BMW has kicked a golden point field goal with its 3 Series 320d, game over. They win.

First up, let me say, I would own one of these, they are that good.

The 3 series BMW has been one of the great successes of the motoring industry and that is not about to change with the current 3 Series. The current generation was launched in 2006 and has a few more years in it before it is due a complete overhaul for what will be the sixth generation of a car launched 35 years ago.

For now, BMW has given the 3 Series a mid-life refresh consisting of subtle styling changes, slightly revised options and the incorporation of new BMW Efficient Dynamics engines across the range.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the newly launched BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Sedan.

Let’s check it out:

Behind the wheel

The 320d dash is simplistic and elegant and feels good. The switches and plastics, buttons, seats and steering wheel are all nice to touch, with impeccably finished surfaces. Only the one-push wiper stalk takes some getting used to. The BMW’s cabin seems like it’s been designed to keep distractions to a minimum and get on with the job of driving hard. You always feel good and in full control of the 3-Series, with an excellent driving position, rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel, clear instruments and superbly comfortable seats.

When you first fire up the diesel it would sound a little noisy to the guy walking his dog past your car, but that mostly settle after a minute or so and it hardly noticeable inside. Buyers specifying the satellite navigation option get BMW's iDrive system, which is slicker and more intuitive to use on these face lifted models. The interior of the 3 Series reeks of style and freshness and is a superb place to be.

Performance

In 2010 BMW launched the 320d EfficientDynamics that emits 140g/km, produces 135 kw, covers 0-100 kph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 233 kph and returns a claimed combined consumption of 5.3 l/100 km. So it certainly isn’t a slouch when it comes to performance. The BMW 320d’s four-cylinder diesel engine with an all aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct injection also features variable inlet valves and high-pressure fuel injection.

 The common-rail system separates pressure generation and fuel injection, with electronically controlled injectors delivering the fuel to the cylinders. Third-generation common rail operates at pressures of up to 2000 bars and is therefore more precise in the amount and delivery of fuel injected. It's the most efficient BMW 3-Series ever, due to features such as a lower ride height and improved aerodynamics, but despite these efficiency changes, it’s still great to drive especially with 380 Nm coming on tap between 1900 - 2750 rpm.

Handling

You need only spend a few minutes behind the wheel of the 2010 BMW 3 Series to remind yourself exactly why it is such a sought after car. The previous 3-Series was a class benchmark for handling and the fifth-generation car raises the bar even higher. With excellent weight distribution and rear-wheel drive, the BMW feels perfectly balanced when being driven on challenging roads, responding instantly to steering inputs.

There's limited body roll and plenty of grip, however the jury is still out on run flat tyres and the comfort aspect. The suspension has been designed to suit the firmer sidewalls of run-flat tyres (which are fitted as standard) and this allows the driver to feel the surface of the road without jarring the occupants in the car but it is noticeable compared say to a C-class, so be mindful that it is not anywhere near as compliant as you would expect in a luxe sedan albeit a sedan with sporty overtones.

On twisting roads I found it still lives up to the 3 Series reputation of supplying bags of driving pleasure and a degree of comfort through the quality of its chassis, steering and ride.

Comfort

Rob and I often make fun and comment on the fact that it must have been a first year apprentice who designed the interior of the 1 series BMW with its useless small cup and bottle holders and storage areas, thankfully the 3 series is a whole lot better, not great, just better.

It has accommodating yet supportive seats contribute to excellent comfort for all occupants and work on refinement has resulted in a hushed and cosseting environment. Very slight wind noise from around the windscreen at higher speeds does spoil things somewhat and the ride as I said earlier is a little on the firm side too due mainly to the run flat tyres. This is no problem on the motorway but on rougher surfaces the BMW doesn't absorb bumps and potholes as well as rivals. However, there's decent legroom for rear passengers although headroom for taller passengers is on the tight side.

Practicality

The back seat, though, is capable of accommodating six-footers without too much fuss; unlike the slightly squeezy C-Class and Lexus IS250.The 3-Series has a slightly larger boot than its predecessor and it is also available with a luggage compartment beneath boot floor which once would have housed the spare. It can be used for all types of gear that would normally mess up your boot.

Equipment

If you want extras in a BMW you are going to pay for it, having said that the 320d, straight out of showroom, with nothing added is nicely configured.

Besides the expected features like cruise control, front and side airbags (front seat occupants), head airbags front and rear, seat-belt pre-tensioners, rear park distance control, rain sensor and automatic headlight control, it also comes with a premium six-speaker sound system, Dakota leather, wood grain trim, USB audio interface, dual-zone climate control, on-board computer (with outside temperature display), Bluetooth compatibility, retractable front arm-rests and run-flat tyre indicator.

Options could include, you can add electric seats, navigation, Bi Xenon headlights, headlight washer system and a plenty of other features all the way up to the M-Sport package.

Safety

The BMW has also achieved a five-star rating in NCAP crash tests, putting it toe to toe with other compact luxury competitors. The run-flat tyres help the driver stay in control of the car if there's a punctures and the 3-Series can run for 150 kilometres at up to 80kph with a 'flat'. Six airbags are standard, including twin front and side airbags plus full-length head airbags while Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which includes traction control is also included.

Summary

The fifth-generation BMW 3-Series combines a high-quality cabin and decent equipment levels with the best drive among 'executive' sedan alternatives; it really does set the class benchmark for driving pleasure. The pick of the line-up for performance and economy - is the excellent 320d EfficientDynamics, which is great to drive and is claimed to return an amazing combined fuel consumption of 5.3-L/100 km. When you say the words “compact premium luxury car” you immediately think BMW 3 series or C class Merc, and Lexus IS250 well I do anyway.

So, should you buy one? Well, if you have got around $60K to spend to spend on a luxury car, run to your nearest dealer. The most comfortable, the most refined, and the most powerful, the fastest and best driving car has just gone and got a whole lot better. The latest upgrades make the 320d more powerful and refined than ever, while faultless cabin quality and a supremely enjoyable driving experience seal the victory. The competition better wake up as BMW have kicked a winning goal with this car, you just don’t want the drive to end,-strange I know, but it’s how it makes you feel. Nice one BMW

What is good and not so good?

What is good?

·          Genuine good-value

·          Brilliant smooth, economical diesel engine

·          Chassis sets the standard for on-road balance

·          Surprisingly quick and stylish

What’s not so good?

·          Wood trim looks a bit cheap

·          Interior storage for drinks etc is crap

·          Diesel clatter from outside the car

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