2011 BMW 3-Series Wagon
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2011 BMW 3-Series Wagon Performance
These scores and this review are from when the car was new.
Scorecard
| Overall: | 8.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 9.5 |
| Performance: | 9.1 |
| Interior: | 8.4 |
| Safety: | N/A |
| Reliability: |
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Reviewers find that the BMW 3-Series's engine operates smoothly and provides a good amount of power for daily driving. Plus, its handling dynamics set a benchmark for the entire class.
- "Quite simply, no other entry-level luxury model can match the 3 Series' exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort." -- Edmunds
- "BMW's 3-series wagon delivers the same dynamic excellence as the 3-series sedan but with a bigger cargo area. The steering, poise, and handling are nearly unparalleled in any vehicle, much less other wagons. All-wheel drive and a fuel-sipping turbo-diesel engine are optional." -- Car and Driver
Acceleration and Power
Both the BMW 328i and 328i xDrive feature a 3.0-liter I6 engine that test drivers find is smooth and adequate. It generates 230-horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 2,750 rpm. Though a six-speed manual transmission is standard, a STEPTRONIC automatic is optional.
According to the EPA, the 3-Series wagon's city/highway fuel economy ranges from 17/25 mpg to 18/27 mpg, depending on trim and transmission.
- "In the BMW tradition, this inline-6 is velvety-smooth from idle to redline, yet the tailpipes emit a purposeful bark under hard acceleration." -- Edmunds
- "The 3 liter DOHC 24-valve inline six-cylinder engine sounds good and is adequate. Not a 4.4 liter powerhouse or a V10 extravaganza but for 99% of potential customers it is just fine. OK, you will not win the traffic light grand prix but how important is that with three kids and a trunk full of shopping, soccer boots and Gatorade?" -- The Auto Channel
- "With manual transmission, the rear-drive 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. ... The 6-speed automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. ... With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action." -- Consumer Guide
Handling and Braking
Test drivers, on balance, agree that the BMW 3-Series wagon shines most brightly in the category of handling -- especially the 328i xDrive, which features a standard all-wheel drive system that enhances stability in adverse driving conditions.
- "The performance numbers are impressive in themselves, but this car transcends them -- it feels even more confident and composed than those numbers suggest." -- Edmunds
- "The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension. ... Braking is powerful and stable. We recommend AWD in snowy climates." -- Consumer Guide
- "There's a precise feel to the steering and the well-sorted suspension provides exceptional confidence through even the most challenging corners. While some may find the ride a tad too taut -- particularly when fitted with the optional Sport Package -- we think the handling advantages more than offset any minor comfort tradeoff. BMW's excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system also makes dealing with inclement weather considerably less stressful." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "I think Mike liked the fact that the wagon handles like a sport sedan. In fact, the wagon has just about all the same equipment, which means that the steering is pinpoint-precise, the suspension is supple and the brakes are simply outstanding. Of course, you get all the standard BMW goodies, like dynamic stability and traction control, to further enhance the all-weather capability of the four-wheel-drive system." -- Detroit News
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