The distinctively upscale BMW 318i

MANILA, Philippines – Much has been said about BMW being the pioneer in sports sedans. Equally generous ink has been spewed praising the company’s legendary inline-6 engines. Enough to make the 4-cylinder motors seem like an afterthought – almost like an effort to pander to those eager to have a car with the spinning propeller logo in their garages but have a more limited budget.

Well, the 4-cylinder 318i may be an entry-level model in the 3-Series hierarchy but it sacrifices none of the marque’s numerous and much-prized attributes. For one thing, it looks oh-so-gorgeous, especially in red or silver. The E90 series is at the halfway point of its model cycle, but it still looks fresh, dynamic, and distinctively upscale.

For another, you don’t feel like the car scrimps on luxury. The many creature comforts and conveniences, the creamy soft leather, and even the aroma of the interior all reek of affluence and luxury. Call me biased, but I’d gladly pay the premium this P2.75-million car commands over the bigger-sized (and bigger-engined) Japanese midsized sedans – assuming I can afford it. In any case, trying to justify the price premium of this (or any high-end luxury car, for that matter) is like trying to justify the price points of a Rolex vis-à-vis any Japanese timepiece.

So the 318i has the looks and luxury part down pat. What about the aspect that is most responsible for the Bavarian legend – performance? Thankfully, it’s still there, although not necessarily in spades.

Road-going Bimmers (as opposed to their racing and modified “M” brethren) have always been about balanced performance, not sheer gut-wrenching acceleration and stomach-churning cornering. And to this end, the 318i does not disappoint. If you love the 60s through 80s, 2002’s and 320i’s, you’ll love this car.

Contrary to its nomenclature, the 318i is powered not by a 1.8-liter engine, but by a 2-liter motor. It develops 141 hp and 190 Nm of torque – about the same as a 440-pound lighter Honda Civic 1.8. Which is why the 318i accelerates like a Civic with three people on board.

But while this car won’t win too may stoplight drag races, this rear-wheel-drive sedan will show a clean pair of tail lamps to many lighter and more powerful cars when the road gets twisty. Credit goes to BMW’s typically brilliant tuning of its suspension, which never fails to marry a supple ride with inspired handling.

Another abettor to the spritely performance is the superb 6-speed manumatic. Flick it up and down the gear lever’s “+” and “-” gates or simply leave it on “S” mode for more aggressive upshifts and downshifts.

The car simply feels more alive and the overall driving experience more involving compared to your usual sedan, regardless of whether it’s an Asian or a European model.

Whether you’re a first-time BMW buyer or a long-time owner of the Bavarian brand, rest assured that this car has all the basic requirements to satisfy most expectations.

The Good

• Surprisingly energetic engine (for its relatively small displacement)

• Superb balance between ride and handling

• Spacious, luxurious, and well-equipped cabin

• Lots of state-of-the-art safety features

The Bad

• Paddle shifters would be nice

• Pricey

The Verdict

• An excellent entry-level 3-series model for first-time (and even veteran) BMW buyers