Arguably the most likable member of the BMW 3 Series family, the 328i delivers a pleasing balance of performance, efficiency, and value. Available as a compact sedan or wagon, it excels especially well in the role of a well-rounded but accessible luxury car.
What's New for 2016
The 328i receives a midlife makeover with revised front-end styling, sportier suspension tuning, and richer interior detailing. The newly standard eight-speed automatic transmission has been tweaked for greater efficiency and smoothness. Enthusiasts have a new Track Handling package to consider.
Choosing Your BMW 328i
As before, the 328i is powered by a 240-horsepower version of BMW's turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission is now standard, although a six-speed manual remains available as a no-cost option. The 328i sedan starts out in rear-drive form with the xDrive all-wheel drive system available as an option. Wagons get xDrive as standard equipment.
Standard features include power front seats with driver memory, 17-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof (wagon only), auto-dimming mirrors, HD radio, Bluetooth phone and audio, and wood or aluminum interior trim.
The available Premium package rounds out the 328i with leather upholstery, lumbar front seat adjustments, keyless ignition, satellite radio, a hands-free power liftgate or trunk lid, and a sunroof for sedans. The Cold Weather package adds heated seats all around, a heated steering wheel, and headlamp washers. A navigation system comes with the Technology package, which also offers a larger dash display, integrated smartphone apps, and a head-up display. The Lighting package gets you full LED exterior lighting and automatic high beams.
The M Sport version of the 328i receives 18- or 19-inch star-spoke wheels, a firmer suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, sports seats, and unique M Sport interior trim. You can take things further with the Track Handling package, which adds an adaptive version of the M Sport suspension, plus upgraded steering and brakes.
Turning to safety, the Driver Assistance package equips the 328i with a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors. A Plus version of the same also packs a surround-view camera system, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, speed limit data, and an active collision mitigation system. Adaptive cruise control can also be added to the package.
Individual options include an automated parking system, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, and rear sunshades. Many features found in the option packages (e.g., sunroof, navigation heated seats) are available on a standalone basis.
You'll likely regret not getting the Premium package, which makes the 328i feel like a proper luxury car. The basic Driver Assistance package is also rather essential. Everything else is matter of taste and driving style in our view.