With some luxury brands, the term “entry model” can mean you’ve settled for less, especially when it comes to driving pleasure. With the BMW 328i and 328i xDrive, “entry” to the 3 Series means you haven’t settled, but rather stepped up to the car that other brands are still trying to match…but can’t.

The most respected auto critics in the business – whether at enthusiast or consumer publications – make no apologies for their admiration of the BMW 3 Series. They’d be quick to tell you the joy of ownership starts right with the 328i and 328i xDrive models. Case in point: In its most recent comparison test pitting the BMW 328i sedan against the Infiniti G37, Acura TL and Audi A4, Car & Driver magazine put the BMW on top.

It’s not a new story, but what’s most interesting is that, in this case, the 328i beat out some more powerful competitors. Still, the magazine’s editors rated the 328i tops for engine and chassis performance. That’s because the 328i – like any BMW – manages to always transcend its performance numbers. Without the BMW engineers’ passion for driving, competitors can’t quite make their cars feel as fun, responsive and energetic as a BMW.

Before we delve into what a 328i or 328i xDrive offers, consider the praise heaped upon the 328i in that Car & Driver comparison test. “We think BMW has a special way with sport sedans.” “Laser-straight steering welcome on long straights.” Finally, “Six-cylinder sounds top Beethoven’s best.”

So, it’s established that you will definitely love driving the 328i. Which 328i to choose? That brings up another BMW advantage – a big one: Choice. No other car in the 328’s class offers you four different models – sedan, coupe, hardtop convertible and sport wagon. Many competitors, in fact, offer only sedans. In addition, the options let you truly build a car tailored to your unique tastes.

That’s just for starters. The sedan, coupe and sport wagon are also available in the all-wheel drive 328i xDrive version – “xDrive” for BMW’s innovative xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system. The innovative xDrive normally sends most of the power to the rear wheels for the classic BMW performance-driving feel, but can instantly direct power to the front wheels in slippery conditions.

While many people opt for the driving ease and enjoyment of the 328i’s six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, BMW still offers the choice of a six-speed manual in every 328i and 328i xDrive model. Driving enthusiasts and automotive media have praised BMW’s manual transmissions for decades with Car & Driver citing the “best shifter and clutch on the planet” in its 328i test. It’s the kind of manual transmission that makes automatic drivers wonder if they should consider switching!

Both transmissions’ smoothness complements the performance traits of the classic BMW inline six-cylinder engine. You don’t find many inline sixes under car hoods anymore. Why does BMW still make them? An inline six is a perfectly balanced engine, for one, and it loves to rev. The sound can be music to an enthusiast’s ears compared to the V6s in competitors, which in some cases are shared with their manufacturers’ mainstream family sedans.

The BMW 328’s six is a 3.0-liter masterpiece of smoothness that churns out 230 hp and 200 lb/ft of torque. Truthfully, the performance feels bigger than even those numbers might suggest. That’s the beauty of BMW technology, like the world’s first magnesium/aluminum engine block, Valvetronic intake valve system and Double VANOS camshaft timing.

That combination of race-proven engineering and high-tech control enables the 328i sedan or coupe to accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 6.2 seconds (6.8 with the automatic). There’s another equally impressive number you might not expect in this class: Up to 30 mpg on the highway. There are four-cylinder economy cars that barely do better. That is BMW’s commitment to environmental compatibility in action.

Last year, the 3 Series got a revised look with new headlights and hood in front, new wheels, mirrors, side sills, new taillights, decklid and rear bumper. This year, you have another chance to drive the car that keeps beating the competition.

So, come on in, buckle yourself into the driver’s seat and rev it up. When you hear that sound, you’ll be hooked.