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

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week
1970s supercar test
Features

Driving the greatest ’70s supercars, from BMW M1 to Countach – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we revisit 1970s supercar icons from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, BMW and more. These are our favourite shots
20 Jun 2026
McLaren MSO HS: the secret 205mph special born to save the brand
McLaren MSO 688 HS
Features

McLaren MSO HS: the secret 205mph special born to save the brand

This could just be the best McLaren you’ve never heard of. We get the inside story on the ultra-exclusive, 675LT-based MSO HS
21 Jun 2026
Fiat Grande Panda review – as cool as a Renault 5 but with petrol power
Fiat Grande Panda front
Reviews

Fiat Grande Panda review – as cool as a Renault 5 but with petrol power

Fiat’s take on the retro-modern small car has substance and talent to match its style
22 Jun 2026