Lease a BMW 3 Series from only £334.51 per month plus VAT

Lease a BMW from only £334.51 per month plus VAT.

BMW’s 3 Series saloon remains the best compact executive to drive.  There are superb engines, with fuel economy and emissions levels that beat most of the 3′s rivals.

The 3 Series is the sharpest car to drive in its class.  The firm but fair suspension makes you aware of low-speed bumps and coarse surfaces, but it’s never uncomfortable and it is a quiet car which makes long-distance driving a pleasure.

The 318i and 318d are decent, plus the 320i, 320d and 323d which add a dash of performance to the equation.  The 325i, 330i, 335i, 330d and 335d are all fast but the diesel really stands out on performance.  The brilliant 320d gets 177bhp, reaches 62mph in 7.9 seconds and runs to 143mph and, if you want performance and economy then go for one of the best diesel engines in the world; the twin-turbo 335d,with 286bhp, 62mph in 6.2 seconds, 155mph and 42.2mpg.  Transmission options are a six-speed manual, six-speed auto or, for 335i versions, a twin-clutch seven-speed transmission with manual or automatic shifts.

Most BMW 3 Series will be run as company cars and here the BMW’s impressively low CO2 emissions come into their own.  The Efficient Dynamics model, for instance, falls into the 13% bracket for company car tax.

The 3 Series scores well for safety, with twin front, side and curtain airbags, run-flat tyres, electronic brakeforce distribution and stability control as standard across the range.  It has also been awarded a maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests, and fitted deadlocks make life difficult for thieves.

Inside there is a good range of adjustment for the driver’s seat and steering wheel to help you find a suitable position.  The dashboard layout features simple stereo and heater controls, while the optional sat-nav brings BMW’s iDrive central controller.  There is plenty of legroom in both the front and back seats however those over six-feet tall might brush their heads slightly against the ceiling in the rear.  The boot is a decent size although it’s not as large as those of some competitors.

Entry ES models come with alloy wheels, a CD player, four electric windows and air-conditioning, but you have to upgrade to SE to get dual-zone climate control and reversing sensors.  The M Sport feature a muscular bodykit, larger alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sports front seats and brushed aluminium interior trim.

The BMW 3 Series has a real built-to-last feel and oozes class.  There are plenty of trim combinations available which allow you to tailor the interior to your own taste, and with WhatCar awarding it 2010 Compact Executive of the Year, the BMW 3 Series is a superb executive choice.

BMW

BMW 3 Series