Moving on from the Honda Accord last week, we're analysing the 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport in the WapCar Ratings test.

And technically, the BMW 3 Series is a D-segment sedan as compact executive sedans fall in the subset of the segment. But we're not here to start another chain of arguments, let's talk numbers instead.

Driving Performance – 42.5/50 pts, handles like a champ

Getting up to speed is effortless from the available torque. But the engine does run out of breath above 5,000 rpm, so it’s best to stay within the “meat” of the range between 2,000 – 5,000 rpm.

Steering is telepathically precise. The relationship between the body, suspension and steering is harmoniously synced. It feels light on its feet and wonderfully balanced in corners.

The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is calibrated to perfection. It’s incisive, snappy, and smooth. It’s always in the right gear at the right time and shifts imperceptibly when cruising.

Ride Comfort – 32.5/50 pts, suspension is a little busy

The G20 BMW 320i Sport's suspension is on the busy side. Over less than ideal surfaces, you do feel the unevenness. But it’s rarely harsh and should be tolerable for many.

The seats are firm as well, both front and rear. In typical BMW fashion, there’s a cushion extension for additional thigh support for the front seats. Side support is adjustable but lumbar adjustment is absent.

Noise level is an area much improved over the F30 generation BMW 3 Series. Road or tyre noise is noticeably lower than before and wind noise is well suppressed, thanks to the use of acoustic glass.

Quality and Features – 36/50 pts, interior materials could be better

Panel gaps deviated by no more than 0.5 mm from opposite sides, which indicates above average build quality. Paint thickness consistency averaged in the 100s of µm.

Build quality is as you'd expect from the compact executive sedan. Material selection however, are slightly below expectation.

The door grab handles/pockets feel hollow, the knobs on the side air vents feel plasticky, lower door plastics aren’t soft as in the F30, and the lid on the centre console has sharp edges.

The iDrive system which runs on Operating System 6 is intuitive to use. Apple CarPlay is available on a subscription basis,  but Android Auto is yet to be available.

BMW Malaysia updated the BMW 320i Sport earlier this year with the Driving Assistant package, which bundles Lane Change Warning (LCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), front collision warning with brake intervention (AEB), rear-cross traffic alert and rear collision prevention.

Space and Practicality – 31/50 pts, relatively spacious

Space in the rear is generous for a car of this size. There's about 3 tennis balls of kneeroom and 1 tennis ball of headroom for a 175 cm adult.

Door bins are large enough to fit 1.5-litre bottles and the centre armrest storage is decently sized. Boot space is rated at 480 litres.

Fuel consumption – 16/20 pts, respectable figure

After completing a 142.6 km journey broken down to 60% highway and 40% city driving, the amount of fuel required to fill brim the tank is 11.5 litres.

Which gives a calculated figure of 8.0-litre/100 km. Considering the power output and weight of the BMW 320i, it's a respectable figure.

Purchase and Cost – 23/30 pts, 5-year worry free

The locally-assembled G20 BMW 320i Sport is priced at RM 248,800 (with SST). Price without SST is RM 241,794, valid until 31 December 2020.

It's competitively priced within its segment and BMW Malaysia offers a 5-year free maintenance program, which is a strong selling point.

Conclusion – 181/250 pts overall

The 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport delivers excellent driving performance as expected from a BMW. It's rather economical on fuel and has a 5-year free maintenance program, both of which enhances the purchase and cost aspect. 

Downside is the ride comfort and some aspects of the interior, such as ergonomics and material selection.

But if you prioritise driving experience over all the other aspects tested here, then the G20 BMW 320i Sport is the perfect car for you.