[6] Bmw 355i Becomes This Week Topic

After glancing at the 2013 BMW 335i xDrive's test results, it's difficult not to think of the M3. True, the two serve completely different purposes, but the 335i's 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds matches that of the most recent six-speed, manual-equipped M3 we tested, and is just two-tenths of a second behind a dual-clutch-equipped M3 we tested. Then there's this number: $61,860, our tester's cost, which is far beyond the $46,075 starting price, and just a few hundred dollars short of a base M3 coupe. But before we delve into the pricing details, let's explore how this 335i achieved M3-like numbers at the track.

Among our test car's long list of optional features were a few items from BMW's M Performance parts catalog. The M Performance Power kit ($1170) adds a revised ECU unit, new air intake system, and rocker panel-mounted M Performance decals to hint at the extra oomph under the hood. The kit boosts the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six's output by 20 hp and 32 lb-ft of torque to 320 and 332, respectively.

Given the solid 0-60 time, the 2013 335i xDrive was predictably strong on the quarter mile, with a recorded time of 13.0 seconds and a trap speed of 105.4 mph, just 0.4 seconds behind the DCT-equipped M3. The eight-speed transmission is the definite superstar of the powertrain. It may not be a dual-clutch unit, but it sure does behave like one, with quick and precise shifts. Part of the credit goes to the "sport" transmission option ($500), which shortens shift times and adds steering wheel-mounted shift paddles. Additionally, the tall eighth gear allows the inline-six to spin at a low 1700 rpm at highway speed, achieving a fairly efficient EPA rating of 30 mpg on the highway. (Its city figure? 20 mpg.)

Another item from the M Performance parts catalog is an upgraded brake kit consisting of dimpled and grooved discs and Brembo calipers (four-piston up front, two-piston at rear) with M logos and your choice of three colors (ours was yellow). At a cost of $3040, the kit might seem like another superfluous upgrade, especially when you consider that our tester's 60-0 mph stopping distance of 108 feet matches that of a 335i equipped with stock units. That said, the brakes performed flawlessly throughout a long day of hard driving.

While the sedan's straight-line performance impressed, some staffers were less enamored by its behavior in corners. The steering is precise but feels slightly overboosted, even in Sport mode. The combination of all-wheel-drive grip, strong powertrain, and special brakes helped the BMW tackle the figure-eight course in a respectable 25.6 seconds (at 0.75 g average), but as is often the case, numbers don't tell the whole story.

The sedan exhibits a fair amount of body roll when pushed to the limit. Some staffers felt that the suspension tuning was a bit on the soft side, despite our tester's adaptive dampers (part of the $3200 M Sport package). Unfortunately, xDrive models don't get the M Sport suspension calibration (stiffer shocks and springs and 10mm lower ride height), which probably would've allayed some of the clumsy behavior exhibited during hard driving. We also noticed a slight oddity with our tester's 18-inch summer tires, thanks to some investigating by associate road test editor Carlos Lago. Instead of the staggered setup that comes from the factory, our wheels were the same width all around (BMW says they couldn't get the wider rear wheels in time).

However, when you tone down the pace — say, on a curvy canyon road -- the 335i xDrive is still plenty of fun. It never feels like it's carrying more of its weight up front, even though 53 percent of its 3731-pound curb weight resides there. And the chassis does a fairly good job of numbing most bumps and imperfections while cruising around the city and on freeways.

It's hard to find any faults inside, and harder still to find a better interior among the 3's competitors. Rear passenger room is among the best in its class and the front seats offer ample lateral support, thanks to added bolstering inclusive with the M Sport package. We also liked the M Sport steering wheel, which is a simple, yet retro-looking three-spoked unit. Our tester also featured the $3100 Technology Package, which adds navigation with real-time traffic updates, a head-up display (very good), and BMW Apps. As we've said in other recent BMW reviews, it appears that the automaker has finally nailed down its iDrive infotainment system. Everything from the high-definition screen and menu layout to the voice command works. The $850 harman/kardon sound system is a relative bargain, though we would probably skip the Premium Package, which adds keyless entry, adjustable lumbar support, and satellite radio for a whopping $2200.

Rounding off the options list is the $950 Cold Weather Package (headlight washers, heated steering wheel, and heated front and rear seats) and Park Distance Control ($750). Again, our tester's grand total climbed to $61,860 from a base price of $46,075. Of course a more palatable price in the low $50,000 range is possible as long as you go easy on the options list.

While no track star, the 335i xDrive is a fairly attractive package. In addition to the practicality and capability of four doors and all-wheel drive, the sedan will also provide tons of smiles by outrunning a long list of sports cars and keeping pace with BMW's own M3. Just hope the race ends before the road gets curvy.

2013 BMW 335i xDriveBASE PRICE$46,075 PRICE AS TESTED$61,860 VEHICLE LAYOUTFront engine, AWD, 5-pass, 4-door sedanENGINE3.0L/320-hp/332-lb-ft turbo DOHC 24-valve I-6TRANSMISSION8-speed automaticCURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST)3731 lb (53/47%)WHEELBASE110.6 inLENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT182.5 x 71.3 x 56.3 in0-60 MPH4.4 secQUARTER MILE13.0 sec @ 105.4 mphBRAKING, 60-0 MPH108 ftLATERAL ACCELERATION0.87 g (avg)MT FIGURE EIGHT25.6 sec @ 0.75 g (avg)EPA CITY/HWY FUEL ECON20/30 mpgENERGY CONS., CITY/HWY169/112 kW-hrs/100 milesCO2 EMISSIONS0.82 lb/mile