Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-series review - Still the best compact executive car? - MPG and running costs

The latest generation of 3-series is the most comfortable yet, but some of its sporting character has been lost

Evo rating
RRP
from £25,580
  • Usual BMW blend of great chassis and high build quality
  • GT is ugly and dull to drive, xDrive models detract from the fun

MPG and running costs

A selection of turbo only engines means that the 3-series looks very efficient on paper. BMW claim that petrol saloons (which range from the 318i to 340i) achieve between 36.7–52.3mpg and deliver emissions of 124–179g/km CO2. Tourings record equivalent figures of 40.4–49.6mpg and 133–164g/km.

The diesels are supposedly even more effcient, achieving (in saloon form, with Tourings a tad behind) between 51.4mpg to a remarkable 72.4mpg, and emitting 102-145g/km. The GT is said to return between 40.4mpg and 161g/km for the thirstiest petrol 340i GT, to 61.4mpg and 121g/km for the most parsimonious diesel, the 318d.

Advertisement - Article continues below

In the vast majority of models, the automatic versions are cleaner and more efficient, save for a few instances where they match the manual’s figures. And as you might expect, equipping xDrive has a marked adverse effect on economy, emissions and – by extension – BIK rates over comparable rear-wheel drive Threes.

All of those figures will depend heavily on your typical driving requirements, though. Using any of the performance available will see those MPG figures drop. The 3-series is still a respectably efficient car, however, just perhaps not as righteous as its official figures suggest.

If you’re really worried about fuel use the one to look out for is the plug-in hybrid 330e, with a claimed 148.7mpg and 44g/km of CO2. Like any plug-in car, they use the least fuel if you only potter around town and are able to regularly recharge. Pounding up and down the motorway burning petrol and never see a plug socket will result in an MPG figure similar to that of an ordinary 320i.

BMW Service Inclusive – covering service requirements for five years/50,000 miles – is available for a fee and the basic BMW warranty is three years/unlimited mileage. Insurance groups are 20-43. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was spectacular yet again. Here are the highlights from the British motoring event of the year
14 Jul 2025
Porsche 963 RSP 2025 review – driving the ultimate one-off Le Mans racer for the road
Porsche 963 RSP review front
Reviews

Porsche 963 RSP 2025 review – driving the ultimate one-off Le Mans racer for the road

That the 963 RSP even exists is absurd. Driving it felt like a fever dream
13 Jul 2025