- BMW have launched new 3, 8 and X5 models... plus an up and coming Z4.

Celebrating the Launch of the BMW 3 and 8 Series

Rolfe Classic Canberra

What's the Event?

Rolfe Classic, Canberra's BMW dealer, celebrated the launch of the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 8 Series by inviting some very, lucky people to drive several of their cars. These included the new 330i, 320d and the M850i. Halfway through, at Cotter Reserve, Altina Drinks allowed us to sample some of their zero proof craft cocktails for this special occasion.

Altina Drinks - non-alcoholic cocktails that tasted great with no effect, unless you're like Barney Gumble

Altina Drinks - non-alcoholic cocktails that tasted great with no effect, unless you're like Barney Gumble

Heres a list of the cars I drove with notes made shortly afterwards... enjoy!

320d

Route: Rolfe Classic to Point Hut Crossing.

Notes: A very slick diesel engine that sounded, well, petrolish in traffic, although at this stage I was trying to keep in the convoy through late morning Canberra traffic. The interior, which was pretty much the same for all the cars except for the X2, was well thought out, although the new instrument cluster took a time to get used to. In the end, I used the HUD which allowed me to keep my eyes on the road. I did not disable the stop/start in this car, but it wasn't intrusive.

Summary: Refined in day to day traffic with the dynamic dampers, which made a difference. The steering felt good; although not as direct as an M2 for instance, but still responsive.

330i

Route: Point Hut Crossing to Tidbinbilla Vistors' Centre

Tidbinbilla Vistors' Centre and the 330i... with lots of rubbish light artifacts by yours truly

Tidbinbilla Vistors' Centre and the 330i... with lots of rubbish light artifacts by yours truly

Notes: A very refined drive with appropriate levels of responsiveness. Oddly enough, it sounded as if engine noise was being piped into the cabin, which I did not find as convincing as their usual augmented engine tones in other cars. That aside, the interior was the same as the 320d and anyone familiar with BMW interiors will have little trouble adjusting. The level drive allows me to take corners far too well.

Summary: Good driving car and premium feel to instruments with very little hard plastics around the cabin. Indicator now stays in the direction turned, which is great, but I'm still not certain about the look of the joystick gear change lever.

X5 x3.0d

Route: Tidbinbilla Vistors' Centre to Cotter Reserve

x5 x3.0d - The type of grill an orthodontist would like, but actually fits the car better than its photographs. Honest!

x5 x3.0d - The type of grill an orthodontist would like, but actually fits the car better than its photographs. Honest!

Notes: Much better cabin comfort and higher seating than the 3 series. Despite the controversy of the largish grill, it worked and the car’s proportions were good "in the metal", so to speak. However, you cannot escape the laws of physics, and the car’s height plus weight meant it wasn’t as good in the twisties as the two 3 series, both of which kept well ahead. Nevertheless, it was a planted drive. The lane-keep-assist felt a bit intrusive, but no different to the Mazda CX-9 I drove last year. It’s a good technology and a life saver, but on some corners felt as if I was fighting the car.

Summary: Another competent SUV from the BMW stables. Although large, the amount of sensors around it would put the Starship Enterprise to shame.

At the Cotter Reserve

At the Cotter Reserve

X2 M35i

Route: Cotter Reserve to Mt Stromlo Observatory

X2 M35i... more fun that you think!

X2 M35i... more fun that you think!

Summary: Cabin is a one down from the 3 series and reminded me, a little, of my favourite M2. In sports mode, the car is a hoot to drive and crackled and popped. I laughed whilst driving it, which surprised me. Of course, like butterflies in spring, a clear, crisp autumn day brought out the cyclists, so great care was exercised.

Summary: What a hoot. The X2 M35i was the surprise package.

At Mount Stromlo Observatory where they grow giant, white pod things. Presumably telescopes.

At Mount Stromlo Observatory where they grow giant, white pod things. Presumably telescopes.

M850i

Route: Mount Stromlo back to Rolfe: M850i

M850i... just total fun next to the X2 M35i

M850i... just total fun next to the X2 M35i

Notes: The piece-de-resistanc. A crackling, popping, grin inducing twin turbo V8. This was the first convertible I’ve ever driven, and now I understand why they exist. The car handled superbly, although we entered traffic and so sensible driving took place. Sensible?! Did I mention in Sports Plus mode when you brake the engine pops and cackles like your own miniature fireworks behind you? And then when you accelerate it does the same. The exhaust was better than the radio in stop/start traffic. Happily ignored the fuel economy and, truth is, if you can afford a car like this you’re hardly likely to be using trading stamps for your petrol.

Summary: Definitely the showpiece. I'm a baldy, so I usually equate convertibles with increased chances of skin cancer; but for this car I'd definitely buy a hat. Now, after many years, I understand the joy of driving a loud, raucous V8 with the top down.

Why, it's the most indecently decent fun a driver can have!

It may look like an M850i engine, but that's deceptive. It's also a giggles, fun, crackle and pop fireworks factory.

It may look like an M850i engine, but that's deceptive. It's also a giggles, fun, crackle and pop fireworks factory.

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