2021 BMW 318i review: Huat price, perfection?

Singapore

EVERYONE is all electric-this and Tesla-that these days, but let's stop for a moment to ponder what an achievement the BMW 318i Sport is.

Approach the 318i and it unlocks itself as if in greeting (yes, yes, I know Teslas do that, too). If you coyly whisper, "Hey BMW, take me for some ice-cream" in the privacy of the cabin, it pipes up with a few suggestions (do not teach your kids this).

Crash badly enough, and it can summon help and tell the ambulance precisely where to find you.

It can show you the weather forecast, read you the news, and even deliver little digital presents over 4G, like the charming animated sequence with running bulls and fireworks that BMW sent out on the first day of Lunar New Year.

Any of the above would have seemed like the stuff of science fiction only half a decade ago. But the most appealing thing about the 318i is that it feels like a BMW to drive.

There's a reassuring sense of balance when you barrel around a corner in it, and though some of the edges have been rounded off by an overriding plushness, it's still a reasonably sharp car. On a lonely road through voluptuous topography, there would certainly be worse companions.

Firm suspension means you'll get jostled around now and then, but the engine is mostly imperceptible and the interior is vast, considering this is BMW's smallest proper sedan.

In fact, the only reason the 318i isn't considered a big car is because everyone is taller and fatter now than 30 years ago; it's not much smaller than that era's 7 Series, and even has a longer wheelbase.

Then there's the engine, a modern day gem. It's a bit wheezy when revved hard, but is otherwise responsive and full of vigour, with excellent manners to match. This may be the least powerful 3 Series in Singapore, but it isn't slow, and yet it's surprisingly restrained at the pumps.

Yet, the fact that there's even an engine is looking increasingly like a liability, the way electric cars are getting so much love now. It's the 3 Series' misfortune to reach its zenith just as the combustion era approaches its nadir. But the real challenge for the 318i is that it's relatively expensive. Rivals from Audi and Mercedes cost less, while BMW's own X3, a sport utility vehicle (and thus, the kind of car that is all the rage now), is within touching distance in terms of price.

Yet, the 318i reminds you why BMW is, according to Forbes, still the third most valuable automotive brand there is.

In terms of delivering what you expect from a modern combustion car, it's scarily good. It may be expensive, but then perfection doesn't come cheap.

BMW 318i Sport

Engine 1,998cc, turbocharged inline four Power 156hp at 4,500-6,500pm Torque 250Nm at 1,300-4,300rpm Gearbox 8-speed automatic 0-100km/h 8.4 seconds Top Speed 223km/h Fuel Efficiency 5.8L/100km Agent Performance Motors Limited Price S$207,888 with COE Available Now