it one of the most engaging cars at this price point to drive through city streets, twisty back roads, or cruising on the highway.

As it stands, the 2018 BMW 3-Series is, to date, one of the best compact luxury sedans available. Performance, luxury, and technology point at a seamless and intriguing experience for the driver: driving fun as well as practical for everyday usage. The roomier rear seat and more standard features offered by some competitors don’t make a dent in its considerable appeal for this factor. With these qualities, the 2018 BMW 3-Series remains one of the favorites both for driving enthusiasts as well as for luxury car buyers.