Vehicle: 2006 BMW 325Xi Touring with 6-speed Steptronic, Sport and Premium Pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$54700

Performance: Under 3-Series Touring’s bonnet lies BMW’s legendary straight 6 technology. A detuned 3.0L straight 6 that is good for 215 ponies and 185 lb/ft of torque. While BMW straight 6’s entertaining engine note and refinment remain intact, the performance feels underwhelming especially with the 6-speed Steptronic. Just like the sedan I have driven a couple of months ago, the accleration seat-of-the-pants feel underwhelming for a BMW. There are still plenty of torque considered it arrives at a pretty low 2750 rpm. Even with the good work ethics of the 6-speed Steptronic manumatic, it still lacks the punch one would expect from a BMW. The Steptronic works exceptionally well in manumatic mode as well as full-auto, which are totally responsive and have crisp shifting dynamics. The throttle response is linear although not exceptionally responsive. Just like all BMW straight 6s, this engine is always willing to rev through redline without losing that gorgeous engine note. Its a no-brainer to choose the 6-speed stick over Steptronic since it uses the powerband much better with do-it-yourselfer.

Handling: All the excellent fundamentals of a 3-Series is already there for the Touring. That means a stiff chassis, excellent suspension setting with proper ride comfort. X stands for X Drive, the definition of BMW’s AWD system. This system uses DSC-3, or Dynamic Stability Control to control wheelspin. Once the system detects there is any wheelspin or a wheel gets stuck, it will use a electronic clutch to deliver the power when it needed. The problem with this system is whenever there is a stuck wheel, both the ABS and DSC-3 have to be in full force. In the short term, its not an issue. However, both the ABS and DSC-3 sensors will burned eventually if one has to drive in winter months from October to March. On the other hand, X-Drive system has created a much more understeer for this rear-bias system. When you pushed into corners, the understeer will showed its ugly heads way before you encounter oversteer. While X-Drive already driven better than the original BMW AWD, it still lacks the communication and driving fun that one expects from BMW rear-driver. The last issue with an AWD 3-Series has to be with the run-flat tires. While it rides decently on rear-drivers, the ride quality is just acceptable in this 325Xi. It just lacks the sublime handling and ride compromise that one expects from a BMW. However, they finally addressed one of the biggest criticisms of E46 3-Series AWD and that is the steering. In the past, 3-Series’s AWD steering feels stiff and lack the swiftness of rear-drivers. Although E90 AWD’s steering still lacks the swiftness of equivalent RWD, it feels much crispier than before. Finally, keep in mind this sports package is more of a sports appearance package. It doesn’t have the firmer suspension, springs and shocks as with RWD sports package. Even though its dynamics still worthy enough to considered as a 3-Series, its far away from its rear-drive silibing and cross-town rival from Audi.

Brakes: With large 4-wheel discs and standard ABS, its no surprise it brake pedal feels as good as all the BMWs I have ever driven. The pedal is firm and easily modulate, as well as fade-free after a couple of hard stops.

Interior: Inside the 3-Series Touring’s interior is all BMW fare. Excellent set of instrumentation gauges with a set of great sports seats. However, the interior materials and quality are still low-rent. There are plenty of cheap and flimsy plastic all over the cabin. It just lacks the expensive feel that one expected from a BMW. The cost-cutting measure is just too obvious in the new 3-Series and Touring is no exception.

BMW designers are smart enough to have a seperate flip-open window for us to threw small item into the hatch. On the other hand, the liftover is low with nice carpeted cargo area. There are also enough cubbyholes for shoppers to store small items.

Conclusion: Despite of my criticisms, 3-Series Touring remains a much much better car than the unremarkable X3. It drives, looks and feels very much like a compact Sport Utility Vehicle that defined BMW brand. Here lies the roughs. BMW should put 330i’s 255hp into Touring body in order to appeal to the “Sport” crowd because 215hp just doesn’t cut in. As well as its “faux” sports package isn’t worth the premium even with that awesome sports seats.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2006 BMW 325XI TOURING
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 3/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-f0r-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 4/5