The 328i and 328i xDrive models are virtually identical to one another, as they both feature a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. They also carry over the exact same interior and exterior options. The only significant difference between the two is that the i xDrive features BMW’s signature all-wheel-drive system. The base 328i model is capable of hitting 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds and it is rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Along with the two trim levels, there are seven optional packages. The first package is the Cold Weather Package, which includes a heated steering wheel, heated front and rear seats, and high-intensity headlight washers. The Driver Assistance Package includes Park Distance Control, a rearview camera, Active Blind Spot Detection and Surround View. The Driver Assistance Plus Package adds in Lane Departure Warning and Speed limit info technology. The Dynamic Handling Package tosses in Adaptive < Sport suspension and Variable Sport Steering. You can opt for the Lighting Package and receive xenon adaptive headlights with LED accents in place of the standard halogens. The Premium Package adds in Dakota leather interior, Comfort Access keyless entry, power glass moonroof, four-way lumbar support and SiriusXM radio. The Technology Package adds in the BMW Navigation system with a 12 GB music hard drive and 8.8-inch LCD screen, BMW Assist Safety Plan, BMW apps, and a full-color heads-up display.
In terms of competition, the 2013 328 has plenty to go around. The first competitor is the 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250, which includes a 1.8-liter engine with 201 horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and leatherette interior. Next up is the 2013 Lexus IS 250, which comes standard with a 2.5-liter engine with 204 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission and leather seating. Finally, there is the 2013 INFINITI G37 Sedan, which comes standard with a 3.7-liter V-6 with 328 horsepower, a seven-speed automatic transmission and a rearview camera.
The BMW 328 has been around for a long time, but its competitors are slowly starting to catch up. BMW needs to pull out all of the stops to keep customers from heading over to the likes of Lexus and INFINITI.