Fifty yards, give or take. I paced it out. That’s all the distance it took to realize there’s something special about the 2025 BMW 330i. Especially this particular test car, which I’ll go into in a moment. And this was at maneuvering speeds, I hasten to add. It’s not that I have some magic power where I can perceive a car’s abilities without even driving for an appreciable distance. Honestly, it’s so abundantly clear to anyone lucky enough to sit in the driver’s seat. Oh, and spoiler alert: This car rocks.
You have to experience a BMW every so often to remind yourself how cars are supposed to drive. That’s something I’ve said to myself (and anyone else who will listen) many times over many years. This 2025 330i is a perfect example of BMW’s art and craft. And my feelings over those first 50 yards were only confirmed over the next 50 miles or so.
Fire It Up
I might as well start with the engine, a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Supposedly. It feels like more. I didn’t get it verified independently or scientifically, so you’ll just have to take my word for it, and maybe it’s the responsiveness that makes this engine feel so energetic. Either way, it’s an utter joy. From canyon corners to freeway forays, there was never a time when I thought I could use more power. All the thrust required by a regular person on regular roads is simmering under the right foot.
Change It Up
The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, with shift paddles — which I did use from time to time. It’s smooth and changes gears quickly, an ideal complement to the engine. Drive goes just to the rear wheels. Multiple world Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen is on record saying he thinks front-wheel drive (FWD) is “the worst thing ever.” I think there are worse things, like an asteroid colliding with Earth, and maybe Max has never driven a Mini Cooper, but I understand where he’s coming from. Having to apply power to the road and handle directional duties at the same time is a compromise. It’s a non-issue here, though. The purity and balance that only comes with a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) car is easily perceived and enjoyed in this BMW 330i.
Stir It Up
The steering is quick and tactile, while the front tires refuse to waver from the cornering line. There’s no special M Sport limited-slip differential to enhance traction, but it’s still possible — and highly entertaining — to get the power down early at the corner’s exit. This test car does have the M Sport package, though, which includes variable-ratio sport steering, plus an M Sport suspension. This is the thing that made its presence felt during that first encounter.
Don’t for a moment think that it’s too firm for anyone who isn’t an enthusiast. It will still quell and conquer most rough road surfaces. Yet it does so with an exquisite poise and composure. The more miles I covered, the more impressed I became. For anyone thinking of buying a new 3 Series, it’s already a foregone conclusion that your driving preference is on the sporty side, so definitely try and test-drive a version with this package. From a personal point of view, I think it’s the perfect blend of civilized and engaging, spanning drive modes from Comfort to Sport Plus.
Driving at night, the LED headlights provide great illumination. And I have to give a special mention to the brakes. They’re just the standard stoppers, no M Sport upgrade. Yet they feel so strong and confident without being in the least bit grabby.
Shut It Up
The rest of the 330i is of the same high standard. At first I thought the front seats could use a bit more lateral support (because cornering was such fun), but then I found the control at the base of the seat that adjusts the bolstering and, bingo, the ideal driving position.
The quiet cabin is another plus. I’ve driven way pricier cars with far more tire noise than this. Heck, even rear legroom (measuring 35.2 inches) is fine. When the driver’s seat is set up for an adult male of average size, someone of the same build can fit behind. For the price, the quality of materials is more than acceptable. And the tech is user-friendly. The infotainment system is controlled by a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a rotary dial in the center console, or voice commands. It’s easy to get a phone connected with wireless integration, and wireless charging is standard. The graphics for the screen and the instrument cluster are beautifully sharp.
Close It Up
The 2025 330i’s retail price is in the mid-$40,000 region. With destination charges and options, this test car came to $57,200. Considering the average transaction price on a vehicle in the United States is about $49,000, then a few more thousand for a luxury model with such performance, handling, equipment, and prestige is pretty darn good. BMW knows what it takes to make a truly great car that appeals to the driver, but won’t deter passengers from jumping into the other seats. I would put the 3 Series above any other car in this class. I don’t even think it’s close.
