Overview
The 2016 BMW 3 Series is a compact sedan offered in 3 trims, starting off at a base MSRP of $33,450. For that price, it mainly competes with the Audi A4, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the Volvo S60. Between 3 trims, the 3 Series offers 2 powertrains. The base engine is a 2.0L turbocharged Inline-4 capable of making 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. If more power is required, an amped-up version of the same engine that puts out 240 horsepower is featured on the 328i trim. There is also a 320 horsepower-making 3.0L twin-turbocharged Inline-6. Both engines are mated to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission or an optional 6-speed manual transmission. There is also a diesel engine and a plug-in hybrid engine on offer, both of which we review separately. The 3 Series reaches 60 mph from zero in 7.3 seconds on its base engine, which gets pumped up to 5.4 seconds with the higher output version. Meanwhile, the Inline-6 engine takes the 3 Series from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Depending on the powertrain, the 3 Series can manage a combined fuel economy of between 25 and 28 MPG. While we’re on the topic of choices, the 12 striking colors the 3 Series comes in really pull you towards itself.
