Whether it's your first time shopping for a BMW 3 Series model, or you're a veteran, deciding on the variant may be overwhelming. Add in decisions between engine, design, and features, and you might find yourself stuck. 

But if your choice is between the 320i and 330i, you'll find each model has a mission, and all you have to decide is which one fits yours.

 

A Luxury Cruiser, Or Well-Rounded Sport Sedan

The fundamental difference between the 320i and 330i is how it approaches BMW's Ultimate Driving Machine philosophy. Both offer a comfortable, sporting ride, but with the 320i, the goal is to offer an accessibly-priced luxury cruiser, while the 330i offers a balance between that and more aggressive performance. Both can be had with a choice between two or four different design stylings, and have available xDrive AWD.

 

But there are even more differences to be found. Here's a side-by-side break down of what each model has to offer.

 

2017 BMW 320i Highlights

 

• Design Choices. Select your flavor of 320i by choosing between Sport Design or Sport Plus Design, and between Convenience or Premium tiers for the right features for you.
 
• Power. 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque (1,250 rpm - 4,500 rpm), available six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, xDrive AWD.
• Notable Features. Driver Assistance, Track Handling Package.

The 320i is no slouch, especially with 200 lb-ft of torque driving things forward. But just because this is the entry-level model doesn't mean your compromising on an Ultimate Driving Machine experience. Quality of build and materials are on par with what you expect from a BMW, and the handling is top-notch. You can also further outfit your 320i with additional packages and stand-alone features, like a heated steering wheel, blind spot detection, and more.

 

2017 BMW 330i Highlights

• Design Choices. Opt into your desired feel when you choose between Sport Line, Luxury, Shadow Sport Edition, and M Sport Designs, with Convenience and Premium tiers.
 
• Power. 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 248 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque (1,250, 4,800 rpm), available six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, xDrive AWD.
• Notable Features. M Sport Suspension, LED lighting, Sport Seats, iDrive.

The 330i is meant to be a quintessential sports sedan-only a BMW. Between its options include features like a head-up display, the latest iDrive interface, and real-time traffic updates. But the 330i also gets access to an arsenal of M Performance parts, ranging from sport suspension to unique design flourishes. When the road gets winding, the near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and impressive power from the turbocharged inline-four will get your heart racing every time.

Whether you've made up your mind, or need more assistance, let the experts at our San Antonio, TX location help. Contact our showroom, which also serves New Braunfels, Boerne, and San Marcos, TX with pride.