320i (G20) Test Drive

A little while ago, I wrote an article about test driving the BMW M2 at a dealer,

BMW M2コンペティションを試乗した感想

and at that time, I also had the chance to test drive the new 320i, so I’d like to share my impressions (though quite some time has passed…).

The car I test drove was the F320i (G20) M Sport. When asked, “Would you like to test the petrol or diesel?” I chose the petrol engine to better feel the difference from the 320i we currently own.

Feeling the Evolution the Moment You Get In

Right from stepping inside, I noticed the interior and seat quality felt completely different from the 320i (F30). It was almost like stepping into a car from a higher class. Then, as soon as I pressed the accelerator and started driving, I could feel the solid body, the strong torque, and power—clearly a big step up in driving experience from the F30.

Of course, our 320i (F30) is a completely base model, while the one I tested was the M Sport, so there are differences there.

Easy to Drive

Above all, it’s very easy to drive. You can trust the car and drive with confidence. Even women who don’t drive often or lack confidence behind the wheel should have no trouble at all.

That said, the M Sport I drove had a slightly thicker steering wheel, so women with smaller hands or those who have never driven a sports car might find the standard model’s steering wheel fits better. (I personally prefer the thicker M Sport wheel.)

This 3 Series is said to have a larger body compared to the previous generation (70mm longer, 25mm wider, and a 40mm longer wheelbase), but compared to the 5 Series it’s still compact, so for women who might feel uneasy about judging the car’s width, the 3 Series is just the right size.

I drove it for about 20 minutes, but I got used to it within minutes and felt as comfortable as if I’d been driving it for a long time.

Powerful Even at Low Speeds

My 320i often feels underpowered at low speeds. The dealer mentioned, “Especially the MT models from this era struggle a bit at low speeds,” which confirmed my impression.

On the other hand, once on the highway or at higher speeds, the car is stable and easy to drive, but stop-and-go traffic or frequent acceleration can sometimes be a bit stressful.

However, the new 320i had no such issues—it felt very strong and responsive even at low speeds. (Perhaps partly because it’s an automatic.)

Advanced Safety Features

The new 320i is equipped with a state-of-the-art triple-camera system. Many manufacturers in Japan use single-lens cameras due to cost, so it’s impressive that the triple-camera system is standard on all 320i models from Standard grade and above.

This allows the car to process a lot of information and provides more accurate and quicker preventive safety measures.

A new feature automatically records the last 50 meters of your driving route (only when driving below 35 km/h), and when facing a dead-end or needing to reverse because of oncoming traffic, the car automatically steers itself backward.

I actually experienced this feature, and the kids in the back seat were thrilled watching the steering wheel move on its own (laughs).

However, the driver must always keep their foot on the brake to control speed, and the system does not detect or avoid obstacles, so in this regard, I felt Mercedes-Benz has a slight edge.

Still, such features are very helpful for drivers lacking confidence and provide peace of mind in tricky situations.

Bigger Front Grille

This is purely my personal opinion, but when I saw the front grille (kidney grille), I thought, “It looks like someone with really big nostrils!” (Sorry…)

The rear lights and design are sharper and give a fresh new look, which I liked, but for the front design, I prefer the calmer look of our 320i (F30). .

Finally, I asked the dealer, “What are the key features and selling points of this 320i?”

Well, I’d say the ease of driving, stability at high speeds, and of course BMW’s signature near 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution.

After driving the new 320i, I can confirm it has evolved significantly and offers a much improved ride comfort. I didn’t get to drive on mountain roads or highways, so I didn’t fully experience BMW’s slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” (since it was mostly stop-and-go city driving), but for city driving or family outings, it’s more than capable.

My husband also shared a brief impression:

Honestly, it’s a really great car. If we had a garage, it would definitely be one of the cars I’d want. Compared to the M2 I drove the same day, I definitely prefer this one. It’s not about price or brand, but the balance as a car is excellent—it drives well, handles well, and stops well. The current 5 Series impressed me with its high level of refinement, and this is no less impressive. (Though there is a class difference—5 Series feels even more composed, solid, yet smooth.)
The previous F30 seemed to be trying too hard to compete with Mercedes, making me wonder if BMW was losing its way, but this new model feels like a return to the E90 and earlier concepts. This is especially clear in the suspension, which brings back that classic BMW planted feel and precision.
The engine sound is also different from the previous generation; when revved, it delivers that distinctive sporty “koon!” sound BMW is known for, rather than just being quiet.
Also, BMW’s recent automatics are amazing. The shifts are smooth, and the speed and responsiveness make me wonder if a dual-clutch transmission is even necessary. For city driving, acceleration, shifting speed, overtaking, and mid-range power, the 320i is more than satisfactory on Japanese roads.
Honestly, I have almost no complaints. If I had to nitpick, I’d say the interior quality could be a bit higher for the price, but personally, I think BMW should focus costs on driving performance rather than interior luxury, so it’s not a big issue. Also, if BMW’s resale value were better, that would be perfect…
This 3 Series might not be the best choice for those who see BMW as just a luxury car and want a comfortable, easy ride—other brands might suit them better—but for those who see BMW as a sporty brand, this is ideal. From my perspective, this is exactly the BMW we’ve been waiting for.

He was full of praise!

If only there were a manual transmission version, that would be perfect—lol