RAM and Lexus top the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) as the highest rated mass market and premium brand respectively.
Showing posts sorted by date for query BMW 3 Series. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query BMW 3 Series. Sort by relevance Show all posts
September 1, 2021
RAM Is Best Ranked Brand In Initial Quality For 2021
RAM and Lexus top the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS) as the highest rated mass market and premium brand respectively.
July 12, 2021
BMW Posts Record First Half 2021 Sales
BMW sales soared 39.9 percent to 1,178,292 vehicles sold worldwide. This beats the German automaker’s best figure for the same period pre-pandemic.
May 30, 2021
Review: 2021 BMW 218i Gran Coupe Sport
The 2 Series is the odd child of the BMW family. Spawning four body styles, it rides on two separate platforms with one being rear-wheel drive, and the other being front-wheel drive. Even more confusing, the 2 Series Gran Coupe you see here is unrelated to the 2 Series Coupe despite BMW being known for coming up with all sorts of derivatives. It’s also clear from the photos that it’s not a coupe; it’s a sedan. The 2 GC’s rather complicated lineage sets the stage on what to expect with the rest of the car.
May 23, 2021
Review: BMW 318i Sport
BMW certainly loves to experiment. If filling up every conceivable niche wasn’t enough, they’ve dabbled on things like all- and front-wheel drive; heck, they’ve even tweaked one of their core design traits: the double kidney grille. Whether or not people will accept the whole “kidney lung” debacle is still up in the air, but there’s one thing they can’t afford to fuck up: the 3 Series.
Forty years on, the 3 Series has been largely evolutionary. Sure, it’s grown in size, and the family tree has now split into two main branches depending on the number of doors, but the fact of the matter is that there aren’t many great surprises here. And good thing too because in an increasingly crowded premium compact sedan segment, the 2021 BMW 318i Sport is every bit sporty and smart.
Yes, the kidney grille on the 3 Series is larger, but thankfully, it hasn’t metastasized into lungs (yet). Thus, there’s no debating that it looks taunt, elegant, and timeless—as a 3 Series should. Having said that, the headlights, which now cut through the bumper do look a bit Peugeot-y, while the rear has a certain Lexus-y feel to it. Overall, no complaints though; it looks great. Bookmarking everything perfectly is the Sport trim which feature high-gloss black elements and tasty-looking 18-inch alloy wheels.
The 3 Series’ insistence on sticking to tradition bods well with the way it drives. Some of its competitors have caught up, but BMW still schools them on what it means to be a premium compact sedan with a sporting edge. A few kilometers are all that’s needed to tell you this car means business. The steering is pretty darn close to that of a sportscar with its sharp, accurate feel. Even better, it doesn’t feel that nervous through Manila’s pockmarked roads.
Driver inputs through the tiller are then beautifully communicated to a chassis that’s precise and obedient. When cruising, it has a great sense of stability and poise. Damping is firm, but disciplined; soaking up ruts and bumps with a sense of solidity. It’s extremely quiet and refined with 100 km/h feeling more like 60. Shove it through a corner though, and it’ll play hooky, swiveling around and out of the curve with ease. Tackling switchbacks is second nature. Wherever your eyes visually point out to, for as long as you put in the steering angle to match, the 3 Series will head there without a fuss. The brakes too are progressive and well-modulated.
This particular 3 Series is the 318i, and with that, it’s rocking BMW’s entry-level engine. Don’t let the badge or the figures—156 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque—fool you. The numbers tell just one part of the story; the other being that peak power comes in from 4,500 to 6,500 rpm, while peak torque is delivered from 1,300 to 4,300 rpm. It won’t win in a straight sprint, but it’s very balanced, and more importantly, well-suited to the local traffic conditions. There’s enough grunt from the 4-cylinder to overtake, cruise to the legal speed limit, or power down through corners. The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly too, though paddle shifters would have been a welcome addition.
It would have been the perfect package if only BMW remembered to create an interior with a bit more drama and flair. Don’t get it wrong, it’s modern and everything is well-finished, but it also looks cold and unemotional. Spend enough time inside though, and the execution makes sense.
For starters, there’s an abundance of adjustment whether it’s with the steering wheel or the seats. Getting the perfect driving position takes no time. Then, there’s the visibility which is great to say the least. A bevy of screens greet the driver—a 5.1-inch screen serving as the gauges, and an 8.8-inch screen serving as the interface to the infotainment system. Odd though that the virtual gauges are designed to mimic traditional ones as BMW could have better adopted to LCD screen tech. Still, they’re easy enough to read and understand.
Another glaring omission here is the lack of smartphone connectivity. There’s no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, wired or otherwise. So, the only way to make phone calls or listen to music without getting arrested for distracted driving is through Bluetooth. Want to use Google Maps or Waze? Hopefully you’ve got a cellphone holder at the ready. It’s a shame because the native system is snappy, easy-to-navigate, and thankfully, can be operated either by touchscreen or iDrive knob. Compounding matters, there’s only one USB Type A port, while there are three USB Type C ports.
At 4,709 mm in length, the “G20” 3 Series has grown a lot in this generation. Together with its 2,851 mm wheelbase, it now feels genuinely roomy. There’s no need to worry about head or legroom now, plus because it’s wider, there’s room to stretch sideways. At the back, there’s adult-sized space, and with rear vents and their own climate control zone to boot it helps keep everyone comfortable. Of note, BMW Philippines has chosen to fit Sensatec (aka synthetic leather). While this sounds like a bummer, it’s well-wearing, durable, and vegan (if you’re into such things). Plus, most buyers will probably mistake it for the real thing anyway. More noticeable is the lack of a folding seatback. While 480 liters is big, there’s no way to expand this number in the case of a last-minute airport run.
Also absent in the 3 Series is any sort of advanced driver assist. Apart from the usual gaggle of airbags and acronyms, there’s not much else to talk about in the safety department aside from clearance sensors, a back-up camera, and tire pressure sensors. You want to make sure this car keeps to its lane or avoids hitting pedestrians or cyclists? You’ll have to do it yourself.
No one was expecting BMW to screw up the 3 Series, and with the latest model, that thankfully hasn’t happened. Not only is it roomier and more comfortable than ever, but it’s managed to remain the standard when it comes to handling and refinement. Sure, it lacks driver assist features and smartphone connectivity, and the interior looks rather somber; but these could be fixed by ticking the right options. As it is, the 2021 318i Sport is also well-priced at just P 2.990 million undercutting the Jaguar XE, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It comes with a 5-year / 200,000-kilometer warranty to boot.
|
2021 BMW 318i Sport |
|
| Ownership | 2021 BMW 318i Sport |
| Year Introduced | 2019 |
| Vehicle Classification | Luxury Car |
| Warranty | 5 years / 200,000 kilometers |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | Luxury Car |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/R |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 2.0 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| BHP @ rpm | 156 @ 4,500-6,500 |
| Nm @ rpm | 250 @ 1,300-4,300 |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / 91~ |
| Transmission | 8AT |
| Cruise Control | Yes |
| Fuel Economy @ Ave. Speed | 12.82 km/L @ 35 km/h |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,709 |
| Width (mm) | 1,827 |
| Height (mm) | 1,435 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,851 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,565 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Multi-link |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Parking Brake | Electric |
| Tires | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 RFT 225/45 R 18 Y (f & r) |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 8 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes, with EBD |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes, Front and Rear |
| Parking Camera | Yes, Rear |
| Front Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelts |
3-pt ELR with pre-tensioner
x 2, 3-pt ELR x 1 |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes |
| Other Safety Features |
Hill Start Assist Tire Pressure Monitoring Parking Assistant |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED |
| Fog Lamps | Yes, Front and Rear (LED) |
| Auto Lights | Yes |
| Rain-sensing Wipers | Yes |
| Tailgate | Electric |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | Electric, 8-way, w/ Memory |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | Electric, 8-way |
| Seating Surface | Synthetic Leather |
| Folding Rear Seat | No |
| Sunroof | No |
| Trip Computer | Yes |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, w/ Fold |
| Rear View Mirror | Auto-dimming |
| Proximity Key | Yes |
| Climate Control | Auto, Tri-Zone, w/ Rear Vents |
| Audio System |
Stereo USB Type A x 1 USB Type C x 3 Bluetooth |
| Smartphone Connectivity | None |
| # of Speakers | 8 |
| Steering Controls | Yes |
May 18, 2021
Toyota To Race Hydrogen-Powered Corolla At 24-Hour Endurance Race
Toyota is steadfast in its development of an internal combustion engine powered by hydrogen. And to prove the merits of the technology, they’ll be racing a specially-prepped Corolla Sport at a 24-hour endurance race starting on May 21. Piloted by no less than Toyota president Akio Toyoda, it will compete in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series.
March 17, 2021
Chery Auto PH Sells Out Initial Batch of Tiggo 7 Pro Units
Demand for Chery’s all-new Tiggo 7 Pro has been so high that the first batch of the compact SUV, launched only last January 27, was sold out within 30 days. And there is already a growing waiting list for the next shipment scheduled to arrive this March.
March 14, 2021
Review: 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport
This here is the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, my new favorite sports sedan. At P 3.808 million, it’s more expensive than most, if not all of the local German offerings—the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but none can hold a candle to it. At the heart of all this is what the brand calls the “Lexus Driving Signature.” It’s supposed to deliver a more linear, more engaging drive in every aspect. It sure sounds like market nonsense at first, but at the end of the day, it does just that: deliver a better sports sedan.
January 21, 2021
Despite the Pandemic, BMW M Just Hit Record Sales in 2020
Despite the effects of the pandemic on the market, BMW says that it was the best year for its high-performance M division. The German automaker reports that sales were up 6 percent to 144,218 units—cementing its market leadership in that space.
December 17, 2020
Chery Auto PH Holds Public Preview of the Tiggo 7 Pro at MIAS Wired
If our first impressions aren’t enough, you can also take a sneak peek at Chery’s upcoming compact crossover—the Tiggo 7 Pro at MIAS Wired.
September 29, 2020
Traditional Handbrakes May Soon Disappear
In a few more years, prepare to say goodbye to one automotive feature: mechanical handbrakes. Research by U.K.-based automotive shopping site CarGurus reports that more and more carmakers are ditching them in favor of electronic parking brakes or EPBs.
August 21, 2020
BMW PH Just Sold Out Its Initial Batch of 730i
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the exclusive distributor of BMW in the Philippines says they’ve sold its initial batch of the entry-level 2021 BMW 730i.
August 3, 2020
Review: 2020 Mazda6 2.5 Turbo Signature
July 8, 2020
Mercedes-Benz PH Takes Aim at BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe with 2020 A 180 AMG Line
Mercedes-Benz Philippines is taking aim at the recently launched BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe by announcing the availability of its entry-level A-Class sedan in AMG Line trim.
June 20, 2020
For P 2.990M, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Blends Coupe Sportiness with Sedan Practicality (w/ Specs)
SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp., the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines announces the arrival of the first-ever 2 Series Gran Coupe. Available in one variant—the 218i Gran Coupe Sport, this new addition to the BMW family fuels enthusiasm for the discerning local market, particularly those who seek a sporty, yet practical sedan body.
June 3, 2020
BMW Shows Off Controversial 2021 4 Series
Well, it looks like BMW is sticking to their design guns after all. After some scathing remarks on the Concept 4’s grille, the German automaker has gone ahead and put it into production as the 2021 BMW 4 Series.
April 30, 2020
Global Auto Sales See Lowest Year-on-Year Decrease Since 1980
The outbreak of COVID-19 has already impacted the automotive industry significantly, according to JATO Dynamics, a leading provider of global automotive data and insight. Global vehicle sales totaled 5.55 million units in March 2020, down by 39 percent from March 2019.
April 16, 2020
BMW Judged to Have Easiest to Use Infotainment System, MG the Worst
The “eyes” (and fingers) have it—BMW has easiest to use infotainment and climate control system, while MG has the worst. This is judged by UK-based What Car?.
March 18, 2020
Goodbye, BMW i8
Six years since its introduction, BMW is bidding adieu to its first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the i8.
March 3, 2020
Peugeot 208 Beats Porsche, Tesla to Become 2020 European Car of the Year
One of the annual highlights of the Geneva International Motor Show was supposed to be the reveal of the European Car of the Year. While the show itself has been canceled in light of the coronavirus spreading across Europe, the committee did announce that the Peugeot 208 captured the industry’s top prize there for 2020.
February 21, 2020
The 2020 BMW X3 Lives Up to What Every Independent, Mobile Upscale Filipina Wants
When one hears of BMW, the image that comes to mind is, one of its elegant sedans that have stood the test of time. Just ask any enthusiast and they will reminisce of such a time when the family had owned a 3 or 5 Series. In recent years though, BMW has expanded its range to answer the demand for those who want something taller—the SUV, or in corporate parlance, Sport Activity Vehicle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
