North American Exclusive: BMW 335is

On sale this june exclusively in the United States and Canada is the BMW 335is. BMW's goal with the new car is to bridge the gap between the 335i and the m3. 

Specifications:

• 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6
• 320 Horsepower
• 332 lb-ft Torque
• 0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 20 mpg (est.)

The Details

Exterior/Interior: The 335is models are distinguished from their milder 335i siblings by a more sculpted M sport front fascia with black kidney grilles, a new rear bumper with a functional diffuser, and M sport side skirts. The coupe has larger air intakes which feed an upgraded cooling system. Standard on the is models are 18-inch alloy wheels with performance tires, and a new sport exhaust system with polished black tips. 

Inside, you get upgraded sport seats which add more support under hard cornering. Giving an edgy look to the inside are a set of steel pedals, new gray gauges with a 335is badge in the tach, and an M sport steering wheel with paddles for DCT-equipped models. A new, sporty diamond texture aluminum trim is available, and additional 335is badging decorates the interior. 

Performance: The music from the reworked exhaust system indicates that this car is a serious performer. The sound goes from a rich burble at low revs to an irresistible howl at full song. The reworked twin-turbo 3.0 I6 develops 320 horsepower at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 5,000 rpm. The car has an overboost mode that hikes the torque up to 370 lb-ft for up to seven seconds at a time. 

A six-speed manual transmission is standard with a short action M sport shift lever. BMW's seven speed DCT transmission with launch control is optional, a first for the 3 series. With the launch control engaged, the car will reach 60mph in a blistering 5 seconds. Keep in mind, this is a conservative claim from BMW. 

The renowned handling characteristics of the 3 series are further improved in this is model. Autoweek says: "with 50/50 weight balance, solid grip and steering that is quick, precise and tactile, the 335is has confidence-building balance and reflexes that let you handle slides and power-oversteer without a sweat."

My Take: Who needs the m3? In my opinion, the twin-turbo inline 6 in the 335is in practical terms is much better than the V8 in the m3. First of all, it is much cheaper to modify the twin turbo 6 than it is to modify the naturally aspirated V8. For less than $5k, just with a mere ECU tune, you can probably squeeze 100 more hp and 100 lb-ft of torque out of the inline 6. Also, with much more torque that is available at a much lower rev count, the 335is is easier to live with everyday on the normal roads. 

The Final Verdict: The 335is is an amazing car. It is an everyday driver that is just as comfortable on the roads as it is on the track. It is not as ferocious as the V8 m3, nor does it try to be, but with rock-solid handling and a very powerful twin turbo 6, it can sure keep up.