The 328i has a baby brother! It’s less expensive and less powerful. Does it have enough performance to satisfy the entry luxury customer? Following last year’s 3-series redesign, BMW AG has announced plans to launch its Euro-inspired 320i for the American market. Since customers for the 3-series, the company’s best seller, now want both thriftiness and performance, BMW has downsized its best-seller just enough to satisfy both needs.
A new, 2.0-liter twin-turbo I-4 sits under the hood, producing a modest 180 bhp at 5,000 RPM. BMW claims a 0-60 sprint of just over seven seconds, on par with other 4-cylinders in the price range. This is significant step down in power from the 240 bhp in the 328 series. Like in the 328i, customers will have a choice of transmissions: either a gas-sipping 8-speed automatic, or a more sport-inspired 6-speed manual. For the aspiring autobahners among us, BMW claims an electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph.
All except for the engine will carry over from the current 328i. Impressive features will include BMW’s EfficientDynamics, sporting a system that shuts down engine power at stoplights, and BMW’s adjustable driving modes, ranging from ECOPRO to Sport. You also can have your 320i with the Xdrive all wheel drive option.
The current 3-series chassis platform also appears on the 320i. However, with a smaller, lighter engine, BMW claims that the new 320i has a nearly perfect 50:50 front:back weight distribution. Pair that with BMW’s already superb 3-series chassis, steering, and suspension, and you’ve got a world-class handling machine.
A wise move that should appeal to the average citizen, I expect the 320i quickly to become a high-volume seller for BMW group. After all, up to 34 highway mpg, a near ideal weight distribution, and a base price of just $32,550 (gasp!) are seriously hard to ignore. Expect US sales to begin in late Spring.
Frank caught automotive fever early in life. Hailing from a long line of car fanatics, Frank was able to recite the year and model of every car that passed him by age five. His passion and love for the automobile have only grown since then. When not thinking about cars, he is reading, writing, learning, or dreaming about them. His area of expertise comes in the realm of German and Italian cars, of which Porsche is a favorite. Frank currently resides in the heart of NASCAR country in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his family. He thoroughly enjoys driving exotic cars in the beautiful Carolina weather.
