2006 BMW 325xi Touring Road Test (Video Clip)

2006 BMW 325xi Touring (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com)

Although we don't hear the bumps, we still feel them a bit. The suspension is firm and sport-tuned, but accomplishes a remarkable job of absorbing impacts. It makes the 325xi very pleasant to drive. We can feel a little understeer in quick curves, which might be caused by the winter tires. We may feel the road's imperfections, but they don't degrade the ride quality. In fact, the car feels rock-solid.

Stopping at the gas station, we are relieved to see that the fuel consumption average is around 12.5 L/100 km, which is reasonable considering the cold weather. If you drive more aggressively, you could see the average climb up to 15.5 L/100 km.

During the entire week spent behind the wheel of the 325xi Touring, I was questioning the real purpose of its all-wheel drive system, which is called xDrive. After all, the car is equipped with an arsenal of stability control systems, including ASC+T and DSC-X. But within a few hours, and with Mother Nature lovingly dumping 40 centimetres of snow on the ground, my doubt transformed into pure admiration. The xDrive system allowed me to get to work as quickly as on a nice summer morning.

2006 BMW 325xi Touring (Photo: Ray Watson, Auto123.com)

Without any hesitation or wheelspin, I was driving down the small streets in my village in a split second, while everybody else was pushing their cars, and swearing profusely. On the highway, I was barrelling down the straights at 100 km/h in the unplowed left lane, while all the others were following each other at a snail's pace.

The attention to detail in the car impresses me. For example, when shifting into reverse, the right rearview mirror pivots downward, making it easier to spot the curb. The tail lamps are brake-pressure sensitive, which means the harder we press on the brake pedal, the brighter they light up. All windows can be lowered or raised automatically, instead of the usual driver-only feature. Of course, rich people that could purchase the 325xi to be their winter beater are used to this type or pampering, but not me.

The 325xi Touring has a base price of $44,400. With the options included in this test car, like the Sport and Premium packages, the bill climbs to

2006 BMW 325xi Touring (Photo: Olivier Delorme, Auto123.com)

about $52,000. That's not a steal, I must admit. However, the effort that BMW applied to the quality of this car commands a higher price in itself. There is a vast selection of exterior colours and interior trimmings. For my peasant budget, the 325xi Touring would be more interesting with a price that's $5,000 less. But, for those who've just received that promotion and raise, and are now looking for a vehicle that will better represent their new social status, this little BMW will please in a big way. The moment I will have to give back the keys of this car to BMW will be devastating for my five senses.

What I like:
Driving satisfaction
Attractive shape and cockpit
Impressive xDrive system

What I don't like:
A few thousand dollars too expensive
Lack of headroom

CLICK HERE to view the 2006 BMW 325xi Touring's specifications.