2009 BMW 335i Sedan M Sport Package Road Test Review

Also standard is automatic climate-control air-conditioning, an on-board computer, and Bluetooth connectivity. We were not so taken with the air-conditioning which we found struggled a bit on a few un-seasonably hot Sydney days (it may have been a foible with our tester).

There are other nifty features on the 335i though like the 'welcome' lights that illuminate the door handles when you unlock the car (helping avoid any embarrassing fumbling around in the dark).

Safety, as is the case with all modern BMW's, is absolutely top notch. ANCAP awards the entire 3-Series range a 5-Star rating. There is a plethora of airbags as standard, including dual front airbags, side airbags and head-protecting side curtains.

ABS, EBD and electronic stability control are also standard.

Mechanical Package

If there's one thing about the BMW 335i that is going to impress everyone, it's not the price tag, nor the looks - it's the stonking twin-turbo 3.0 litre six-cylinder beast that resides under the bonnet.

Connected to a phenomenal six-speed automatic transmission, that straight-six engine is packing a hefty 225kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

All that torque is available from as low as 1300rpm, giving the 335i the kind of pulling power you might expect to find in a performance V8 or powerful diesel. And while the 335i's kerb weight of 1550kg doesn’t exactly make it a featherweight, the kilos disappear the moment you plant the right foot.

It has instant throttle response, phenomenal pick-up, and makes an absolutely gorgeous sound once revs start to rise.

The transmission is a clever six-speed automatic 'box with a twist. To underline the performance character of the car, BMW has included some features to provide a little more fun out on the road - such as throttle blips when downshifting and the ability to hold the car in gear when powering out of a corner.

Technologically it may not be as impressive as the latest dual-clutch gearboxes, but in practice it works so well you’d be hard-pressed to find fault with its operation.

Similarly, the suspension set-up is tuned more for sporting intents than absolute comfort. This is especially the case in our M Sport package-fitted car. The suspension package has it sitting flatter for sharper turn-in and faster cornering, and a little harder.

With rear-wheel-drive, perfect 50:50 weight distribution and sports-suspension, the 335i is clearly targeted to the spirited driver. It is quite impossible to spend time at the wheel without appreciating its superb driving dynamics.

The Drive

Despite the expectations of the 335i as a baby M3, there is a little of ‘Dr Jeckle and Mr Hyde’ to its character. It can be devastatingly quick, but also demure and refined when required.

It is actually easy to live with as an everyday commuter. It’s comfortable, easily parked (with a surprisingly tight turning circle), and the adaptive shift-mapping adjusts to the driving conditions.

Getting into the car can be a little tight for taller drivers (I’m 183cm), but once settled in, you are immediately aware this is a very special car. Everything to touch feels ‘right’, the leathers are superbly matched, and all round, premium quality trim abounds with superbly executed and understated design.

And when you fire up the fire-breathing six, you cannot fail to feel a rising tinge of excitement.

The simple fact is that the 335i is an exhilarating driving experience.

The steering has that unmistakable BMW feel about it – ‘solid’ would be the right word to describe it - but very responsive and precise. Coupled with the fantastic M-Sport suspension, and the 50:50 weight distribution, the 335i is quite simply one of the best handling luxury sports saloons we've had our hands on.

Sure, some of the jarring potholes around Sydney can be a bit of a chore with the 335i’s firm-ish suspension, but all of that is forgotten as soon as you take your first corner. Then, the nose dives in, the steering tells you everything that's going on below, and the rising high-pitched bellow of the engine will make your neck-hairs rise.

In standard driving mode the 335i is plenty quick. Flick the gear lever into 'DS' sports mode however, and you’ve got a completely new car.

Not only does it transform throttle response from mild-mannered to something altogether more sinister, but the transmission holds gears out of corners (and downshifts more aggressively into them), scorching to the redline depending upon the pressure you’re exerting with the right foot.

From a standing start, you can see 100km/h in just 5.8 seconds. If you have a long enough stretch of private road, the 335i will bolt to a governed 250km/h top speed.

In fact, the BMW-quoted 5.8s time feels a little slow to us. Though we lack the sophisticated timing gear necessary, we wouldn’t be surprised if the 335i actually did it a little quicker.

Jumping on the brakes is another pleasurable experience. Pedal feel is progressive, and the stopping power below inspires confidence for swift motoring. (Not to mention BMW's well-sorted ABS system that doesn't cut in too early to spoil the driving fun.)

The Michelin runflat tyres also seem to be much better than the first generation of runflats, which could ruin the ride of a perfectly good BMW.

The latest tyres are still suited to a sporting ride but are far less unforgiving on broken surfaces than those released in 2005, when this generation of 3-Series hit the market.

The Verdict

We were always expecting the 335i to be a capable performer on road. It is, quite simply, a brilliant high-performance drive.

But as our earlier week in a 335i Touring revealed, it is also an adaptable and pleasantly refined commuter.

Sure, the suspension is a little firmer than most, even when kept in normal 'Drive' mode, but the premium accommodation, interior features and comfortable seating make the 335i an easily enjoyed everyday car.

You can also fit two adults in the back; even three if your passengers don't mind sharing the shoulder-room.

In all, the 2009 BMW 335i is a compelling vehicle.

A stunning engine, impressive gearbox and downright sublime handling make it one of the most capable and desirable executive sedans on the market.

The high price of entry will be a hurdle for some, but the 335i makes a strong case with its dynamic capabilities, exclusivity and long list of standard features.

Likes:

• Good balance of comfort and sportiness
• Cutting edge in-car technology
• One of the best engines money can buy

Dislikes:

• Lack of interior storage space
• Pricey compared to base model 3-series
• Can only really fit four adults comfortably