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

New Porsche ‘Mission S’ supercar central in plan to tackle Ferrari head-on
What the new Porsche supercar could look like, edited with AI
News

New Porsche ‘Mission S’ supercar central in plan to tackle Ferrari head-on

Porsche’s plan to recover its profits involves pushing upmarket to widen margins, with more customisability and a new supercar
7 Oct 2026
The Pirelli Cyber Tyre is like magic, and we tried it for ourselves
Pirelli Cyber Tyre
Features

The Pirelli Cyber Tyre is like magic, and we tried it for ourselves

Pirelli’s sensor-equipped Cyber Tyre gives a car’s safety systems unprecedented insight into available grip. We try it
9 Oct 2026
There’s a reason the Jaguar Type 01 looks that way, but the logic isn’t all sound
Jaguar Type 01
Opinion

There’s a reason the Jaguar Type 01 looks that way, but the logic isn’t all sound

The bold new Jaguar Type 01 has a divisive look by design, but this isn’t where the criticism should lie
10 Oct 2026