BMW 335i Sedan Part 1: Design Review

The BMW 335i is the top bread-and-butter sedan in the 3-series model range. Slotted just below the much more expensive and exotic M3, it remains quite possibly the world's most frequently targeted automotive benchmark. Seemingly every automaker in the world with any kind of luxury aspirations has taken a shot at the BMW 3-series.

The latest in a long line of highly successful models, the fifth generation 3-series sedan - known internally as the E90 - was introduced as a 2006 model. This new '09 version really amounts to a mid-term facelift, but there's still a lot to talk about as BMW has worked its magic once again and refined the looks of what is arguably its most important model.

The biggest stylistic changes are found at the front of the car, where the subtle creases on the hood lead us down to the BMW roundel and the revised kidney-shaped grille openings. On either side of the grille we find revised light clusters featuring highly detailed LED turn indicators as well as Xenon Adaptive Headlights that swivel as you corner. The four round headlamps that are a BMW signature design element are highlighted by the corona rings that serve as daytime running lights. Those rings - which some BMW owners refer to as "Angel Eyes" - are bisected by a frosted eyebrow element that provides the 3-series with a serious, concentrated stare.

The bumper below is now more sculpted with organic shapes that seem a little busy and perhaps just a bit out of place. Although the three lower openings running full-width across the very bottom, together with the driving lights at the extreme ends, give the 335 a planted-on-the-road look that works well.

Around the side we see the classic sport sedan proportions that are the hallmark of all 3-series BMWs. The long hood and short rear deck leave little doubt as to the rear-drive nature of this car, with the impossibly short front overhang accentuating the sporty character of the 335i as well. Equally successful is the unchanged and beautifully sculpted main feature line that runs from the front fender to the back of the car - again contributing to the car's dynamic stance.

Around the back, we find more LED lighting in the taillights, which are now reshaped with a sharp step that improves on the previous model's somewhat generic shape. The lower bumper is sculpted to relieve visual mass with the various shapes and lines running across the full width of the car horizontally in an effort to accentuate the cars athletic footprint. It all flows and works well, especially as the two exhaust pipes emphasize the car's sporting intent.

The 3-series' long reign as the king of sports sedans is well defended by the latest and greatest, 335i. Still, this coveted position will no doubt keep the 3 in the crosshairs of any manufacturer looking to build a proper sports sedan. But that's a good thing... After all, almost any car could benefit from being a little bit more like the BMW 335i.

Watch the video
Read Part 2: Interior & User Experience
Read Part 3: Performance

BMW 335i Sedan

Performance
- Acceleration: Nearly as quick as last-generation E46 M3 (!!!) - turbo lag nearly imperceptible - pulls and pulls and pulls
- Handling: Traditional BMW balance and precise steering combined with excellent (read: unobtrusive) DSC allows you to adjust cornering attitude at will - still the class benchmark
- Braking: Never less than excellent on the street, they will start to go away on the track despite the brake fade compensation system's best efforts (although in all fairness, this isn't a track car)

Design
- Exterior: Thankfully, Bangle's hand was restrained by BMW's board on the E90 3-series, with this mild facelift mostly improving the car further - organic shapes at the front seem out of place
- Interior: Starting to get a bit dated inside - aluminum option helps keep it more modern chic than the traditional wood

Utility
- Comfort: Great ride/handling balance combined with impressive build-quality results in a comfortable place to be... at least in the front
- Space: Excellent accommodations up front, less so in the rear where competitors offer more space

Safety
- Dynamics: The single best attribute of the 3-series range - after all, if you can avoid the accident in the first place...
- Technology: Everything you expect to find in a car at this price

Value
- Price: Certainly starts to get expensive when you spec the 3 with all of the "must have" options, but somehow, it's still worth it
- Mileage: Driven sanely, not too bad - driven on the boost...

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: Excluding the awesome M3, it is the top-spec 3-series, but probably too common and practical to really make your heart soar
- Fun to spank: A little - although a limited-slip option would certainly help (nearly unforgivable oversight BMW!)

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 3 liter, twin-turbocharged Inline-6
Power (SAE): 300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque: 300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 3605 lbs.
0-60 mph: 5.1 sec.
Top Speed: 150 mph
Mileage: 17 city / 26 highway
Base Price: $40,300
Competitors: Audi A4/S4, Mercedes-Benz C350, Infiniti G37