This is a bit of a rebellious move, isn&rsquo;t it? While manufacturers are scrambling towards smaller engines and the government lays down questionable plans for electrification, BMW has re-introduced a petrol motor and attached a pair of turbochargers to it for good measure. Yes, the badge reads 330i, but in this world of confused numbers, this is no longer a 3.0-litre, straight six. Instead, it is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-charged unit that is good for 252bhp. Combined with an 8-speed transmission, this 3-series can really get a move on. Let the rumble from the exhaust settle down after you&rsquo;ve turned the ignition on and the 330i is ready for business. In case you were wondering, there is a healthy 350Nm of twist to help it along too and it is available over a broad band in the rev range. The result is a responsive engine that scarcely lets you feel the lack of a straight-six under the hood. In fact, it is quicker &ndash; 0-100kph in 6.1 seconds &ndash; and BMW claims it will motor on till an indicated 250kph.It even sounds good when you are thrashing this 2.0-litre motor with the exhaust gaining a few decibels, as the tacho needle moves higher into the rev range with &lsquo;Sport&rsquo; engaged. The steering is still light, but accurate enough. Find your favourite set of twisties and hit &lsquo;Sport +&rsquo;, which automatically switches traction control off, and bury your right foot in the carpet. The rear wheels are happy to break traction and the linear power delivery enables smooth slides. It isn&rsquo;t quite a hooligan and there are no pops and crackles from the exhaust to poke at your wild side, but it is an impressive motor that delivers a fantastic driving experience. However, there is also the bit about BMWs going a bit soft, this 3-series in particular, which takes away from the experience. Build up speed and the suspension tends to wallow over smooth bumps, selecting &lsquo;Sport&rsquo; does nothing as we don&rsquo;t get adaptive suspension even as an option. But then, it has broadened its appeal thanks to this characteristic. Therefore, it isn&rsquo;t really an accident that the 330i can also go by life at a perfectly sober pace with the exhaust barely audible as the eight-speed transmission allows for a frugal 1500rpm cruise at 100kph.BMW may have changed its badging logic, but this 330i is quicker and more efficient. Moreover, there is no saying no to turbochargers, is there? At ₹45.2 lakh (ex-showroom, India), this M Sport packaged 3-series has the ability to offer a bit of everything, raising its appeal even further.

BMW 330i M Sport

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