Wagons and Hatchbacks
2010 BMW 328i Sport Wagon
What it Is: A compact five passenger luxury wagon.
What's Hot: Adds much-needed utility to 3 Series sedan.
What's Not: Not as Family Friendly as competition.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, Bluetooth, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score: The 2011 BMW 328i Sport Wagon's biggest advantage is its enhanced cargo area, which dwarfs the trunk space of the 3 Series sedan. Still, the price remains high, and fuel economy could be better.
If you have an insatiable desire for BMW's 3 Series, but have small kids, then the 328i Sport Wagon is your best bet. With 25 cu.-ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats, there's more than enough room for family-sized loads of strollers, groceries, or other family-related paraphernalia. However, keep in mind that you get what you pay for with BMW's small wagon, and by that we mean that you'll be paying for a lot of things that some manufacturers include standard, such as Bluetooth. There's also the matter of base price, which at well over $38,000 is already steep, although you can save $1,375 if you get a manual transmission instead of an automatic. For comparison's sake, the Audi A4 Avant costs less to start and comes standard with all-wheel drive, plus it gets better fuel economy. Despite its family-friendly shortcomings, there's a lot to like about the BMW 3 Series, not the least of which is style, both inside and out. BMW has also redesigned its iDrive navigation and audio system to be more user friendly.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$37,950 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-6 |
|
Horsepower |
230 hp |
|
Torque |
200 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Rear Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
18 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
27 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
21 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Small Wagon |
|
Family Friendliness |
7.1 |
|
Doors |
Five |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
25.0 cu. ft. |
|
Max Cargo Space |
60.9 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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