My car went in for a software update today because my idrive system has reset itself a couple of times whilst i've been driving. BMW serviced it too whilst it was in. I was given a 15 plate 320D Xdrive as a courtesy car so i thought i'd do a comparison.
The car i was given had 4410 miles on it. It was an M-sport model with the 8 speed sports auto. It had xenons, black leather interior, pro nav and Harmon Kardon too. I think it was carbon black metallic too. First impressions, when service handed me the keys and told me which car, i thought oh good, at least it's not a 1 series
. It is a good looking car on the outside.
Next, i sat inside, and had a look around the interior, and the interior is pretty much the reason i went for a 5 series over a 3, it's also the reason i did not want a dark interior. I think the black leather and black trim looks claustrophobic, probably made worse by the rear privacy glass. I didn't like the stupid stick out screen, although it wasn't bad, i can't help think they are an afterthought by any manufacturer that uses them. The same goes with that stupid cover for the cup holders, who's idea was that! The interior of the 5 series is much nicer imo, everything is well thought out, and a class up, which it is meant to be. The interior really makes or breaks a sale for me.
Next, i put music on to listen to the HK, at first, i was pretty underwhelmed listening to the radio, it sounded no better than the standard speakers in my car and i felt rleived that i hadn't missed out on it. I had a play with the equaliser and it didn't improve much. It wasn't till later on in the afternoon that i attached my phone via bluetooth that i realised my errors. Such a vast improvement over the radio. I only got it to half volume listening to the new DJ fresh song (how love begins), and i loved it! Now i want HK in my car
(I will be having it in my next one anyway). I had Bose in my Audi but the HK is better.
On to the engine, This had the 8 speed sports auto. From what information i can gather, this has the 2.0 (168bhp?) engine with a 0-62 in 7.8s (Please someone correct me as i read conflicting information). It was OK, it sounds more diesel like than my 525D, and i noticed the turbo lag, but the drive itself was ok, Not much really to say about the 4wd, i wouldn't have guessed i was driving one if i didn't know, although, i think the car felt heavy but that mught be in my mind as i knew it was 4wd. I can't compare it to a normal 3 series as i haven't driven one.
Verdict. If i didn't own a 5 series, i'd like the car, it was specced how i'd spec a new one bar the interior but i can't help but feel let down a bit by the interior compared to mine. I do however have a 5 and i will not step back to a 3. Given the choice of swapping my 13 plate as it is and that 15 plate as it was, i'd still choose mine.
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