Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW 3-series review - Still the best compact executive car? - Design

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

Design

The BMW kidney grilles on the new 3-series are mounted low and give the 3-series an aggressive look. It’s easily as handsome and appealing as its supposedly more rakish 4-series siblings. A mild facelift in 2015 freshened up the shape, which had been on sale since 2012, with more defined LED headlamps.

Advertisement - Article continues below

As much as we like the look of the saloon, it’s the Touring that we think is the most handsome of the range. Even though its actually heavier, the proportions of the estate model make it look lighter and almost ready to pounce.

Our least favourite, both in terms of looks and the way it drives, is the hunch-backed GT.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Aston Martin Valhalla review – a new era for Aston, and the supercar genre
Aston Martin Valhalla front
In-depth reviews

Aston Martin Valhalla review – a new era for Aston, and the supercar genre

Aston’s mid-engined supercar is finally here. Can it bridge the gap between the lunacy of Valkyrie and usability of Vantage?
29 Mar 2026
Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997)
Reviews

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997.2) review – the best car we’ve ever driven? Possibly

In 2014 we set out to find the best car we had driven during the first 200 issues of the magazine, and Porsche’s 911 GT3 RS was it.
31 Mar 2026