Getting a move on in the new BMW 320d is done with the Eco Pro drive mode to start with. That means the accelerator pedal is numb. Switch to Comfort and it’s normal. There’s a subtle change of feel and it’s not as evident as the mode change in the larger F90 M5; a car that, put simply, blew my mind. There is even a slight delay in sudden acceleration — when performing an urgent overtake, for instance — as the revs are held at just over 1,000 rpm. There is no gear indicator; you need to flick the paddles to get a number instead of the “D” display.
Switch to Sport and the changes are more than evident. The results are far more pronounced when going from Eco Pro to Sport, especially if you’re partly on the accelerator. Touch the “Sport” button and the BMW 320d lunges forwards and gathers momentum remarkably. Revs are piled on and the virtual needle hovers closer to the 2k mark, well into peak torque territory, and an instantaneous surge is just a light flex of the foot away.
Even in Comfort mode, exiting the city through the first hills made it abundantly clear how sharp and involving the 3 is. Point and it flows. The steering is so beautifully set up, it goes from one bend to the next with minimal effort to the point that it feels intuitive; connected directly to your nervous system. That also meant that sudden changes of direction — to avoid bodywork-threatening potholes when dealing with the disastrous infrastructure often referred to as “internal roads” — were quickly and ably dealt with. That could well be considered a major proving ground. The 3 can deal with rural unsurfaced conditions without batting an eyelid.
Traffic dealt with, it was some choice open hill roads; not in the best condition, but minimal traffic felt heaven-sent. Sport mode engaged, the BMW 320d felt like a four-wheeled scalpel; 320 or 390? My mind joked! Effortlessly cutting apexes and piling on speed is completely in its nature. The thrill factor is piled on in spades — forget the 330d or the M340i, this one is more than good enough. It is exceptional, not to mention lighter. That two more cylinders would only add weight and these four are more than enough was a thought that crossed my mind and stayed there; every bend reiterating that fact. The world is in peril. We need more fun and less CO2. And it’s set for that, too.
Making my way back, I chose Eco Pro; a move necessitated by traffic conditions. I don’t mind start-stop. And I don’t mind the car free-wheeling it when I lift off. It feels like it’s taken flight. Sport mode has engine braking and what feels like brake-energy regeneration working overtime. Eco Pro has none of that. The vehicle data proved just that. That’s some major fuel saving. Since that came up, other changes on the 3 include a smaller 40-litre fuel tank, which, with the efficiency we recorded, 12 km/l city and a few decimals short of 19 km/l on the highway, gives an overall 13.75 km/l and a theoretical range of 550 km; if you spend only a quarter of it on the highway.
Over the course of the day, the BMW 320d spent time on terrible rural surfaces; where the suspension and damping shone brighter than the sun peeking out from behind those threatening dark clouds. It tackled bends that highlighted its gifted agility and responsiveness, and it assaulted some straights and banked speed corners that reaffirmed its handling prowess and quick acceleration. Negatives? Of course, it has those. The smart key needs its button pushed to unlock the doors, but isn’t needed to start the car and drive away. Weird, but it could be a vehicle setting I missed. And I’d like ventilated seats! That is all. I’d have this every day and Sunday. Opposition cornered. And duly obliterated.
Also read: BMW 330i M Sport Petrol Road Test Review
Need to Know – BMW 320d Luxury Line
Price: Rs 47.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1,995 cc, in-line four, turbo-diesel
Max Power: 190 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 400 Nm @ 1,750-2,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Suspension: Strut front, five-link rear
Weight: 1,450 kg
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.6 seconds
Top Speed: 240 km/h
Fuel Economy: 12 km/l city, 19 km/l highway
