BMW
2011 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan
What it Is: A premium compact five passenger all-wheel drive luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility and all-wheel drive traction.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 328i xDrive adds all-wheel drive to a car that's already fun to drive. However, it also adds to the price and hurts the fuel economy, dragging down its Family Friendliness score.
Audi's quattro is still more famous than BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, but both do essentially the same thing by offering all-weather traction to cars that are already pretty compelling. BMW's 328i xDrive sedan also suffers from some of the same drawbacks of other all-wheel drive sedans. Fuel economy is hurt by the added weight and complexity of all-wheel drive, and the price is notably higher as well. This combines with the 328i's already small trunk and compact dimensions to result in a Family Friendliness score that's lower than some other similarly priced luxury cars. Still, there's a lot to like here for driving enthusiasts, as BMW has earned its reputation as a driver's car. It looks great, and it boasts a comfortable and luxurious interior as well. BMW's iDrive navigation and audio system has been much improved. However, we were surprised that it got four out of five stars on the NHTSA's front driver, front passenger and rollover crash tests. Then there's that price, which starts at more than $38,000 including destination and an automatic transmission, and that's before adding options like Bluetooth. Note that by choosing a manual over an automatic transmission you'll save $1,375.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$37,400 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-6 |
|
Horsepower |
230 hp |
|
Torque |
200 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
All Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
17 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
25 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
20 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Compact |
|
Family Friendliness |
6.4 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
12.0 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Optional |
|
Photos
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