Category: Car Reviews

I spent nearly three years with the 2016 BMW 335d GT xDrive M Sport and it remains one of those rare cars that ticks almost every box. Practical, powerful and stylish, it offered a unique blend of attributes that made it stand out not just in the BMW range but across the market. I cherished it throughout my ownership and even invested in upgrading the suspension with Koni FSD dampers and AC Schnitzer springs, which took the driving experience to another level.

Finished in Sapphire Black and specified with the M Sport Plus package, this was a car that looked the part. The 19 inch alloy wheels, Shadow Line exterior trim and subtle M Sport body styling gave it a purposeful presence. One particularly clever touch was the active rear spoiler which raised automatically at certain speeds, adding a little drama and aerodynamic function in equal measure. Inside, the contrast of oyster leather and high quality materials made the cabin feel both premium and welcoming. The absence of piano black trim was a bonus, with everything feeling considered and durable. The Professional Navigation system was responsive, clear and up to date, making longer journeys effortless.

At the heart of the 335d GT was a 3.0 litre straight six twin turbo diesel engine producing around 308 bhp and 630 Nm of torque. It delivered its power with incredible smoothness and authority. The zero to sixty time of around five seconds tells only part of the story. The way it surged forward at any speed, especially in Sport mode, made it feel effortlessly fast in real world conditions. Power delivery was linear and muscular, and with the help of the ZF eight speed automatic gearbox, it felt just as capable darting into gaps in traffic as it did cruising at motorway speeds.

BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive system ensured traction was always available, especially on damp or uneven roads. Combined with the upgraded suspension setup, the car handled with surprising agility for something so practical. The Koni FSD dampers and AC Schnitzer springs helped reduce body roll and added composure through corners, all while maintaining ride comfort. It gave the GT the poise of a sports saloon with the usability of a family car.

One of the GT’s most underrated features was its space. The extended wheelbase compared to the regular 3 Series saloon offered excellent rear legroom and the hatchback design meant loading and unloading luggage was far easier. The boot was cavernous and with the rear seats folded flat, it could accommodate bulky items that most saloons simply could not. For those needing genuine practicality without stepping into an SUV, the 335d GT was a perfect fit.

Fuel economy was another pleasant surprise. Official figures suggested around 50 miles per gallon and I consistently achieved mid to high 40s on longer trips. Given the performance on offer, this level of efficiency made the car even more appealing as a daily driver.

The ride quality, even before the suspension upgrade, was well judged. With the improvements in place, the balance of comfort and control felt spot on. The upgraded setup gave the car more composure through undulations and corners while still absorbing bumps with confidence. It always felt solid and planted without ever becoming harsh or crashy.

In summary, the 2016 BMW 335d GT xDrive M Sport was a truly exceptional machine. Blending effortless power, all weather capability, high quality interior appointments and outstanding practicality, it was one of the most complete vehicles I have owned. The suspension upgrades refined an already competent chassis and the GT’s unique blend of space and performance made it feel like a true all rounder. A car I still look back on with genuine fondness and one that quietly outperformed many more obvious choices.

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.