By rolling out a series of xDrive variants – models with all-wheel drive – across its range, BMW is looking to replicate the success Audi has achieved with its four-wheel drive quattro models.
We’ve already tested a petrol version of the 3-series xDrive but this 320d diesel version makes much more sense for business users.
You’d be hard pushed to notice any difference between this and a standard, rear-wheel drive version, as it’s just as well-built, good to drive and desirable.There’s more grip in the wet, too, but there’s also a little more noise and vibration from the drivetrain.
At £32,845, this saloon isn’t cheap, and while 57.6mpg and 128g/km are respectable given what it is, 3-series cars do come more economical, most notably the 109g/km Efficient Dynamics model.
The pay-off is an extra £1500 on the price, plus CO2 that is up by 8g/km to 128 and fuel economy 3.8mpg worse than the lighter and more efficient rear-wheel drive alternative.
