Chris Harris reviews the new 2014 BMW 320i at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in California.

Sporting a TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine, the new 2014 BMW 320i Sedan went on sale last year and it is the most affordable BMW in the U.S. lineup. The 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine produces 180 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 200 lb-ft of torque from 1,250 rpm – 4,500 rpm. 0-60 mph acceleration for the 320i Sedan is estimated to require only 7.1 seconds with either transmission choice. Top speed is an electronically-limited 130 mph. Fuel consumption is also astonishing: city/highway 24/36 mpg EPA.

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Our own Hugo Becker said back in February that “the entry into the BMW brand in the US has always been the 3 series, and as the 3 series has grown in size, power and features, it’s affordability has declined. BMW has recognized this and has introduced the 320i (let’s think of it as the successor to the 318i). This is the car that a younger buyer can stretch the budget to get. It will deliver the essence of the Ultimate Driving Machine at a price that makes sense.”

What can $35,000 get you: BMW 320i ZSP+ZMT

Here is the review by the charismatic Harris: