2013 BMW 320i
The quintessential sports sedan is becoming a bit more accessible: BMW is adding the entry-level 320i to its portfolio for 2013. Priced from $33,445 and driven by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four, the 320i sacrifices power, but still comes in a package that remains one of our all-time favorites.
The new 320i is equipped with the same N20 engine that powers the 328i: a direct-injected, four-cylinder force-fed by a single twin-scroll turbocharger. While the engine makes 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque in the 328i, the 320i is rated at 180 horsepower at 5000 rpm, and produces 200 lb-ft of torque from 1250 rpm. As with the 328i, the 320i can be ordered with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic, or a precise, short-throw six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is an additional $2000.
Judging from our experience in Europe, the lower-grade N20 is a pleasant if somewhat unremarkable engine. The loss of 60 horsepower isn’t felt during daily commutes, but when pushed harder, there is an undeniable performance difference. In our most recent testing, the 328i took 5.6 seconds from 0 to 60 mph; top speed is governed either at 130- or 155 mph, depending on the tire specification. By contrast, BMW estimates the 320i will take 7.1 seconds to reach 60 mph, regardless of transmission type, and is governed at 130 mph, or a yet-undisclosed velocity when equipped with performance tires. Estimated fuel economy for the manual is 22 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. With the automatic, fuel economy is estimated at 23/33. Aiding the fight to increase mileage is a standard stop-start function and an Eco Pro setting—which can be selected in addition to the Comfort and Sport settings.
MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER
The 3-series chassis remains essentially untouched here; 17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, with 18-inch rims part of the optional Sport package. The M Sport package, for those whose interests are in show rather than go, is not offered on the 320i. The choice of interior trim in the 320i also is curtailed compared to the 328i.
BMW makes some ado about the four-cylinder heritage of the 3-series, and indeed, the first-generation 3 was launched with nothing but four-bangers. But there is no obfuscating the fact that the 3-series has been associated with the silky-smooth inline-six for decades. We’ll dismiss the company’s claim that the N20 engine “achieves refinement, noise and vibration of a kind that was previously confined to BMW six-cylinder engines” as pure marketing speak.
The new 320i’s base price undercuts that of the 328i sedan by $4300. The latest 3er is set for a more direct fight with the 211-hp Audi A4 2.0T, the 201-hp Mercedes-Benz C250, and the 202-hp Cadillac ATS 2.5. But there is trouble around the corner: BMW has no direct answer to the upcoming Audi A3 sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. This reasonably priced entry-level 3-series, however, will serve as an attractive alternative to the competition’s front-wheel-drive newcomers. Look for the 2013 BMW 320i in showrooms this spring.
MARC URBANO, THE MANUFACTURER
Car and driverCar and driver Lettermark logo
Jens Meiners
Contributing Editor
Jens Meiners has covered the auto industry since 1996 and written for Car and Driver for much of that time. He is a juror on the World Car of the Year and International Engine of the Year and founder of German Car of the Year. Jens splits his time between New York and Nuremberg, where he keeps a growing collection of historic cars.
