MOTORING: BMW 330i M-Sport Steptronic: From the inside out

Another year, another BMW 3-Series. That’s not quite true, but this most ubiquitous of BMWs has come a long way, starting with the segment-defining E30 generation, and continuing with the E36, E46, E90, F30 – and now, the G20.

Side by side though, the differences between old and new are as obvious as they are significant. The prowling nose is more aggressively shaped, with larger, deeper kidney grilles, slimmer, pointier LED headlights and arrow-shaped air intakes. That’s especially true of the 330i, tested in M-Sport guise here. For now it’s one of only two models on offer: the other option is the ever-popular, turbodiesel-powered 320d. More derivatives will follow, including the more overtly sporty M340i – and later, of course, the hardcore M3 and M4., however. While the exterior design may be evolutionary, it’s the cabin that represents the biggest step forward.

BMW has a reputation for driver-focused cockpits, and that’s been taken to another level here. The all-digital instrument cluster is one of the best I’ve encountered, offering a host of configuration options while always ensuring that key data remains clearly legible. As for accommodation, that longer wheelbase and enhanced packaging makes for plenty of space front and rear – including rear legroom. At 480 litres, the boot is generous, and the 40:20:40-split rear seat back can be folded flat in sections to create even more cargo space.

The 330i feels eager off the mark, blasting to 100 km/h in under 6sec, and reaching the electronically limited 250km/h top speed almost too easily. The engine has plenty of punch across the rev range, and both acceleration and overtaking are effortless. As much as I’m looking forward to the dynamic thrills promised by the more powerful M340i, the 330i’s combination of competence and verve delivers such a high degree of driving pleasure that it begs the question whether one really needs anything more.

South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

REVIEW | 2019 BMW M2 Competition earns its stripesREVIEW | Competition package makes BMW’s M2 even more of a driver’s car.
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »

FIRST DRIVE | New BMW 7 Series ups the luxury stakesMark Smyth travelled to Portugal to drive BMW’s updated flagship sedan. This car came out 2 years ago and it’s already been facelifts? 🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️🙆🏽‍♂️ Looking like Steve Harvey's SMILE😁😁😁😁😁 That grill is a lot though
Source: TimesLIVE - 🏆 28. / 59 Read more »

BMW to recall 360,000 China cars over Takata airbagsThe recall will affect nearly 273,000 models built by BMW's joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Brilliance Automotive.
Source: eNCA - 🏆 49. / 51 Read more »

BMW to recall 360,000 China cars over Takata airbagsThe recall will affect nearly 273,000 models built by BMW's joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Brilliance Automotive.
Source: eNCA - 🏆 49. / 51 Read more »

SA’s tech skills driving BMW manufacturing in 48 countriesSA technicians have developed class-leading IT programs in several automotive activities, and BMW SA software is replicated in other countries
Source: BDliveSA - 🏆 12. / 63 Read more »

BMW to recall 360 000 cars in China over Takata airbags - SABC News - Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.Germany's BMW will recall 360 000 vehicles in China as part of the worldwide effort to root out defective airbags made by now-defunct Japanese supplier Takata, regulators in Beijing said.
Source: SABC News Online - 🏆 32. / 51 Read more »

State concludes cross-examination of Rob PackhamGill Packham's body was found in the boot of her burnt out BMW at Diep River Train Station in February 2018.
Source: ewnupdates - 🏆 30. / 53 Read more »

‘I was not, absolutely not,’ involved in wife’s killing – PackhamThe State alleges that he used a blunt object to hit his wife, Gill, on the head and set her BMW on fire while her body was in it. Glad to hear it - case dismissed, you're free to go. An all too familiar line with all these vile VAW DV Femicide murders OscarPistorius ChrisPanayiotou Rohde VanBreda Packham Diwani RameezPatel
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »

NPA will not prosecute Sbahle Mpisane for August 9 crash | Sunday TribuneThe National Prosecuting Authority said it would not prosecute fitness bunnie Sbahle Mpisane on charges of reckless and negligent driving for her near-fatal August 9 crash. SundayTribuneSA SihleSays
Source: IOL - 🏆 46. / 51 Read more »

‘Fantasy’ and ‘pure coincidence’ – Rob Packham continues to deny involvement in wife’s murderThe state alleges he used a blunt object to hit her on the head and set her BMW on fire while her body was in it.
Source: TheCitizen_News - 🏆 6. / 75 Read more »