Many have tried to take its crown, but the BMW 3 Series remains the de facto benchmark compact executive sports sedan.

For nearly 50 years, BMW’s smallest, rear-wheel-drive four-door has combined stellar driving dynamics with superb refinement and the latest technology.

The current G20 3 Series has been in production since 2018. Still, the Philippines now gets a new variant called the 318i Sport, according to February 2023 press statement from local BMW importer and distributor SMC Asia Car Distributors Corp.

Efficient turbo engine

The biggest news for this new model is under the hood.

The 318i Sport gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine pumping out 156 PS and 250 Nm of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

It also comes with a suite of automated driving and parking systems that include Cruise Control with brake function, Manual Speed Limit Assist, and Parking Assistant with Reversing Assist Camera.

In addition, the Reversing Assistant carries out the necessary steering inputs to maneuver the car backward for distances of up to 50 meters along the same line it took when moving forward.

Snazzier exterior

Given this is the Sport variant, this 318i features blacked-out M Shadowline trim for a more sleek appearance, particularly in the kidney grills, the window surrounds, and the lower bumper trim.

The full LED headlights have been redesigned for an edgier look that complements the standard M Aerodynamic package, which includes sportier bumpers and a distinct rear apron. 

Wrapping it all together are the standard 18-inch M light-alloy wheels in flared wheel arches and the large twin exhaust pipes.

14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen

Step inside the 318i Sport, and you get a minimalistic yet functional cabin.

The BMW Live Cockpit Plus includes a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches that merges into a single fully digital and high-resolution unit. 

Meanwhile, the BMW iDrive rotary controller sits next to the gear selector. The former runs on the latest generation of BMW Operating System 8 that offers powerful connectivity and data processing capabilities.

The 318i Sport also has a three-zone automatic climate control system that can be operated by voice command or touch via the control display.

Other standard features include an automatically dimming rear-view mirror, the extended storage package, and Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear. The new BMW 318i Sport is also fitted with the BMW Maps navigation system.

The newest 3 Series variant starts at ₱3,790,000 and comes with a five-year comprehensive BMW warranty.  

What do you think of the new BMW 318i Sport? Is it worth the bump up in price?

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