Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to own and run a range of cars, from powerful petrol performance models to clever hybrids and everything in between. Among them, the G20 BMW 320d xDrive M Sport stands out as one of the most refined and capable all rounders I have had the pleasure of owning. It was a car that played a key role in my work life, tackling A and B road journeys with composure and confidence, while still managing to feel special on the daily drive. Like many of my cars, it eventually made way for something new, not because it disappointed, but simply because I tend to change vehicles often. That, and it had begun to clock up the miles.
With the M Sport Plus package and striking 19 inch rims, the car had serious road presence. It was not just practical, it looked genuinely brilliant. The body styling, larger brakes, and Shadow Line trim gave it the kind of understated aggression that suits a premium diesel saloon perfectly.
Under the bonnet, the 320d was powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel engine pushing out around 190 bhp and 400 Nm of torque. It was smooth, responsive, and paired beautifully with BMW’s eight speed automatic gearbox. The xDrive all wheel drive system was excellent. Whether threading through rain soaked B roads or eating up miles on the motorway, traction and stability were always on point. It gave a sense of confidence in poor conditions that rear driven models simply cannot match.
Fuel economy was another strength. While official figures hovered around 50 mpg, I regularly saw high 40s on longer runs. In a world where fuel prices keep creeping up, that kind of economy without sacrificing performance is a win.
Step inside and the cabin really impressed. Mine came with oyster leather seats and optional wooden trim, thankfully with no piano black plastic in sight. The finish was tasteful, mature, and built to a high standard. The optional head up display proved genuinely useful for motorway work, displaying speed, navigation and other essentials directly in the line of sight. It is the sort of tech that once you have had, you miss in everything else.
Of course, being a German marque, a lot of these desirable features were optional extras. This is not unique to BMW, Audi and Mercedes are just as guilty, but it is worth noting that many of the things that made this car feel special were added at build stage. Still, when well specced like mine, the result was a car that felt just as premium on the inside as it looked from the outside.
The handling was classic BMW. Even with xDrive, it retained that well judged steering and rear bias when pushed. It was responsive and composed, but never harsh. The ride, especially with the adaptive suspension, struck a lovely balance between sporty and supple.
In short, the BMW 320d xDrive M Sport was an exceptional machine. Smart, efficient, good looking and genuinely enjoyable to drive. It made light work of long commutes, never once let me down, and was every bit as classy and capable as you would expect from a car wearing the M Sport badge. It is one I still look back on fondly, and if it were not for my habit of changing cars so often, I would have been happy to keep it even longer.
Leave a comment