08-29-2019, 04:15 PM | #1 |
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Car and Driver recently criticized the latest 330i when they tested an xDrive variant with no sport packages (other than the M-Sport package) equipped. Now, they have tested a RWD variant, with every option ticked (including the track handling package) to see if the 3 series has improved in comparison to the last test.
In the end, they find the improvements to be quite noticeable and a step in the right direction, praising the ride and handling, fuel economy, and the powertrain, but they do make sure to point out, an Alfa could be had more fun in, and a Genesis could provide similar amounts of fun with more luxury for less, and that steering and price aren't the greatest. Hopefully they will soon test the M340i as well... Here's the full review -> https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...y-the-numbers/
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08-29-2019, 06:46 PM | #3 |
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Thanks for this link. I think this review verifies what the consensus is on the G20 so far: It's improved a lot relative to the f30, and generally a solid leader in the segment, but not perfect. The main issue seems to be the steering. Getting the best out of the EPS seems to be the biggest thorn in their side engineering wise.
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08-29-2019, 10:34 PM | #4 | |
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08-30-2019, 02:14 PM | #5 | |
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From the review:
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I predict ~18 months before Genesis G70 owners start complaining with "My leather is stretched/wrinkled/damaged, how do I fix it?". And imagine trying to get a such a complaint addressed at a Hyundai dealership? (https://genesisowners.com/genesis-fo...ts.3272/page-2) Lexus finally moved over to a proprietary faux leather they call "nuluxe" because they could not match the Germans in leather quality. Nuluxe is certainly a very nice material and easy to maintain in my IS350. So the way I see it, the Koreans are a step behind the Japanese, and two steps behind the Germans with interior material choices. You really do get what you pay for. End rant. |
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08-30-2019, 02:48 PM | #6 | |
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Current Garage: 2022 Mercedes-Benz S 580 / 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T / 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 350 / 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Retired: '95 E36 325i 5MT / '04 E46 330i 6MT / '05 E83 X3 3.0i / '11 E90 335xi / '17 G30 540i / '19 F87 M2C 6MT / '19 MB CLS 53 / '20 MB GLC 300 |
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08-30-2019, 04:03 PM | #7 | |
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Given that BMW is polishing a diamond at this point, material choices are likely balanced between form and function, and without being an expert on the subject, I'd wager BMW chose not to use soft/quilted leather appointments on the seat/door/center console for any number of reasons, but most likely due to aging concerns and sun damage. Speaking objectivity, I feel the G20 interior is incredibly solid and well put together with nice stitching and materials throughout. Throw in the superior interior tech on top of that and you have what I feel is the clear winner. |
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Eagle Creek139.00 Cortexiphan2024.50 |
08-31-2019, 07:48 PM | #8 |
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Ironically, most BMWs are leased so the majority of the original customers don’t even know what the interior looks like after year three.
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09-01-2019, 12:07 AM | #9 | |
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2023 BMW M340i xDrive
2020 BMW 330i xDrive 2018 BMW X3 xDrive30i |
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09-01-2019, 09:20 AM | #10 |
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I know the Genesis is considered competition but not so much in the real world. The price difference alone implies that a Genesis buyer may not have the means or desire to spend at the minimum 13k more to get a base model M340i. Genesis sells on value for dollar ala parent company Hyundai. Genesis still have the inferior transmission which is integral to any cars driving enjoyment. And while there are some nice touches like the metal accent on the doors, i still don't see the Genesis interior as better quality.
I would wager that people buying M340's are not agonizing over the Genesis. It's the guys who are buying neither that are usually the biggest critic. I test drove the 3.3.T in the beginning only because at the time I was thinking of getting the 330I M Sport. Once i test drove the 330I M Sport i was no longer interested in the Genesis 3.3T. Now that i actually acquired an M340i, the Genesis is irrelevant to me.
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09-02-2019, 03:01 PM | #11 |
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I went to Autotrader and looked up 2015 genesis and the interiors of all the examples I found demonstrated wear patterns typical of soft leather. So your experience appears to be an exception.
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Cortexiphan2024.50 530iDriver1707.50 |
09-02-2019, 07:40 PM | #12 |
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Is there a difference between the steering algorithm/dynamics on the 330i vs 340i? Because I do not have that dead-on-center feeling referenced in the 330i reviews. It's not the most direct steering in the world, but it's certainly immediately responsive on center in the 340i. And I heard it's even more responsive with the PS4 summer performance tires.
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Cortexiphan2024.50 530iDriver1707.50 |
09-04-2019, 01:11 PM | #13 | |
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09-04-2019, 04:44 PM | #14 | |
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09-06-2019, 08:31 AM | #15 | |
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I prefer something thats agile and fun to drive, so I was hoping to go with a G20 for my next car, but after driving it a few times, the cheap interior plastics have me shying away from it...I didn't realize how much better the materials in the 5 series were until I drove my 530 back to back with an M340. As far as wear, my G30 has Nappa seats as does my E36 and the leather in both cars looks nearly new (except a small hole in the bolster on the E36, but after 21 years, its expected). I do use leatherique once a year to keep them in good shape, but thats it. |
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