The BMW 320d now features the updated 2.0 litre 4 cylinder twin turbo diesel engine. The motor, code named B47 first debuted in the X3 SUV and now finds place the 3-Series. The engine now makes 190 horsepower and 400 Nm of maximum torque. BMW claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 230 kph. The engine is eager right from the lower rpms. Mid range punch is strong and the car is happy to rev up to the red line. The motor has excellent drivability and most importantly feels much more refined than before. Munching down kms on the highway at 100 kph with the tacho needle hovering around the 1400-1500 rpm mark is a piece of cake. The 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox is retained from the pre facelift car but now gets reworked ratios. The shifts feel really quick and makes the BMW 320d super fun to drive. Of course for added fun, you can shift manually via the paddle shifters. There are four driving modes on the 320d: ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. The new engine is more fuel efficient than before as well. 
Handling and BMW has always gone hand in hand and this car is no different. The updated 320d comes with reworked suspension. Body roll is well controlled and the steering is precise, though it does lack a bit in outright feel. Ride quality is very good and the 3 takes on all the bumps and undulations on the road with aplomb. No discomfort is felt inside the cabin. This, despite the car running on 18 inch wheels with low profile run flat tyres. We are sure the other trim level models that have smaller wheels will be even better in terms of ride quality.
The BMW 320d comes with a host of safety features. These include six airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, crash sensor, side impact protection and three point seat belts with pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front.
The facelift BMW 3 Series is a much better car than its predecessor in every way. You realize that more when you actually take to the wheel. It has a much improved driving experience and the new engine is brilliant. BMW has taken care of the earlier short comings as well. It is more refined and will keep your pockets happy. It handles better too. The range topping BMW 320d M-Sport that you see here is a good 3 lakh more expensive than the other trims. If you have a thing for the M goodies, it makes sense to go for the M-Sport. Else, the Sport and Luxury Line variants have the same fun to drive factor and other virtues that you expect from a 3-Series. A well rounded sports sedan, it should definitely be on your radar if you are looking to buy a car in this segment. For petrol lovers, BMW has also launched the 320i variant that is available as a CBU. We will bring you a review of that car soon.
BMW 320d M-Sport photo gallery:
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