Despite its “320i” badge, this 3 Series saloon is not a 2-litre Bimmer. Adding to the confusion is the other 320i in BMW’s local lineup, which is a 2-litre (1997cc) model. The 320i EfficientDynamics (ED for short) is actually a variation of the 1.6-litre 316i, with an emphasis on efficiency.
The 320i ED is not only more efficient than the closely related 316i, with improved fuel economy that translates to about 100km more range from one full tank (60-litre). It is also a more proficient performer, thanks to a significantly higher output (170bhp and 250Nm versus the 316i’s 136bhp and 220Nm) from the same turbocharged internal-combustion capacity.
The century-sprint acceleration and top speed have thus been boosted accordingly. In fact, the 1.6-litre 320i ED is as energetic as the 2-litre 320i on local roads, where the highest speed limit is 90km/h and random bottlenecks big and small are frequent. Not bad for a 1598cc saloon with “Efficient” as its middle name.
Justifying that tag are efficiency-enhancing measures, which include a chassis lowered by precisely 10mm for less aerodynamic-drag, and specially specified 205/50 R16 Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres and wind-cheating Streamline five-spoke wheels for reduced rolling resistance.
Thankfully, those “eco shoes” do not affect the handling of the car, which grips, steers and rides (firmly) with aplomb, like every other 3 Series today.
The 320i ED has the same Eco Pro drivetrain mode as other new BMWs in the showroom, but it has been made the default setting. Eco Pro adjusts the throttle response, transmission actions and air-conditioning to achieve maximum efficiency on the move, at the expense of making the 320i drive feel lukewarm, and its occupants a little warmer.
Of course, the driver who’s more Pro than Eco would switch to Sport mode at every opportunity, but at least he’ll be constantly reminded that he’s driving the most fuel-efficient 3 Series in town other than the diesel-powered 320d.
SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE 1598cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged
MAX POWER 170bhp at 4800-6450rpm
MAX TORQUE 250Nm at 1500-4500rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 7.6 seconds
TOP SPEED 230km/h
CONSUMPTION 18.5km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 127g/km
PRICE INCL. COE
$194,800 (after $10k CEVS rebate)
