BMW 335i Sedan Part 2: Interior & User Experience

If you were to look up the term "sport sedan" in the dictionary, you would likely find a picture of the BMW 3-series. Well... at least that's how it should be. After all, the "3" epitomizes the term - and its maker, BMW, invented it. Of the various versions available - coupe, convertible, sedan and wagon - it's the four-door sedan that best represents the genre.

Excluding the super-sedan "M" version, the top four-door in the extensive 3-series lineup is the sublime 335i. Featuring a magnificent twin-turbocharged engine mated to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, the 335 is also underpinned by a chassis with athletic moves that can embarrass many so called, sportscars. It's no wonder that it seems to be the darling of the world's automotive press.

There are a handful of cars that you'll rarely read a bad word about, and the BMW 3-series is arguably at the top of that very short list. It's funny too, because people will get all spun out about it, claiming that the author of a particular story is biased or on the manufacturer's payroll. But the fact is, they're just great cars. The 3-series sedan in particular is a car that seems to be a perennial comparison tests champion. So what is it about BMW's bread-and-butter car that earns it such high praise?

A magnificent powertrain and a great chassis certainly don't hurt, but what really elevates the 335i to the top of the sports sedan class is the diversity of its talents. Beyond the 335i's dynamic attributes, its compact size makes it supremely agile in everyday driving, as well as practical and economical. Being a BMW, there's also superb build quality and materials throughout its cabin as well as all the usual luxury amenities befitting a premium car.

Of course, there's not a single BMW test that is complete without a word on the latest version of that source of endless journalistic angst: the dreaded iDrive. So here's a word that describes it: Excellent. Truth is, the last version was already pretty well resolved, and this newest iDrive is even better. So, can we please stop talking about it and focus on the rest of the car? Thanks.

If we're forced to nit-pick, there are a few areas that could see some improvement. For one, the 3's minimalistic interior design - which seemed modern chic when it first appeared - is now elegantly simple at best, as some of its competitors have simply raised the bar. And its compact footprint - which is partially responsible for its excellent dynamics - has left it lacking a bit in interior volume compared to newer competitors.

But even faced with fresh opposition, the 335i manages to remain at the top of the class. Its ability to mix an incredibly rewarding driving experience with everyday practicality and usability is what makes it such an intriguing car. More than anything else, it's this balance of dynamic abilities and daily livability that gives credence to the BMW 335i as THE sports sedan.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
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