Great review Ryan. I drove F30 328x drive extensively and that thing blows me away every time I sit in it. I like it much better than E90 335i's or 328 E90's (haven't driven F30 335i yet). M Sport and tech package is a must of course. I would not consider F30 without it. That thick steering wheel and suspension is to die for. And of course you get the sport seats which 328i is pretty useless without. Those base seats are horrible IMO. Hard and no grip at all.
My comparison of 328i to GTI is that GTI is more fun and nimble while BMW is just effortless, more luxurious and smooth. Lot softer ride as well. BMW Sport mode vs GTI sports mode = BMW hands down. Much smoother and better designed. However, GTI had definitely better D mode and manual mode. I was underwhelmed with BMW's D drive. It feels sluggish compared to GTI. I assume you will never drive in Echo mode. if you will, my condolences.
The interior of the BMW is better, but not 20k better. I did not like that semi-hard plastic in 328i along side of the door and around the iDrive. The one that feels like alligator skin. It just felt cheap to me for 50k car. IDK, could be just me.
I agree with your value comment as well. I tested GTI's and 328's back to back many times and it was excruciatingly close to choose. Each car offered something great, but different. If BMW was only 5k more , there would be no contest, but for 20k more, I went with GTI. Even then it was close decision.
If I could only convince my wife to sell her Fusion and get 328 F30 so i can have both :happyanim: