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

Four modern classic sports cars that cost a fraction of their modern equivalents
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Four modern classic sports cars that cost a fraction of their modern equivalents

A new 911 is over £100,000, a new Lotus Evora just under, a new Vantage just over £160,000. Save a fortune and buy their modern classic ancestors
5 Feb 2026
Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale (2003 - 2004) review – the original 911 GT3 RS rival
Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
Reviews

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale (2003 - 2004) review – the original 911 GT3 RS rival

Ferrari’s 360 Challenge Stradale set the template for Maranello’s lightened, hardcore mid-engined specials
10 Feb 2026
Used Mini Paceman (2013 - 2017) review – a weird crossover from a weird time
Mini Paceman
Reviews

Used Mini Paceman (2013 - 2017) review – a weird crossover from a weird time

Market trends and the success of the Range Rover Evoque compelled Mini to produce a two-door crossover. Strange times, strange car
10 Feb 2026