The BMW 330Li is that no-nonsense, ticks-all-boxes car. It comes to office, does its job, and goes home. Simple. And in a world full of pretentious SUVs, this is a low-to-the-ground sedan. Honestly, you cannot tell the differences in the LCI II, save for the flat-bottom steering wheel, a software update on the iDrive and subtle exterior changes.
How’s the rear-seat?
This is where the party is. The ‘Li’ means that it’s a long wheelbase and you can stretch your legs comfortably. The soft-pillow on the head-rest makes all those naps on long road-trips peaceful. It has great under-thigh support and head-room is decent. No touch-screens to bombard you with unnecessary information. The recline-angle of the seat could have been better but overall, it’s a nice place to be in.
The interior?
Well-built. Solid. Not as fancy as a Mercedes but feels every bit luxurious, draped in soft-touch materials. The brown interior adds soul to the cabin. The graphics on the curved-screen are crisp and it retains physical buttons except for the AC settings which is a bummer. There’s a big pano-sunroof to let in some light. The interior suits the understated nature of the car.
Okay, enough of that. I want to drive.
RWD, an agile 3-series chassis and even Launch Control for you purists. It’s a BMW. You can completely turn off traction control and do a cheeky slide too. Step in the driver’s seat and what strikes you is the driving position. Perfect. It is powered by a B48, a 2.0l turbocharged 4-cylinder pushing 258 hp only to the rear wheels. Yum. Before you get any ideas though, this engine is tuned to be smooth and not to chase the redline. The ZF 8-speed complements the sedate nature of the engine as it’s butter-smooth. And the suspension, well……
Suspension and driving dynamics:
The 330Li does not shy away from what it is. And the suspension is tuned to be on the softer side. It floats over uneven roads and the ride is plush. But when you push it too hard, the suspension begs for mercy. It’s just not meant to be driven with a heavy foot. The longer wheelbase takes away some of the agile feel of the chassis but it still handles really well. The steering lacks feel but it is light and easy to manoeuvre in city traffic.
Final Thoughts:
The BMW 330Li is true to what it is; a comfortable sedan for those who prefer to be driven. The spacious rear-seat makes for a time well spent on road-trips and when you drive it, it is a pleasant experience. With the subtle changes on the LCI II, the 330Li retains its soul and makes for the perfect understated sedan.
