2011 BMW 335is Coupe

As BMW continues to cut the 3-series pie into thinner and thinner slices, it's becoming difficult to discern the subtle differences among the models. This 335is slots in below the M3, and although its straight six has about 100 fewer horses than the M's V-8, it's more than quick enough to satisfy nearly any speed junkie. Some may argue that, at just under $52,000, the 335is is well worth the money, but to me, the extra power and M3-level hardware upgrades over the base 3-series model -- the superb 328i starts at a far more attainable $37,000 -- can only be appreciated on a closed course. If you don't plan to run your 3-series on the track, the less-expensive 3s will provide just as many smiles while having a more forgiving ride with only minor concessions to handling.

All that power is fun to play with, though. In fact, a stab of the throttle in any gear results in neck-snappingly strong thrust. The twin-turbos are extremely linear, and there's very little turbo whine to compete with the glorious racket that -- even in fairly restrained driving -- exits the dual exhaust pipes. It may not wear an M3 badge but it imitates, and ultimately competes with, its big brother quite convincingly.

Jennifer Misaros, Managing Editor, Digital Platforms

I really like the optional ($1000) thin-spoked wheels on the 335is, as well as the cabin's brilliant red leather upholstery and cool snakeskin-like aluminum trim. The 335is is no appearance package, though. It's got twenty extra horsepower, seventy more pound-feet of torque, and an available seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (a first for a U.S.-market 3-series). I prefer shifting gears on my own with a traditional manual, but I cannot argue that BMW's so-called DCT is an awesome, ultraquick gearbox.

I found the steering feel to be less lively than that of an Audi S4 I drove the previous day, but that's more to the Audi's credit than to the BMW's detriment. The 335is coupe has lots of room in the back seats, too: a quartet of five-foot-six people could drive a long distance with no trouble or complaints. Still, $61K (as tested) for a 3-series does give one pause.

Infiniti and Audi are breathing down BMW's neck with their latest 3-series fighters, but while the G37 and A4 are fun, competent sport sedans, BMW still dominates the discussion when it comes to sportier variants. Audi's S4 comes dang close to performance-commuter Nirvana, but the 335is offers a better balance between powertrain, chassis, steering, and braking. The 335is packs the same all-around proficiency that has been the M brand's signature for decades.

The twin-turbo inline-six is responsive, the suspension is beautifully tuned, and the brakes bite nicely, but I can't stop thinking about the transmission in our BMW 335is. BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox is the best execution of the technology in the industry. It pulls away from stops with torque-converter-like fluidity, rather than the soft hesitation or slight chatter found in other two-clutch transmissions. At speed it executes flawless shifts up and down all day long. In any mode, at any speed, the shifts are phenomenally quick and exceptionally smooth. I love a six-speed manual, but I think I might love this transmission more for how incredibly impressive it is. And at $450, it's curiously cheap.

Of course, the same cannot be said for the BMW 335is as a whole. At $61,025 as tested, our coupe is uncomfortably close to the M3 in price. In fact, it's more than an M3 coupe if you can live with a car with less equipment. I could. Because as good as this 335is is, it's not as great as an M3.

Eric Tingwall, Associate Editor

The 335is is downright addicting! The 320-hp, 3.0-liter, turbocharged in-line six sounds so sweet, I drove around with the windows down to hear every note. I am deeply envious of my friend who just bought a 335is -- although I suspect she is now in danger of losing her license. This is one of those cars where speed comes so effortlessly, it's common to glance at the speedometer and realize you're vastly exceeding the limit. Part of the blame for that goes to the lightning-fast, seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission that seamlessly swaps cogs to keep the car in the sweet spot at all times. But I'm not complaining.

Donny Nordlicht, Associate Web Editor

I have two overwhelming impressions of the 2011 BMW 335is coupe: 1) Wow, is it ever great to drive! 2) Wow, is it ever expensive!

Other thoughts: I love our test car's red leather seats over black carpet and a black instrument panel, with dark gray exterior paint. What a cool color combination.

Joe DeMatio, Deputy Editor

2011 BMW 335is Coupe

Base price (with destination): $51,975

Price as tested: $61,025

Standard Equipment:

3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine

6-speed manual transmission

Dynamic stability control

Dynamic traction control

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS

Tire pressure monitoring system

Xenon adaptive headlights

Heated dual power mirrors and heated windshield washer jets

8-way power adjustable front sport seats

Cruise control

2-way power glass moonroof

Rain-sensing windshield wipers

AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 player audio system with HD radio

Auxiliary audio input

Adaptive brake lights

Options on this vehicle:

Navigation system -- $2100

Voice command

Convenience package -- $1500

Anti-theft alarm

Comfort access keyless entry

Power rear sunshade

Park distance control

Coral red/black Dakota leather -- $1450

19-inch alloy double-spoke wheels -- $1000

BMW assist with Bluetooth -- $750

Space gray metallic -- $550

Heated front seats -- $500

7-speed double clutch transmission -- $450

iPod and USB adapter -- $400

Satellite radio -- $350

Key options not on vehicle:

Premium package -- $2650

Active steering -- $1550

Harman Kardon surround sound system -- $875

Cold weather package -- $750

Automatic high beams -- $250

Fuel economy:

(city/hwy/combined)

17 / 24 / 19 mpg

Engine:

3.0L turbocharged I-6

Horsepower: 320 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque: 332 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

Drive:

Rear-wheel

Transmission:

7-speed double-clutch automatic

Unladen weight: 3571 lb

Wheels/tires: 19-inch alloy wheels

225/35R19 front; 255/30R19 rear Bridgestone Potenza performance run-flat tires

Competitors: Audi S4, S5, Infiniti G37 IPL, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

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