Stunning Lines Forewarn Stunning PerformanceFrom purely a performance perspective, the first hit to my senses was delivered by the immense low-end torque instantly conjured-up by BMW's new turbocharged 6-cylinder mill; it left no doubt that the 335i coupe is a
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
force to be reckoned with. For 2007 BMW has again introduced us to a stunning
3-series coupe- this time fortified with twin, high-pressure turbochargers. I love the resemblance to the 6-Series coupe imparted by BMW's smaller 2-door offering. The pair bespeaks BMW's current design language exhibiting sleek rooflines and low muscular stances punctuated with prominent belt and trunk lines. Interior architecture follows the minimalist design theme dominating today's BMW's lineup. Although I am not the most strident fan of BMW interior styling elements of late, I am eternally impressed with the quality of materials in use and the perfect execution of assembly. Despite my coolness toward BMW's interior architecture, their 3- and 6-Series coupes are in my view two of the best-looking rides available in today's expanding coupe market. They are also benchmarking setting when it comes to performance standards.
The 335i is a rear-wheel-drive, four-occupant luxury sports sedan with a wind-cheating drag co-efficiency of 0.30 and a praiseworthy front-to-rear weight distribution of 51.2 to 48.8. Add to those figures a svelte curb
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
weight of 1,620 kg (3,571 lb) and the precursors needed to develop a finely balanced sports sedan fall into place. Throw in 300 horsepower, match it with 300 foot-pounds of torque parading through a 6-speed gearbox and the basis of a super coupe materialize. BMW assigns a 0-96 kph (0-60 mph) time of 5.3 seconds to the 335i; independent testing has actually eclipsed that fine posting with outcomes as impressive as 4.9 seconds. I can assure my readers of this: dropping the hammer in the BMW 335i nets a ferocious response. It doesn't matter if the car is stationary when the throttle-gate bursts open or travelling at highway speed- the result is strong, consistent and unforgiving acceleration. Did I mention that the refined, high-achieving inline-6 only displaces 3.0 litres? Not only is this powerhouse small and light - thanks in part to its aluminum block - it's also very economical. How many other equally powerful engines are capable of providing 100 kilometres of city and highway performance while using only 12.3 and 8.1 litres of fuel respectively (19/29 mpg)?
Extending this mill's desirability is the low frequency, turbine-like exhaust note that accompanies a trip through its broad rev band. The entire drivetrain, which in my tester includes its sharply defined 6-speed
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| (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Auto123.com) |
gearbox, is more refined than Bond, James Bond. Administering the short throw mixer left little to guess work; engagements were notchy and precise feeling but requiring a firm hand to fully exploit. The 335i's light, progressive clutch simply added to the pleasure of counting to six and back. For those more inclined to leave gear-counting to technology, a sophisticated 6-speed autobox equipped with BMW's Steptronic manual-mode paddle shift feature is available. Regardless of shifting format chosen, the vented antilock disc brakes tempering each wheel prove capable of instantly harnessing momentum with only the slightest tap of toe. Emergency cessation is dramatically short and free of nosedive and unsettling chassis dynamics; control is never compromised in even the most urgent matters of braking. My criticism of the powerful system is its tendency toward hypersensitivity. Some usage is necessary to acclimate before stops are head-bob free.
