Combining unrivaled performance with fuel-sipping economy, the BMW 330d M Sport really is the king of the oil-burners, writes The Wheel Deal.

Drive: 8/10

Not too long ago the thought of a “sporty” diesel saloon seemed laughable. After all, oil-burning engines were normally the reserve of agricultural vehicles; work-hardened trucks and tractors that belched and spluttered their way around muddy fields and lonely rural service roads. That’s no longer the case and the progress in turbo-diesel technology has given rise to a new breed of vehicle that shoehorns exceptional fuel economy with rip-roaring performance. And this BMW 330d M Sport is, for the moment, the pinnacle of species. Besides benefiting from 50:50 weight distribution, this sporty Bavarian also has a specially designed suspension system that takes its handling up to a whole new tier of excellence. While it does compromise the ride somewhat, this extra stiffness makes the car feel a lot more focused when carving through corners. Turn in, keep you foot on the gas and the Beemer’s nose will track with sniper-like accuracy. There’s a heck-load of grip too but, being rear-wheel drive and having more torque than a Lamborghini Gallardo, it’s still possible to get the 330d’s tail out around bends. And that, ultimately, is what makes this BMW infinitely more exciting to drive than its closet Audi rival. You have to be alert; counter any oversteer and generally give a lot more consideration to both your entry and exit speeds. It can be hard work at times but when you get it together and hit that perfect apex, the feeling is well worth it.
The 330d’s forward momentum is just as enthralling as its lateral dexterity due to the brand-new all-aluminium engine bolted under its bonnet. A six-pot three-litre turbo diesel with variable turbine geometry, it cranks out 180 kilowatts and, more importantly, an incredible 520 Newton Metres of torque. Smooth as silk with hardly any of that old school diesel rattle, it makes rapid progress frighteningly easy. In-gear acceleration is particularly impressive and, even on tighter sections of road, you seldom have to work the stubby M Sport gear lever to keep things on the boil. On the subject of swapping cogs, the 330d’s ratio-changing abilities are just as commendable as the rest of the package. Positively firm but never overly stiff, the six-speed box is complemented with one of the finest clutches in the business. The modulation between the two is simply spellbinding and moving around the gate is always an accurate and thoroughly rewarding experience. I did have some beef with the steering though because, as it’s electrically assisted to improve fuel consumption, it does tend to get overly light as higher speeds. This aside, the BMW 330d M Sport is probably one of the most dynamic diesel-powered saloons on the planet today – and one that will please even the most devout of driving purists.

Exterior Design: 4/5

Already crimped and creased from a recent facelift, the 330d M Sport stands out from the standard model thanks to an aggressive aerodynamics package. Besides making the car cut through the air with added gusto, it also lends it an added air of menace – especially when viewed from the front.
Tear your gaze away from the hypnotic stare cast by those Adaptive Xenon headlamps, which, incidentally, have built in daytime running lights, and you’ll also discover a gorgeous set of 18-inch star-spoke alloys, chromed tailpipes and a proper rear air-diffuser. Besides the obvious cosmetic enhancements our test model also featured the firm’s new LED taillight technology, an automatic rain sensor positioned behind the windscreen, and optional parking sensors in both the front and rear bumpers. Understated and classy, especially when coated in black sapphire paint, the 330d M Sport will appeal to those who like keeping under the radar.

Interior Design: 3/5

Typically German, the interior of the 330d M Sport is well made but disappointingly austere. In also feels somewhat dated when you compare it to the sort of cabins Audi is churning out at the moment. Nevertheless, the ergonomics are exceptional and it takes no time at all to work out how everything works. The new second-generation iDrive is a revelation and features a slick Apple-like interface that, unlike its predecessor, makes it dead simple to scroll through the car’s various functions and settings.
I was particularly taken with the satellite navigation that offers a clever three-dimensional perspective view and the system check menu that lets you monitor tyre pressures, check the engine oil and see if any faults have been picked up by the diagnostics computer. Audiophiles will dig the USB iPod compatibility and the built-in 80-Gig hard drive that can store your favourite tunes into an easy-to-access music library. Electronics aside, the M Sport package throws in a pair of torso-hugging seats, snazzy M-branded doorsills, a stout M gearlever and a smart leather steering wheel that, you guessed it, also wears the legendary BMW Motorsport logo.

Overall: 15/20

There’s little to find fault with in the BMW 330d M Sport. Frugal, devilishly fun to drive and backed up by BMW’s legendary after sales service; it certainly is an appealing package for those looking for a sporty four-door saloon.

BMW 330d M Sport Fast Facts:

Price: R451 200

Engine: 2993cc straight-six turbocharged diesel
Power: 180 kW at 4000rpm
Torque: 520 Nm between 1750 and 3000rpm
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds (manufacturer claim)
Top speed: 250km/h
Fuel consumption: 6.3l/100km (claimed combined)
CO2: 167 g/km