BMW 3 Series
The redesigned 3 Seriessedan brings newinfotainment tech,standard advanced safetyfeatures, improvedhandling, and better fuel economy.
The 330i is fitted with a punchy
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine
paired with a smooth and responsive
eight-speed automatic transmission.
All-wheel drive is available. Handling is nimble, but the ride is firm. Seat
comfort and fit and finish are first-rate. The latest iDrive infotainment system
is logical to use once mastered. Forward collision warning and city-speed
automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are
standard. All-speed automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning,
and lane departure warning are optional. The M340i with a 3.0-liter turbo
six-cylinder and the 330e plug-in hybrid are new for 2020.
OVERALL
SCORE
63
$40,750-$56,000RELIABILITY1SATISFACTION3ROAD-TEST SCORE 86 MPG 29BMW 4 Series
The 4 Series coupe,convertible, and four-doorhatchback versions pack inhealthy doses of style, lux-ury, and exclusivity. Lowerand wider than the 3 Series, the plush
and comfortable 4 Series is more of a
grand touring car than a pure sports
car. Yet it is quite capable. Handling is
lithe, the ride is steady, and the interior
is luxuriant. The turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is sparing with
fuel; the 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder is supersmooth and delivers effortless
punch, which makes the 440i a treat to drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The
convertible version uses a retractable hardtop that can be operated at slow
speeds. The ultra-high-performance M4 is a track-ready version. For 2020,
the 4 Series gets standard forward collision warning, city-speed automatic
emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning.
OVERALL
SCORE
NA
$44,750-$103,100RELIABILITY4SATISFACTION3ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NABMW 5 Series
The 5 Series is a remark-ably satisfying car, butone that is no longer thesporty choice of this class.Instead, it's very plush,super-quiet, finely crafted inside, and
frugal with fuel. The all-wheel-drive
530i we tested rides comfortably
and handles responsively. Its turbo
four-cylinder engine is paired with a
smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and returns an impressive 26 mpg
overall yet delivers some zip. The 540i uses a punchy 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbo
six-cylinder that effortlessly delivers power. AWD is available, and standard on
the V8-powered M550i. The 530e plug-in hybrid costs the same as the 530i.
It can go about 14 miles on electric power alone and takes 2 hours to charge
on a 240-volt charger. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic
emergency braking are standard.
OVERALL
SCORE
73
$53,900-$110,000RELIABILITY2SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 94 MPG 26BMW 7 Series
!
Among ultraluxury sedans,the BMW 7 Series hasalways played secondfiddle to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But thecurrent 7 aced our tests, with an
impressively steady ride, a silky-
smooth powertrain, good handling,
and a sumptuous cabin. The base
740i is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo
six-cylinder engine. Our 750i, with the polished and punchy 523-hp, 4.4-liter
turbocharged V8 and all-wheel drive was quick and yielded decent fuel
economy. Although the controls have a steep learning curve, they prove to be
logical once mastered. The luxurious interior is super-quiet, with impeccable
attention to detail and supremely comfortable seats, including a massage
feature. Interior quality is superb, with the wood, leather, suede, and aluminum
trim delivering a modern ambience without looking glitzy.
OVERALL
SCORE
86
$86,450-$157,700RELIABILITY3SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 99 MPG 21BMW 8 Series
The 8 Series comes as aluxury two-door coupe,convertible, or four-door sedan. The 8 is aresurrected series thatwas BMW's flagship coupe in the1990s. The modern 8 Series is meantto compete with other six-figureboutique cruiser-type cars, offeringa mix of luxury, high-tech features,power, and exclusivity. The 8 comes with a turbocharged six-cylinder or V8engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. We found theSix to be silky smooth and plenty powerful, but the V8 brings a glorious sound.The convertible has a soft top that can be opened and closed on the moveand an optional warm-air vent in the head restraint. Note that for that styleand exclusivity, the 8 compromises access, visibility, and room.OVERALLSCORENA
$84,900-$155,500RELIABILITY3SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NABMW i3
!BMW's electric four-seathatchback has rear-hingedback doors, and its interioris striking in its simplicityand style. The electricmotor produces the equivalent of170 hp, which makes this tall, narrowcar feel quick. The optional two-cylinder engine acts as an onboardgenerator to extend the range beyondthe typical 150 miles to about 200 miles total. Charge times were about5.5 hours with a 240-volt connection. The i3 is very energy-efficient whenrunning on electric power but not so fuel-efficient when using the gas engine.Despite its tall stance, the i3 is very agile and easy to maneuver, but the rideis quite firm. The sudden deceleration when lifting off the accelerator pedaltakes some getting used to. A more powerful 181-hp i3s version is available.OVERALLSCORE71
$44,450-$51,500RELIABILITY4SATISFACTION4ROAD-TEST SCORE 70 MPGe 113BMW X1!
The X1 shares a platformwith the Mini Cooper Club-man and Countryman, andis available in front- andall-wheel-drive versions. Inour tests of the AWD X1, the respon-sive 228-hp, 2.0-liter turbochargedfour- cylinder engine returned 26 mpgoverall. With the X1's relatively low rideheight, it feels almost like driving asedan. Although capable and responsive, the X1's ride and handling aren't up toBMW's high standards. Road noise is rather noticeable. The interior is constructedwith high-quality materials, and frequently used features are controlled by physi-cal switches, buttons, and knobs. The front seats are rather short and flat, how-ever, and rear-seat passengers hit their shins against the backs of the front seats.Safety features including forward collision warning and city-speed automaticemergency braking are standard. Note that blind spot warning is not available.OVERALLSCORE72
$35,200-$37,200RELIABILITY4SATISFACTION1ROAD-TEST SCORE 74 MPG 26BMW X2
!The BMW X2 is designed toappeal to style-consciouscustomers who want asporty SUV but don't mindsacrificing interior space.Based on the X1, the lower, shorter X2feels more like driving a car than anSUV. Its gutsy 228-hp turbochargedfour-cylinder engine is mated toa smooth-shifting eight-speedautomatic transmission. Front- and all-wheel drive are available. The ride is abit stiff, but handling is sharp and engaging, making the X2 enjoyable to drive.The cabin is well-made but a bit austere, with comfortable front seats andlogical controls. Outward visibility and rear seat room are hurt by the sleekstyling. Safety features including forward collision warning, city-speed auto-matic emergency braking, and lane departure warning are standard. An M35iperformance version is available. Note that blind spot warning is not available.OVERALLSCORE74
$36,400-$46,450RELIABILITY4SATISFACTION1ROAD-TEST SCORE 77 MPG 2552 CR.ORG APRIL 2020
NEW CAR PROFILES BMW — BUICK