Cockpit that fits like a glove
If you've read about 3-Series models before, or sat in one, you probably already know that we're talking about a small car here. The cockpit suits me fine, but it's a little tight for some of my colleagues' tastes. The back seat is especially cramped, as there is not much foot space under the front seats cushions.
Fit and finish inside the car is very good, and I really like the color combination of our tester's interior trim and seats. The spring-loaded cupholders that pop out of the dash are very convenient; most cars have them in the center console and are in the way.
Competition
The BMW 335xi 2008 has a base price of $52,500 and our test car includes the $3,950 Premium Package, the $2,000 Sport Package, for a grand total of $58,450. That's really expensive.
Here are some other all-wheel drive compact and mid-size sedans that can measure up to the 335xi:
Audi A4 3.2 quattro, 255 hp, $49,500
Cadillac CTS4 DI, 304 hp, $45,725
Infiniti G35x, 306 hp, $43,540
Lincoln MKZ AWD, 263 hp, $41,499
Mercedes-Benz C350 4MATIC, 268 hp, $50,100
Saab 9-3 Aero XWD, 280 hp, $46,330
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec.B, 243 hp, $44,995
The BMW is the costliest of the bunch.
Conclusion
The 335xi is a fine little car that offers a high level of performance and very reasonable fuel consumption. It's a blast to drive and will probably make your neighbours jealous.
However, this BMW has some tough competition now, and has a hard time justifying its lofty sticker price. You'll save almost 10 grand by downgrading to the 328xi, giving up 70 horses and some equipment, but the trade-off is a ride that's a little less harsh.
But if you're looking for a capable speed machine, get a 335xi, save $15,000 over an M3, and use it without restrain during all four seasons.
photo:Olivier Delorme
If you've read about 3-Series models before, or sat in one, you probably already know that we're talking about a small car here. The cockpit suits me fine, but it's a little tight for some of my colleagues' tastes. The back seat is especially cramped, as there is not much foot space under the front seats cushions.
Fit and finish inside the car is very good, and I really like the color combination of our tester's interior trim and seats. The spring-loaded cupholders that pop out of the dash are very convenient; most cars have them in the center console and are in the way.
 |
| Fit and finish inside the car is very good, and I really like the color combination of our tester's interior trim and seats. |
Competition
The BMW 335xi 2008 has a base price of $52,500 and our test car includes the $3,950 Premium Package, the $2,000 Sport Package, for a grand total of $58,450. That's really expensive.
Here are some other all-wheel drive compact and mid-size sedans that can measure up to the 335xi:
Audi A4 3.2 quattro, 255 hp, $49,500
Cadillac CTS4 DI, 304 hp, $45,725
Infiniti G35x, 306 hp, $43,540
Lincoln MKZ AWD, 263 hp, $41,499
Mercedes-Benz C350 4MATIC, 268 hp, $50,100
Saab 9-3 Aero XWD, 280 hp, $46,330
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT Spec.B, 243 hp, $44,995
The BMW is the costliest of the bunch.
Conclusion
The 335xi is a fine little car that offers a high level of performance and very reasonable fuel consumption. It's a blast to drive and will probably make your neighbours jealous.
However, this BMW has some tough competition now, and has a hard time justifying its lofty sticker price. You'll save almost 10 grand by downgrading to the 328xi, giving up 70 horses and some equipment, but the trade-off is a ride that's a little less harsh.
But if you're looking for a capable speed machine, get a 335xi, save $15,000 over an M3, and use it without restrain during all four seasons.
 |
| The 335xi is a fine little car that offers a high level of performance and very reasonable fuel consumption. |
photo:Olivier Delorme
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