Latest news with #3-Series
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
BMW 740i road test: the flagship sedan redefining luxury and outshining SUVs
The BMW 7-Series ticks all the right boxes. Image: Willem van de Putte You've probably seen that meme with a turtle on a fence post and wondered how it got there, followed by a politician's face asking how they got into the position they occupy. That's pretty much the same way I feel about SUVs. When did the world decide that saloon cars aren't a thing anymore and turn their attention to ubiquitous boxes? Perhaps I'm just being old fashioned but an SUV should be a rugged vehicle used for adventures and exploring not a flashy wannabe Camel man transporter. This was the discussion I was having with my mate around a braai fire while I had the BMW 740i on test. He's a long-time BMW fan having owned a couple of 3-Series and was fortunate enough to have owned a fifth generation 7-series with a V12 turbo-charged engine. Like many people he's not a fan of the big signature kidney grille and while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I think it befits the rather large 7-Series flagship, but not so much on some of their other models. Luxury interior There are no polarising opinions on the interior, though, with everything worthy of being classified as the 7 luxury sedan. It's like sitting in a luxury Bordeaux villa in a comfortably soft La-Z-Boy with so much modern technology you'll have to own the car for months before you've managed to get to grips with everything. It has BMW's curved display digital screen that combines a 12.3-inch driver's display and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that uses BMW's Operating System 8 and can be controlled either through touch or voice control. The BMW 740i has a curved display digital screen that combines a 12.3-inch driver's display and 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Image: Supplied Big screen TV The real star of the show, though, is behind the front seats. Apart from the impressive amount of space and the fully reclining seat with a footrest behind the front passenger seat, there's a 31.3-inch 8K screen that folds down from the headlining! You can be entertained via Amazon Fire TV, stream videos, play games or listen to music thundering through on the Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. It's operated by a 5.5-inch touch control display in the rear doors, and as someone put it when they climbed into the back, it's like having your phone in the door. When you select Theatre Mode, window blinds cover all the glass in the back, cocooning you in the lap of luxury. Engine The 740i is powered by BMW's popular 3.0-litre turbo-charged engine that in this iteration provides 230kW and 450Nm of torque, coupled to an eight-speed automatic ZF gearbox. They've made some technical changes to improve the set-up including a 48-vault mild hybrid system that adds 8kW when needed while the integrated starter generator supplies power to keep the electrics running and it suits the car perfectly. Space It was fortuitous that I had the car over a weekend we had planned to spend at Kaapsehoop in Mpumalanga. It proved to be the ideal testing ground for the 740i with about three and a half hours of driving open roads, most of it in good condition. With my one overnight bag and my partner's more than one overnight bag, the enormous 540-litre boot made short work of it, with ample room to spare. Here, I'd like to point out that the 740i's SUV sibling, the X7, has only 300 litres with the rear seats up. See what I did there SUV driver? Fancy some TV in the back of your car? The BMW 740i has you covered. Image: Supplied Driving The 7 The 740i is a magic carpet ride. I can't remember when last I drove a car that's so incredibly comfortable and easy to pilot despite its size and two ton kerb weight. The chassis, adaptive two-axle air suspension and Active Roll Comfort function combine brilliantly to provide an almost Rolls Royce-type experience. Adding to the ease of driving is the 7's level 3 autonomous driving system, which means, if legislation allows, it can drive itself. Once we had turned onto the N4, I activated adaptive cruise control, and from there, it basically did everything itself with my hands and sometimes only a finger gently on the wheel. It's impressive to see how it keeps between the lines on some of the twists and turns, and while I wouldn't advocate it for everyday use considering some of our fellow drivers' road manners, it's certainly something I can get behind, especially in a luxury sedan. There's no denying the imposing stance of the BMW 7-Series. Image: Willem van de Putte But as they say, that's not all. My partner suffers from chronic lower back ache, and for her to say that it's the most comfortable and plush seat she's sat in, considering all the cars I've tested over the years, is a massive compliment. It was no doubt also aided by the various message options activated via the touchscreen. It proved to be a massive hit in the tiny village, with visitors filming the car and lots of selfies taken over the weekend. Consumption Being that big and heavy, you'd expect a massive fuel bill, but it came in under BMW's claimed 7.9l/100km with consumption figures of 6.8l/100km on the way there and 7.3l/100km back to Pretoria. You'd probably get close to 9l/100km with a combined cycle but I'll settle for that any day. The BMW 740i isn't a bulk seller, and more's the pity, but it's heartening to see that the company still considers it to be their flagship, and if I had R2 359 104 and was shopping around, I'd scratch every SUV off my list. Willem's star rating: 5/5 Star Rating Scale: 5 Stars: Exceptional A best-in-class car with outstanding features, no major flaws, and excellent value. 4 Stars: Very Good Highly capable with minor shortcomings. A great choice for most buyers. 3 Stars: Good Decent performance, comfort, or safety but lacks standout qualities or has notable drawbacks. 2 Stars: Below Average Some significant flaws, like poor value, outdated features, or compromised safety or comfort. 1 Star: Poor Lags behind competitors in most aspects, with serious deficiencies in key areas.
Newsweek
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Automakers Change Production, Sales Plans Based on Trump Tariffs
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The global automotive industry has responded in a variety of ways to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Some companies ceased imports while others have announced price freezes. Automakers have even gone so far as to announce production shifts. Under current rules, vehicles imported to the U.S. are subject to a 25 percent tariff. This week, President Trump signed an executive order modifying the tariff action on vehicles and car parts. The higher the percentage of a vehicle that is made in the U.S. or falls under USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) regulation, the less tariffs will have to be paid on it. "Tariff uncertainty is forcing automakers into a reactive tailspin. In an industry that thrives on stability and long lead times, shifting policies upend both short-term production planning and long-term investment strategy—driving up costs, undercutting margins and destabilizing global supply chains," Paul Waatti, director of industry analysis at AutoPacific, told Newsweek. Newsweek asked every major automaker how they're adjusting to the tariffs. Here's what they said. Aston Martin In its first-quarter earnings call, the automaker announced that it has paused all imports to the U.S. A company spokesperson offered no comment to Newsweek on other speculative press reports regarding inventory sales. Doors-up view of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla. Doors-up view of the 2026 Aston Martin Valhalla. Aston Martin Audi "We look to price our vehicles to be competitive in the market and attractive for U.S. consumers. Audi will maintain current pricing on new and existing models through the end of May while continuing to evaluate the impact of the changing tariff landscape long-term. We have no further information to share at this time," a company spokesperson told Newsweek. Bentley Motors A spokesperson told Newsweek, "Bentley is monitoring the U.S. tariff situation closely. At this time pricing remains unchanged, and all customer orders are being price protected." BMW Group Automotive News reported that an internal memo shared with dealers stated that BMW will not raise prices on most of its new models until the end of June. The company's 2-Series and 3-Series cars are built in Mexico and will have a 4 percent price increase in May. A spokesperson for BMW told Newsweek, "We are evaluating these latest announcements in detail and will not comment further at this time." Ferrari Some Ferrari models, the Purosangue SUV, 12Cilindri and F80 cars, received a 10 percent price increase in response to the Trump administration's tariff news a few weeks ago. Newsweek has reached out to Ferrari for an update. Ford Motor Company In April, Ford kicked off a sales promotion in reaction to the Trump tariffs announcement. From April 3 to June 2, the company is offering select 2024 and 2025 Ford and Lincoln brand vehicles at the discounted price it offers its employees. The promotion covers gasoline, battery-electric and hybrid powertrain models. Some vehicles are not covered in the promotion: Ford Bronco Stroppe and Raptor SUVs, Ford F-150 Raptor trucks, Ford Mustang Dark Horse and GTD cars, all Ford chassis cab models, 2025 Ford Expedition, 2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Lincoln Aviator. When contacted for comment, the company directed Newsweek to CEO Jim Farley's quotes from earlier this week at the Ford Expedition launch event in Kentucky: "Imagine if the companies importing 8 million vehicles a year into America invested in this country like Ford does, instead of putting out ads that cherry-pick data to 'prove' how American they supposedly are. Some people call this 'America-washing'—and that's not what we need right now. We need real commitment." Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, speaks at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. Jim Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford, speaks at the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Truck Plant to launch the 2025 Ford Expedition, Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. associated press "More than 80 percent of the vehicles Ford sells in America are assembled in America – plus we export significantly. If each of our competitors matched that commitment, it would mean 4 million more vehicles assembled in America every single year. Think about that. What a job stimulus that would be for our country," he said. General Motors In a letter to shareholders this week, General Motors CEO Mary Barra made the case that the automaker is authentically invested in America. "Almost one million people in this country depend on GM for their livelihoods, including our employees, suppliers and dealers. We have a network of 50 U.S. manufacturing plants and parts facilities in 19 states, which includes 11 vehicle assembly plants. And we have invested $60 billion here over the last five years," she wrote. She also explained that GM faces, "a current tariff exposure of $4 billion - $5 billion." On a call with analysts, Barra said that the company's Fort Wayne, Indiana, truck plant, where the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 are built, has increased production by 50,000 units. Overtime days may be added to the work schedules of workers to support the change. Reuters reported that a letter sent to United Auto Workers Local 2209 members told employees that 225 to 250 jobs will be added as a result of the increase. Newsweek has reached out to General Motors for additional comment but did not hear back by the deadline. 2025 Honda Civic hybrid front view while being driven. 2025 Honda Civic hybrid front view while being driven. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda In April, Honda confirmed that it would move production of its Civic hybrid sedan to the U.S. from Japan in response to tariffs. The Civic hybrid is projected to make up about 40 percent of all American Civic sales. Production of Acura models is currently unchanged. A request to Honda for comment went unanswered by Newsweek's deadline. Hyundai Motor Group All Kia, Genesis and Hyundai branded models have their prices frozen until at least June. The opening of the company's Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and promises of new and expanded production capacity for supplies and final assembly products, were touted by the Trump administration weeks ago as an example of making America great again. When contacted for comment, the company pointed Newsweek to this statement, released earlier this week: "Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO Jose Muñoz was honored to join President Trump and fellow business leaders at the White House to recognize the vital role private investment plays in strengthening America's economy. Hyundai Motor Group recently announced a $21 billion commitment to the United States to expand manufacturing capacity, strengthen supply chains, and support future technologies such as advanced mobility, robotics, artificial intelligence, and EV charging infrastructure. These investments are expected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country, including 14,000 new full-time positions at Hyundai. "Hyundai's commitment to the United States spans nearly four decades and supports over 570,000 American jobs across our operations and supply chain. The newly opened Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Georgia—the largest economic development project in the state's history—underscores our long-term investment in U.S. manufacturing, innovation, and workforce development. This year, we are also celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, which laid the foundation for the growth of our U.S. production footprint. We remain deeply committed to expanding our presence and contributing to the country's economic success." Ineos An Ineos spokesperson told Newsweek that the company has raised the price of its Grenedier SUV five percent to $78,900 and Quartermaster pickup to $92,900, a 10 percent increase, in response to the tariffs. Any inventory that existed on dealer lots prior to April 3 and is still there is not subject to the price increase. JLR The flow of shipped vehicles from the U.K. to the U.S. is ongoing with new inventory arriving at dealerships. "The USA is an important market for JLR's luxury brands and incremental 25 percent tariffs on autos remain in place. As we work to address the new U.S. trading terms with our business partners, we are enacting our planned short-term actions, as we develop our mid- to long-term plans. We will give a further update at our full year results in May," a company spokesperson told Newsweek. Lucid Motors Lucid responded to a comment request from Newsweek by directing attention to the April interview its interim CEO Marc Winterhoff did with Fox Business anchor Liz Claman on "The Claman Countdown" where Winteroff breaks down where various components of Lucid's vehicles are made and assembled. Mazda Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) will suspend production of the CX-50 for the Canadian market starting May 12. The temporary pause, a spokesperson for Mazda North American Operations told Newsweek, will not result in any changes to overall production volume as the company will increase production for the U.S. market at during the pause. 2025 Mazda CX-50 front view while parked. 2025 Mazda CX-50 front view while parked. Mazda North American Operations MTM is Mazda's only vehicle assembly plant in the U.S. "We intend to utilize MTM to the fullest to support the growth of our business," the spokesperson said. "We will continue to monitor the situation, including government negotiations, market trends and policy developments, and will consider flexible and appropriate responses accordingly." Mercedes-Benz Weeks ago, the German automaker confirmed media reports that prices will not rise on 2025 model year vehicles at this time. Mercedes-Benz announced this week that it intends to produce a new vehicle at its Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant beginning in 2027. The automakers said in a press release that the model will be "tailored to U.S. customer preferences." Vehicles are routinely tuned for the market where they are sold to meet customer expectations. Mercedes-Benz already makes the GLE, GLS, GLE Coupe and Mercedes-Maybach GLS as well as the EQE SUV, EQS SUV and Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV for all global markets at its Alabama facility. Mitsubishi On Thursday, the automaker confirmed to Newsweek that it's still shipping vehicles from Japan to the U.S. However, those vehicles are being held at the port once they arrive as the company evaluates the longevity and impact of the tariffs on their business. Mitsubishi plans to release the vehicles to be shipped within the country at what it says is, "the appropriate time." Nissan Motor Corporation A spokesperson told Newsweek that the Nissan's brand stance as not changed following the latest tariff news, pointing out that in the U.S. Nissan sells six vehicles priced under $30,000. "Nissan holds a unique position in the industry. Not only do we offer six vehicles at a starting price of under $30k—spanning sedans, SUVs and EVs—but, in a market where vehicle prices have increased, we've recently further reduced the price of our best-selling model, Rogue. Whether a first-time buyer or someone simply seeking greater affordability, we can meet consumer needs without compromising on quality, safety, advanced technology or value," Vinay Shahani, senior vice president of U.S. marketing and sales for Nissan Americas, told Newsweek. A report by Nikkei said that the company plans to shift some Rogue SUV production to the Nissan plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. The company also makes the Rogue at its facility in Kanda, Fukuoka, Japan. Side and rear view of the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek SUV. Side and rear view of the 2025 Nissan Rogue Rock Creek SUV. Nissan Tiago Castro, vice president of INFINITI Americas, told Newsweek, "As the tariff situation evolves, we've taken proactive steps to minimize disruption for both our clients and retail network. That includes guaranteeing MSRP through June 2 to provide continued stability and value." "On the production side, we are accelerating our focus on U.S. manufacturing. Infiniti will continue assembling Infiniti QX60 at our Smyrna, Tennessee, plant, increasing volume to meet growing demand. Infiniti QX65, an all-new nameplate for the brand, will also be built in Tennessee, reinforcing our commitment to localized manufacturing. We currently have ample U.S. inventory that remains unaffected by the new tariffs," he said. Castro added: "We're continuing to monitor the situation closely and will make further adjustments as needed to ensure our clients receive strong value, exceptional service and uninterrupted access to our award-winning lineup." Rivian Like Lucid, much of Rivian's product is sourced from, built in and assembled in the U.S. The company told Newsweek that it did not have a comment for this story at this time. Stellantis The parent company of the Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Fiat and Alfa Romeo brands has paused European vehicle imports and scaled back other shipments in response to the tariffs. In April, the company announced a production pause at its factories in Canada and Mexico, a move that trickles down to result in an expected 900 layoffs at temporary layoffs at the automaker's American powertrain and stamping plants. When contacted for comment, the company pointed Newsweek to information from their Q1 shipments and revenues call. Stellantis' Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat brands will offer the Employee Pricing Plu$ program through May on select 2024 and 2025. The difference between the Employee Pricing Plu$ program and the America's Freedom of Choice program that was previously offered is that the new program allows buyers to take advantage of employee pricing and incentives. Subaru Some speculative media reports indicated that Subaru was moving production of its Outback model out of Indiana, to Japan, in reaction to the Trump tariffs. The change was planned before the 2024 election, as the plant is switching to produce the Forester hybrid SUV instead. When contacted by Newsweek, Subaru had no comment for this story. Toyota Motor Corporation The company told Newsweek that everything for Toyota and Lexus is "business as usual" right now, with no adjustments to sales objectives or manufacturing. Volkswagen Thursday, a Volkswagen representative told Newsweek: "We appreciate the Trump Administration's decision to ease some automotive tariffs. We're assessing the impact of this recent move and how we'll adjust the business. No final decisions have been made. We are committed to our customers, our dealers and our employees in North America." Volvo The Swedish automaker told Newsweek: "Volvo Cars follows government rules and pays all required duties on all imported vehicles and on all parts as required by law. This is standard practice and what we do in all markets where we operate. We are looking into the effects of the recent changes in tariffs as announced by the U.S. government though it is too soon to comment further at this stage."
Miami Herald
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
Is there another BMW as iconic as the BMW 3 Series? Probably not. This is the car that built BMW in America, where it quickly established itself as the penultimate sports sedan, a title it has yet to relinquish. It retains its sharp handling reflexes, with quick steering, strong brakes, and a well-controlled ride with minimal body lean. The current generation 3 Series is offered as the 255-horsepower 330i or 386-horsepower M340i, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated with a mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the 3-Series at 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, except for the base 330i, which returns 31 mpg. All models require premium fuel, and towing is rated at 3,747 pounds with trailer brakes. An optional M Sport package tightens up the suspension, while a Dynamic Handling package brings adaptive dampers. Both packages transform this buggy's ride, rendering it firm but not punishing. The interior houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant console-mounted controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard, while a head-up display is optional. The cabin's modern design and ambient lighting make it feel well worth its price, with firm and comfortable seats. Trunk space is very good at 17 cubic feet – fairly large for this sedan's overall length. The 3-Series certainly remains the world's best sports sedan, but you might wonder what its competition is like. Here's a sampling of the 3-Series' continental competitors. From a sheer performance standpoint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can more than hold its own dynamically against the BMW 3 Series. Oozing with style, it's offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. It's EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is required, and towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Trunk space is also fairly good, measuring 17 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Even if the Giulia's interior finishes aren't quite as special as its German rivals, its seats' aggressive bolsters and sumptuous leather telegraph that you're in a sports sedan. Its fast, dynamic feel will have you grinning every minute you're behind the wheel, with balanced handling, quick steering, and engine and exhaust noises that will ensure that you'll never listen to the radio. Audi models have always benefited from a quiet sophistication that belies their adept performance. Then again, it's always the quiet ones that you have to watch. This is the final year for the A4 sedan, which is powered by a 261-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. It's EPA-rated at 29 mpg and requires premium fuel with a 1,580-lb towing capacity. While the Audi proves athletic when roads turn twisty, it offers a bit more damping than the BMW and a bit more comfort as a result. The cabin is roomy, although trunk space is tight at 12 cubic feet. The A4's instrument panel is anchored by a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with elegant graphics that eschew the circus-like user interface used by its German rivals. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is available on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The Audi A4 is an incredibly competent yet quietly sophisticated luxury compact sports sedan that doesn't need to shout its intentions. Mercedes-Benz sedans are like Russian stacking dolls; what you expect on one, you can expect on others, just sized differently. And while the company may use a single formula, it works, producing cars that are uniquely products of the three-pointed star. Beautifully styled and detailed, the C-Class is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system that funnels its power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the real wheels or all four. EPA-rated at 29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive, all C-Class models require premium unleaded fuel. Its towing capacity is 3,950 pounds with trailer brakes. Trunk space measures 13 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging are standard, while a head-up display is available. The C-Class handles like a sports sedan, but its steering and brakes return a feel that trails the best-in-class. It still proves to be a luxurious automobile, though, emitting an upscale vibe that is distinctly Mercedes-Benz. Volvo has implemented few changes to the S60, which counts the 2025 model year as its last. That's too bad, as its cool Scandinavian elan is unique, giving it a unique presence that's unmistakably Volvo. It comes with either a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is as unexciting as it sounds, or as a plug-in hybrid with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 40 miles of pure electric driving range. The four-cylinder S60 is EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 31 mpg when running its gas engine, and all Volvo S60s use premium fuel. The towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Trunk space is on the small side at 12 cubic feet. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display are standard. You'll find the interior quality to be excellent, with a restrained sumptuousness that plays to its personality. The S60 isn't really a sports sedan. Although it acquits itself well enough, it lacks the edgy, connected feel that the best in this class offer. If you prefer a bit more comfort, however, this is your ride. The BMW 3 Series remains the best-in-class among sports sedans and remains the model every other automaker seems to imitate. The Alfa Romeo certainly challenges the BMW's performance cred, but interior quality prevents it from being its equal. The Mercedes-Benz comes close but fails to deliver the essence of a great sports sedan, instead offering a quintessential contemporary luxury experience. The Audi delivers the compelling handling you'd expect with a quiet dignity that is the brand's modern-day hallmark. Finally, we have the Volvo, which isn't the sports sedan you expect but delivers it in a package that is wholly its own. There's no wrong answer among this crowd, with each car delivering a unique, pleasing persona. Take each for a ride and see which European beauty best speaks to your needs. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Shopping for a 2025 BMW 3-Series? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Instead
Is there another BMW as iconic as the BMW 3 Series? Probably not. This is the car that built BMW in America, where it quickly established itself as the penultimate sports sedan, a title it has yet to relinquish. It retains its sharp handling reflexes, with quick steering, strong brakes, and a well-controlled ride with minimal body lean. The current generation 3 Series is offered as the 255-horsepower 330i or 386-horsepower M340i, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine mated with a mild hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic transmission. The EPA rates the 3-Series at 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving, except for the base 330i, which returns 31 mpg. All models require premium fuel, and towing is rated at 3,747 pounds with trailer brakes. An optional M Sport package tightens up the suspension, while a Dynamic Handling package brings adaptive dampers. Both packages transform this buggy's ride, rendering it firm but not punishing. The interior houses a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with redundant console-mounted controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot are standard, while a head-up display is optional. The cabin's modern design and ambient lighting make it feel well worth its price, with firm and comfortable seats. Trunk space is very good at 17 cubic feet – fairly large for this sedan's overall length. The 3-Series certainly remains the world's best sports sedan, but you might wonder what its competition is like. Here's a sampling of the 3-Series' continental competitors. From a sheer performance standpoint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia can more than hold its own dynamically against the BMW 3 Series. Oozing with style, it's offered with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 280 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. It's EPA-rated at 27 mpg in combined city/highway driving with rear-wheel drive and 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. Premium fuel is required, and towing is rated at 3,500 pounds. Trunk space is also fairly good, measuring 17 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch instrument cluster and an 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Even if the Giulia's interior finishes aren't quite as special as its German rivals, its seats' aggressive bolsters and sumptuous leather telegraph that you're in a sports sedan. Its fast, dynamic feel will have you grinning every minute you're behind the wheel, with balanced handling, quick steering, and engine and exhaust noises that will ensure that you'll never listen to the radio. Audi models have always benefited from a quiet sophistication that belies their adept performance. Then again, it's always the quiet ones that you have to watch. This is the final year for the A4 sedan, which is powered by a 261-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. It's EPA-rated at 29 mpg and requires premium fuel with a 1,580-lb towing capacity. While the Audi proves athletic when roads turn twisty, it offers a bit more damping than the BMW and a bit more comfort as a result. The cabin is roomy, although trunk space is tight at 12 cubic feet. The A4's instrument panel is anchored by a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen with elegant graphics that eschew the circus-like user interface used by its German rivals. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard. A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is available on Premium Plus and Prestige models. The Audi A4 is an incredibly competent yet quietly sophisticated luxury compact sports sedan that doesn't need to shout its intentions. Mercedes-Benz sedans are like Russian stacking dolls; what you expect on one, you can expect on others, just sized differently. And while the company may use a single formula, it works, producing cars that are uniquely products of the three-pointed star. Beautifully styled and detailed, the C-Class is powered by a 255-horsepower, turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder mild hybrid system that funnels its power through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the real wheels or all four. EPA-rated at 29 mpg with rear-wheel drive and 27 mpg with all-wheel drive, all C-Class models require premium unleaded fuel. Its towing capacity is 3,950 pounds with trailer brakes. Trunk space measures 13 cubic feet. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging are standard, while a head-up display is available. The C-Class handles like a sports sedan, but its steering and brakes return a feel that trails the best-in-class. It still proves to be a luxurious automobile, though, emitting an upscale vibe that is distinctly Mercedes-Benz. Volvo has implemented few changes to the S60, which counts the 2025 model year as its last. That's too bad, as its cool Scandinavian elan is unique, giving it a unique presence that's unmistakably Volvo. It comes with either a 247-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which is as unexciting as it sounds, or as a plug-in hybrid with 456 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and 40 miles of pure electric driving range. The four-cylinder S60 is EPA-rated at 30 mpg with front-wheel drive and 28 mpg with all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 31 mpg when running its gas engine, and all Volvo S60s use premium fuel. The towing capacity is 2,000 pounds. Trunk space is on the small side at 12 cubic feet. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a head-up display are standard. You'll find the interior quality to be excellent, with a restrained sumptuousness that plays to its personality. The S60 isn't really a sports sedan. Although it acquits itself well enough, it lacks the edgy, connected feel that the best in this class offer. If you prefer a bit more comfort, however, this is your ride. The BMW 3 Series remains the best-in-class among sports sedans and remains the model every other automaker seems to imitate. The Alfa Romeo certainly challenges the BMW's performance cred, but interior quality prevents it from being its equal. The Mercedes-Benz comes close but fails to deliver the essence of a great sports sedan, instead offering a quintessential contemporary luxury experience. The Audi delivers the compelling handling you'd expect with a quiet dignity that is the brand's modern-day hallmark. Finally, we have the Volvo, which isn't the sports sedan you expect but delivers it in a package that is wholly its own. There's no wrong answer among this crowd, with each car delivering a unique, pleasing persona. Take each for a ride and see which European beauty best speaks to your needs.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
We Finally Know the Name of BMW's 1st 'Neue Klasse' Car, and When It'll Arrives
Since the summer of 2023, BMW has been teasing its next generation of cars with a line of Neue Klasse-branded concepts. These cars represent ideas for the future of all of BMW's sedan, crossover, and M performance businesses, but they are also representative of specific future products around the size of the current 3-Series and X3. Now, we finally know when one of those actual future products is set to be revealed. BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse has announced at the company's annual conference that the all-new iX3 — effectively the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse X — will debut at Munich's IAA Mobility auto show in early September. BMW has also shared official images of the production version of the iX3 and a still-unnamed sedan, presumably an electric 3-Series, iun testing. The images of camouflaged cars don't reveal much, but the design does look in line with a previously-leaked patent rendering of a production version of the iX3 crossover. Both the sedan and crossover variants of the Vision Neue Klasse had a focus on massive, low-slung side windows that increase natural light within the car's airy cabin. Photos of camouflaged production cars indicate BMW has gone with a more conservative approach on the final cars, but both vehicles still seem to have unusually large side windows. The unique lighting-based interpretations of BMW's famous kidney grilles seen on the concepts are hidden under camouflage, but the shape beneath the camouflage suggests some version of those design elements may have made their way to the production cars. The two upcoming cars on the Neue Klasse platform are just the beginning of a new product wave; BMW says that 40 new and refreshed models will be revealed between now and the end of 2027. Some of those updates should be major design updates to current cars that bring models like the new M5 in line with Neue Klasse's design direction, a possibility that would be in line with Zipse's claim that all new launches "will have the DNA of Neue Klasse." That cycle of updates and unveilings starts with the reveal of iX3 in September. You Might Also Like You Need a Torque Wrench in Your Toolbox Tested: Best Car Interior Cleaners The Man Who Signs Every Car
