The 2021 BMW 3-series epitomizes the modern sports sedan with its comprehensive performance and innate sophistication. The German brand offers two phenomenal engines for this model—a 255-hp four-cylinder and a 385-hp straight-six—both of which are as quick as they are refined. There's also a plug-in hybrid for the green crowd.

The 2021 3-series fulfills its mission as an entry-level premium sedan with ample cabin and trunk space as well as copious amounts of luxury and technology.

The 330i features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque

The EPA estimates the four-cylinder 330i will earn up to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. We tested a rear-drive 330i on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, and saw an impressive 42 mpg.

Inside, the 3 has a modernized design complete with excellent materials and impressive build quality. Nothing feels cheap inside the 3-series, and its controls are well placed. BMW also improved outward visibility, and the standard sport seats are well-bolstered and supportive, and they offer extensive adjustment so it's easy to get comfortable. The car's extra-cost content includes a detailed head-up display, customizable ambient interior lighting, heated front and rear seats, remote start, and wireless charging. The BMW's digital instrument cluster is a bit cluttered but still attractive. Some may find the counterclockwise sweep of the tachometer needle odd at first, but you get acclimated to it quickly. The 3-series has a big trunk with an available power-operated lid. With 17 cubic feet of cargo space, the gas-powered sedan can fit six carry-on suitcases back there and 17 total with the rear row folded.

The standard infotainment system runs through an 8.8-inch touchscreen, but the interface can also be controlled with a large knob and buttons on the console or with voice commands. The Live Cockpit Plus suite of features, which includes navigation, is standard. For the really good stuff, you'll need to spring for the similarly named Live Cockpit Pro package, which increases the size of the touchscreen to 10.3 inches and gives you the latest and most capable iteration of BMW's iDrive system. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is optional, but the sedan does come with two USB ports. Apple CarPlay integration is standard but Android Auto is not available. One interesting option is BMW's Gesture Control, which allows the driver or passenger to input certain commands with hand gestures. It's more novel than helpful, but it'll wow your friends for a few minutes.