by Anthony Fongaro - photos via BMW - 05/02/2022
“Oh, it’s the entry-level 3-series. That’s a surprise”. Those were my initial thoughts when the blue BMW 330i arrived. I was surprised because, usually, I’d test an all-wheel-drive BMW with their xDrive. BMW knows what they’re doing when it comes to the 3-series and making a fun rear-wheel-drive sedan. It’s won many accolades and comparison tests. The last 3-series I drove, the plug-in hybrid 330e, was all-wheel-drive. I was also surprised because it was still April, and we were still getting sleet and rain. How would the entry-level 3-series get on with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four and rear-wheel-drive?
BMW has been giving almost all of their vehicles quite big snouts, but the 3-series hasn’t received this treatment. Yet. The grille is “small” with a more traditional kidney grille and some chrome. You’ll notice some fake trim, but they’re not offensive. If you ever buy a BMW, you should always get the M Sport Package. Part of this package includes 19-inch M wheels and they look great with the Portimao Blue paint. At the rear, there are angular tail lights. Also at the rear are a pair of exhausts and some additional black trim. Other than the 330i badge, others may not know this is the entry-level 3.
Hop inside, and you’ll be happily surprised. This 330i came with Cognac Perforated SensaTex along with ash gray wood trim thanks to the M Sport package. In front of the driver is an M-Sport steering wheel which houses the cruise control, media settings, and customization of the digital screen. The steering wheel was also heated, thanks to being included in the Premium Package. A large 12.3-inch digital display has a few customizable functions. What was even better was the head-up display. It had all the information you wanted and even had a few different displays.
Next to the drive is the star of the interior. It’s the 14.9-inch infotainment system that houses almost every function. This is a seriously good infotainment system; it works quickly, has plenty of functions, and can be utilized by a swivel wheel or touchscreen. I will always say I prefer physical buttons and knobs for climate control, but BMW’s isn’t too bad. I’ll also add that the iDrive comes with Apple CarPlay and Android. You can also use “Hey BMW” to have various commands done, such as modifying heating and air conditioning. BMW offers an optional Harman Kardon sound system which sounds amazing, but I wouldn’t have the surround option on. The songs I played sounded a little distorted.
Thanks to the Premium Package, the seats are comfortable with heating and lumbar support. Now, I made a Tiktok and Instagram video about the small gear shifter, but it makes sense. The 330i has an automatic gearbox, why have a big shifter? Buttons for the different driving modes are within reach of the driver. In the rear, the seats are comfortable. There’s an air of quality throughout the 3-series. Everything feels solid and really put together. Other than the odd shifter and the infotainment system looking a little stuck on, it was a great interior.
Under the hood is BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. It produces 255 horsepower/190 kW and 295 lb-ft/400 Nm. Driving the rear wheels is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined, it gives the 330i a zero to 60 time of 5.6 seconds. When you accelerate, it feels like the engine makes more than those figures. Off the line and driving, both the engine and transmission are smooth. Knock the car into Sport and it becomes even more fun, with a sharper throttle, chassis, and steering. You can use the paddle shifters to change gear, and I noticed myself putting the 330i into Sport and using them.
What’s nice about being rear-wheel-drive is that the 330i feels more agile. It can take turns with ease, even with snow tires on. Even when it was raining and sleeting, the car just went along its way. No fuss. A Dynamic Handling Package was included, which has M Sport brakes and blue calipers. BMW includes an Eco mode, but I’d stay away from it. It soils the experience and just isn’t necessary. I received 28 mpg in mixed driving with the regular settings turned on. While driving, I noticed that one option was missing: adaptive-cruise control.
Maybe I was surprised about missing adaptive-cruise control because there is over $9,000 worth of packages and options. The base price of the 2023 BMW 330i is around $44,000. The exterior options include the Portimao Blue Metallic paint for $650, Dynamic Handling Package for $1,200, and M Sport Package (19-inch M wheels, adaptive M suspension, variable sport steering, ash gray wood trim, M steering wheel, and anthracite headliner). Premium Package (heated steering wheel, comfort access keyless entry, lumbar support driver, and heated front seats) costs $1,350. Along with the $875 Harman Kardon surround system is the Driving Assistance Package (active driving assistant, active blind spot detection, and lane departure warning for $700.
Combining all of this, you get to around $52,000. At first, that does sound a little expensive. In fact, you can get a turbocharged V6 Genesis G70 fully-loaded with AWD for around that price. Should you? Well, the G70 certainly has more power and equipment, but the 3-series has much better technology. Although the G70 has a better exterior, the 3-series has a better interior. You also have to remember you have the brand snobbery of the BMW badge, but I have to admit, the BMW is an overall better package.
Do you need to get the 330i with all-wheel-drive? Nope. If you either think you need it or live where there’s inclement weather, go for the xDrive. You can absolutely go for the more powerful M340i and its inline-six if you want more power and have an extra $10,000. Although there’s also that PHEV 330e, I know exactly which one I’d recommend. It would be the 330i rear-wheel-drive, albeit with the Driving Assistance Professional Package. It adds $1,000, but it has everything the Driving Assistance Package has, along with adaptive cruise control. BMW has a reputation for making great driver's cars, and the 330i is definitely the top of its class. Sometimes, entry-level is the way to go.
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