However, the 335is has more torque, and it peaks at only 1,500 rpm; in comparison, the M3 V8’s 295 pound-feet peak at 3,900 rpm. What that means is that this car takes off like a rocket, and feels quicker than the M3. That’s not bad.
The car also exhibits excellent handling, razor-sharp steering and a stiff ride around town. You know, characteristics that are baked into every 3 Series. The 335is is certainly entertaining, but like many high-powered sports cars, it deserves to be fully exploited on a closed circuit.
Cruising on the highway at 100 km/h spins the engine at 2,000 rpm, so the drive is pretty quiet. Our average of 11.5 L/100 km during the test reflects the engine’s superb behaviour; at low revs, the turbos are on coffee break and fuel consumption is low. Yet when you want/need power, it comes on quickly but not violently.
The coupé’s cockpit, pretty much unchanged since 2007, is starting to look old. The 335is does get Alcantara shifter and handbrake boots, Glacier Silver aluminum interior trim and stainless steel pedals, though, which tarts up the atmosphere a little.
The car includes a host of standard features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front sport seats, dual-zone climate control, a power glass sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a sound system USB port with iPod integration.
This is a small car, so interior space isn’t that great. But we expect that. Accessing the rear seat requires a few contortions, but once in place you’re at ease for a while. Front-seat occupants get seat belt assistants, which are motorized arms to stretch the belt out so you can reach it easily.
Unfortunately, all this excitement comes at a cost. With a base price of $58,800, the 335is is $5,400 grand more expensive than a 300-horsepower, 335i. Our test car also includes the $3,900 Executive Package (alarm, intelligent key, park assist and BMW Individual sound system with SIRIUS), the $2,000 Navigation Package (including iDrive), an $800 metallic paint job as well as the $1,950 dual-clutch gearbox. Total: $67,450 before taxes, freight and delivery.
The car also exhibits excellent handling, razor-sharp steering and a stiff ride around town. You know, characteristics that are baked into every 3 Series. The 335is is certainly entertaining, but like many high-powered sports cars, it deserves to be fully exploited on a closed circuit.
 |
| Zero to 100 km/h takes 5.2 seconds, only a hair slower than an M3. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Cruising on the highway at 100 km/h spins the engine at 2,000 rpm, so the drive is pretty quiet. Our average of 11.5 L/100 km during the test reflects the engine’s superb behaviour; at low revs, the turbos are on coffee break and fuel consumption is low. Yet when you want/need power, it comes on quickly but not violently.
The coupé’s cockpit, pretty much unchanged since 2007, is starting to look old. The 335is does get Alcantara shifter and handbrake boots, Glacier Silver aluminum interior trim and stainless steel pedals, though, which tarts up the atmosphere a little.
The car includes a host of standard features, including leather upholstery, power-adjustable and heated front sport seats, dual-zone climate control, a power glass sunroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a sound system USB port with iPod integration.
This is a small car, so interior space isn’t that great. But we expect that. Accessing the rear seat requires a few contortions, but once in place you’re at ease for a while. Front-seat occupants get seat belt assistants, which are motorized arms to stretch the belt out so you can reach it easily.
Unfortunately, all this excitement comes at a cost. With a base price of $58,800, the 335is is $5,400 grand more expensive than a 300-horsepower, 335i. Our test car also includes the $3,900 Executive Package (alarm, intelligent key, park assist and BMW Individual sound system with SIRIUS), the $2,000 Navigation Package (including iDrive), an $800 metallic paint job as well as the $1,950 dual-clutch gearbox. Total: $67,450 before taxes, freight and delivery.
 |
| The car’s cockpit, unchanged since 2007, is starting to look old. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |