My other office
I was talking about high-end interiors before; the 335i's cabin is certainly upscale although it remains austere and very utilitarian. BMW has
managed to create an environment that is classy, elegant and purposefully simple. Not only are all controls within easy reach of the driver, they work with up-most precision. Ambient lighting is very popular now in luxury cars but BMW has taken it one step further: mood-lighting is not only present from the ceiling of the car, light is emitted from the door panel trim all the way to the rear-side panel in the rear.
Common to most BMWs are formidable front seats. The usually cajole its occupants with comfort and support. The 335i's are all that plus they feature adjustable side bolsters; perfect for nearly every body type. The rear buckets are versatile and roomy enough to accommodate adults if for only a short drive.
3-Series front with some 8-Series rear
The new Coupe is, as always, largely inspired on the sedan. From the "A" pillars forward, both body styles are nearly identical. The Coupe does look more aggressive and tauter. When looking at the rear quarters of the
Coupe, 8-Series cues are apparent; the taillight design and shape and the nearly flat trunk lid. At one point while staring at the car's behind, I thought I saw some mid-nineties Chevy Caprice because of the large tail but I must have just been tired from my long day at work.
I love frameless doors; they look streamlined and clean regardless if the window is up or down. The downsides to this design are usually associated with wind noise, squeaks and even water penetration. I was surprised and disappointed to find to wind penetration and door rattles in this car.
Is there such a thing as too much perfection?
It is possible. If all cars were built to the same standards, there would be nothing to compare them to. BMW consistently demonstrates that it can build some of the most attractive and desirable cars on the road. Although many buy BMWs for the logo, it is nice to know that all in all, they are still
great cars to drive. Lexus is presently the only manufacturer in my opinion that is seriously trying to dethrone the full package that is the 3-Series. There IS is stunning, fast, well assembled and a real quality car... if only the IS350 was available with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
In the end, all I can say is that the 335i, whether it be in 2 or 4-door guise, is exquisitely entertaining and fast. I can only imagine what the next M3 will be like...
The 3-Series Coupe has a starting price of $43,600. At the other end of the spectrum, a fully equipped 335i retails for nearly $70,000.
Good stuff:
BMW engine + 2 turbos
Great seats
Incredible brakes and handling.
No so good stuff:
Weird rear-end treatment
Wind noises and a few rattles
Competitors: (Non Coupes)
I was talking about high-end interiors before; the 335i's cabin is certainly upscale although it remains austere and very utilitarian. BMW has
 |
| 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
Common to most BMWs are formidable front seats. The usually cajole its occupants with comfort and support. The 335i's are all that plus they feature adjustable side bolsters; perfect for nearly every body type. The rear buckets are versatile and roomy enough to accommodate adults if for only a short drive.
3-Series front with some 8-Series rear
The new Coupe is, as always, largely inspired on the sedan. From the "A" pillars forward, both body styles are nearly identical. The Coupe does look more aggressive and tauter. When looking at the rear quarters of the
 |
| 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
I love frameless doors; they look streamlined and clean regardless if the window is up or down. The downsides to this design are usually associated with wind noise, squeaks and even water penetration. I was surprised and disappointed to find to wind penetration and door rattles in this car.
Is there such a thing as too much perfection?
It is possible. If all cars were built to the same standards, there would be nothing to compare them to. BMW consistently demonstrates that it can build some of the most attractive and desirable cars on the road. Although many buy BMWs for the logo, it is nice to know that all in all, they are still
 |
| 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Photo: Philippe Champoux, Auto123.com) |
In the end, all I can say is that the 335i, whether it be in 2 or 4-door guise, is exquisitely entertaining and fast. I can only imagine what the next M3 will be like...
The 3-Series Coupe has a starting price of $43,600. At the other end of the spectrum, a fully equipped 335i retails for nearly $70,000.
Good stuff:
BMW engine + 2 turbos
Great seats
Incredible brakes and handling.
No so good stuff:
Weird rear-end treatment
Wind noises and a few rattles
Competitors: (Non Coupes)
- Lexus IS350
- Infiniti G35
- Acura TL Type-S
- Mercedes C350
- Audi A4 3.2
- Volvo S60R
- Mercedes CLK350
- Infiniti G35 Coupe
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