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Let me get this out of the way. This is the best BMW on sale today that, sadly, no one seems to be buying.
It looks fantastic, even better than the sedan. The elongated roof curves gracefully down towards the rear, framed by a set of windows that elegantly taper off at the Hofmeister kink above the accentuated rear arches. In the M Sport Pro trim, aside from the reshaped front and rear bumpers, the exterior chrome and silver highlights have all been replaced with sleek gloss black accents – a change that truly enhances the overall appearance. M Sport Pro also introduces lowered M Sport springs, 18-inch wheels, and painted brake callipers.
Too busy to read everything? Here are the 5 key takeaways for the new BMW 330i Touring M Sport Pro
- Because of “reasons”, the 330i Touring is currently the only variant of the 3 or 4 Series equipped with the 255 horsepower B48 you can buy in Singapore. It is also the only variant of the Touring you can buy in Singapore.
- Despite its weight penalty, the Touring retains the excellent driving dynamics synonymous with all 3 Series Sedans.
- While BMW states a power output of 245 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, the 330i’s eagerness to dive into its power zone and punch through traffic belies its official figures.
- All 330i Tourings sold in Singapore are fitted with the M Sport Pro kit as standard. Visually this adds Shadowline trim, larger wheels and painted brake calipers. Dynamically, it means this Touring comes with M Sport suspension.
- Great looking, a real joy to drive and with enough space for the entire family (and the dogs), the 330i Touring is the best BMW on sale today that, sadly, no one seems to be buying.
All in all, the 330i boasts a wonderfully clean design. It’s not as flashy as its Coupe counterparts, but it possesses a unique quality that sets it apart from the sedans. Being one of the rarest cars on the road gives it a certain panache too.
The Touring’s beautifully finished rear end serves as its raison d’être, offering a level of utility that surpasses its 3 Series stablemates with just an additional 89mm of bodywork added to the rear. With all the seats in place, the Touring’s tail gleefully accommodates up to 500 litres of cargo, and once folded down, this capacity expands to a generous 1,500 litres of space – more than sufficient for your regular trips to Ikea.
Yet, these figures only scratch the surface of the Touring’s day-to-day practicality. Thanks to its split rear window design, there’s no more waiting for powered tailgates to open or retract; it’s now as simple as a straightforward lift-and-shut motion using your hands. This even comes with a satisfying thud upon closing. For those worried about privacy, the Touring comes with a retractable cover for the boot to keep prying eyes away. Should you not require it, this cover can be easily stowed away under the boot floor, along with a cargo net.
As an additional bonus, the Touring’s expanded boot space also translates to a more spacious atmosphere in the cabin, offering a slight increase in headroom for rear passengers as well.
As expected, this car comes with BMW’s latest curved displays running their latest UI software, What’s less expected is that beyond its striking display, there’s relatively little else to be enthused about in the cabin. True, the materials provide a high-quality feel, the fit and finish are impeccable, and the quest for the ideal driving position is effortless. Yet, with numerous digital gadgets and premium options left unchecked, you might begin to question where all your money went.
And you might indeed, until you press the starter button.
When you do that, the 330i’s Turbocharged 2-litre B48 fires into life with a muffled baritone bellow that 318s can only dream of. Despite sharing the same block, the 330i’s engine boasts fortified internals, enhanced thermodynamic management, improved airflow, and lower compression ratios designed to accommodate heightened boost pressures from an upgraded Turbo. The outcome? A claimed 245 horsepower and 400Nm of torque.
However, power and figures merely reveal half the tale because as I discovered, the true brilliance of the 330i Touring lay in how harmoniously the engine, chassis, and suspension collaborated to make driving it a true joy.
What was initially intended as a brief evening drive for some photos turned into something more. Having wrapped up the photoshoot, my journey home—usually a ten to fifteen-minute trip—unexpectedly extended to nearly an hour. I found myself missing exit after exit, driven by the desire to keep driving a little further, a little longer.
While outright power tapers off towards the top end, this B48 engine proves its worth by delivering gratification in the mid-range of its rev-band, harnessing its swell of torque to anchor the rear wheels and propel you forward. It’s playfully adjustable too with a committed push into the throttle allowing for a wiggle when no one’s looking.
With the M Sport suspension calibrated to introduce just the right amount of roll into the corners (roll is good!) and the 8-speed gearbox set to its most aggressive mode, the balance between ride comfort, agility, and power becomes nothing short of exceptional.
So, now we’re back to where we began. This is the best BMW on sale today that, sadly, no one seems to be buying. Why? Well, it’s expensive.
In the world of automotive excellence, the 330i Touring M Sport Pro stands as an unappreciated masterpiece. It’s an artful blend of power, style, practicality and even, character, it combines the joys of driving with the functionality and utility of a spacious tourer. Unfortunately, for all its brilliance, the 330i Touring M Sport Pro comes at a premium, S$378,888. That is a significant amount of money and puts the Touring above the likes of not just its 318i Sedan brother, but also the i4 Gran Coupe and the iX3. But if you can get past the price of entry, there’s little else out there that can deliver so much in a single package.
And so, as we stand at the crossroads of choice, And so, as we stand at the crossroads of choice, the 330i Touring urges us to reevaluate what we truly seek in an automobile. It’s not just about owning a car; it’s about embracing a unique experience that defies conventions. In a world where the obvious choice isn’t always the best, the 330i Touring is the unheralded definitive machine.
What do we love? Great looks, delightful to drive and with enough space for the entire family. Space, pace and grace. What’s not to love?
What are we not too sure about? Price.
What can be improved? Equipment levels.
