BMW, a well-known German automaker, introduced the luxury sports sedan category to the U.S with the 1977 320i. But with their new sedan, the 2017 BMW 330i sedan, it's an achievement for the automaker.
The previous model had dropped the ball in the sporty stakes, but the all-new model has upped its game. The new model is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that replaces the previous 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder 328i. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
The 2017 BMW 330i is more of a driver's car than its direct rivals, the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A4, which is what BMW is supposed to be. With its engine, it can produce 248 HP and 258 lb-ft of torque.
In addition, the new model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, just a tenth of the 5.2 and 5.3 seconds runs of the 2016 328i and 328i xDrive and 0.6 second behind the 4.8 second run of last year's turbo-six-powered 340i. EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is a bit short of the 2016 328i, rated at 23/25.
When it comes to braking and lateral grip tests, the new model's 168-foot stopped from 70 mph and 0.83-g skidpad performance. The wheels are wrapped with Continental ContiSportContact summer tires.
Visibility is complimented by an optional LED headlights, fog lights, optional rear-view camera, and parking sensors as part of the Premium package. For an additional $1,700, the new model gets a side and top view cameras, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitors, forward-collision warning, slow-speed front-collision mitigation, pedestrian warning, and speed limit information.
Furthermore, cargo space is spacious compared to other cars in its class. At 17 cubic ft., the new model's trunk is 6.6 cubic ft larger than on of the smallest, and still bigger than an average 13.0 cubic ft trunk.
The 2017 BMW 330i represents the core of the automaker's brand as it stands today, being softer and more comfort-focused than the past generations. With a starting price of $47,645, the car is the kind of sports sedan that everyone would recommend to a friend.
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