Sheer Driving Pleasure?
Sheer driving pleasure, the three words that are not only a simple slogan but something the brand strives for when producing its products. It makes for an interesting proposition when it comes to having one as a first car. The idea is nice but beware, this is a luxury/performance brand so you need to remember that the initial purchase price and maintenance are not going to be something similar to buying a simple economy hatchback. If you do have the finances for it, then, by all means, they're great and dynamic vehicles to experience.
We'll dive into 3 models, looking at pricing, practicality and maintenance.
Related: Are BMWs expensive to insure? >
BMW 1 Series
BMW's entry-level hatchback, the 1 Series, is available with both petrol and diesel engines. We'll use the 118i as a springboard here. Practicality wise you're looking at 5 doors, seating for 5 adults and a luggage capacity of 380-litres. For taller individuals, the rear may be a bit cramped since we are talking about a hatchback here.
Powering the 118i is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged motor consuming a modest 5.9 L/100km combined cycle. The engine produces 103kW and 220Nm of torque, so it's not a whole load of power to be a handful as a first car.
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In terms of safety, you can sleep easy knowing the 1 series will transport you with care with a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating. Apart from standard safety technology such as ABS and Traction control, you also get active stability control, electronic differential lock control, start-off assistance, performance control, trailer stability control, dynamic brake control, dry brake function and fading compensation. In addition, with airbags, you get driver, passenger, side and head for front and rear and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
Perhaps you want a compact sedan where the boot is its own entity. Enter the 2 Series Gran Coupe. We'll use the 218i Gran Coupé. The driving dynamics here are finely tuned for those wanting a more dynamic experience. Practicality here is much like the aforementioned 1 Series except the luggage capacity gets bumped up to 430-litres. You still can seat 5 adults comfortably.
Here in the 218i Gran Coupé, you'll find the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged motor in the above-mentioned 1 Series. So 103kW of power and 220Nm of torque and the same claimed fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100km.
Related: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (2020) review: A niche too far?
Safety is more or less the same as in the 1 Series. Standard safety tech includes ABS, traction control and active stability control. Other systems include dry brake function and fading compensation, start-off assistance, electronic differential lock control, performance control, trailer stability control and dynamic brake control. Airbags are the same as well with driver, passenger, side and head airbags for the front and rear along with ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
For all intents and purposes, the kit on offer here is much the same but with the addition of a bigger boot and some different styling cues.
BMW 3 Series
When you think of BMW, this is the first vehicle that comes to mind, the 3 Series. Here we'll use the 318i. This is bigger than the aforementioned 2 Series Gran Coupé as it is a saloon. But still, you do get park distance sensors to negotiate those tighter parking spaces. Practicality includes a larger space compared to the two previously mentioned models so better space in the rear seating for taller adults. The luggage capacity is also bigger at 480-litres.
In the 318i you'll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 115kW of power and 250Nm of torque. This is a bigger engine but there's enough power at least to not get you into trouble. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.3 L/100km.
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Safety-wise, it's the same features you'd find on the aforementioned 1 Series and 2 Series. The standard kit includes ABS, traction control and active stability control. Other safety features include start-off assistance, electronic differential lock control, trailer stability control, performance control, dynamic brake control, dry brake function and fading compensation and a notable difference is corner braking control.
Service and Maintenance
With regards to maintenance, BMW offers their maintenance plan 'Motorplan' which is included with any new BMW. The Motorplan covers 5 years/ 100 000km and can be extended to 7 years/ 200 000km. The benefit includes all major mechanical repairs, cover for repairs and costs of parts from normal wear and tear which can happen even after the manufacturer's warranty has expired. All fluids like oil, brake fluids and such are covered by the Motorplan. You can also service at any BMW dealership across the nation as well as Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia. Lastly, you get 24-hour roadside assistance.
Verdict
If you can afford the initial cost of a BMW as well as the potential insurance price, the entry-level models are solid recommendations with practicality, maintenance and fuel consumption in mind.
