2009 BMW 335i xDrive Review (video)

Look closely, and you might notice the BMW 3-Series has quietly gained a smidge of additional energy and sophistication for 2009. New lights brighten up its revised face, a wider track sets off the backside, and some new sculpting encourages light and reflections to play off the body. It's all done with respect to the discreet styling that 3-Series owners have grown to love.

Just a slight evolution of a well known look, really. Sexy, yes-- but very smart and sharp as a tack. Saying that the 3-Series has a good thing going is an understatement--and it appears that BMW is largely not messing with it.

The BMW 3-Series has quietly gained a smidge of additional energy and sophistication for 2009.

Classic BMW looks inside
Words like 'handsome' best define the interior- which was trimmed with contrasting leather, wood and black surfaces. Flashy and exciting stuff takes a backseat to a simple, clean and familiar look here. It's an environment suited to driving as much as it is to relaxing.

You'll find a more modern, energetic and high-tech look in several competitor cockpits, most notably those in the Audi A4 or Infiniti G37.

The 3-Series cabin is solid, precise and very well put together. Seats are comfortable, the steering wheel is heated, and lane-change visibility is good. The trunk is surprisingly generous, entry and exit are easy, and there's a remarkable high-quality feel throughout.

Like tunes? Check out the Audiophile package and its enormous stereo system. It delivers powerful, clean sound, and includes an octopus of connectors for a variety of MP3 players. Combined with the sunroof, heated seats and automatic climate control, the stereo proved especially enjoyable during warm late-winter afternoons.

Ultimately, the 335i should prove comfortable tackling anything from a quick grocery-run to a day-long road trip.

Downsides? Some will wish for more at-hand storage space, rear legroom can get tight with grown-ups on board, and you'll probably find the pop-out cupholder too flimsy for that extra-large.

The handsome interior was trimmed with contrasting leather, wood and black surfaces.