Sports edge for a power player
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday November 21, 2009
THE CAR BMW 335i with M Sport packageHOW MUCH? $112,100 plus on-road anddealer costsVITAL STATISTICS 3.0-litre twin-turbo 6-cyl, 225kW, 400Nm, 6-sp auto, 9.6L/100km, 231g/km CO2, RWDHE BMW's brutal 335i sedan now has the looks to go with the performance, thanks to the $4800 M Sport package, which includes things such as sports suspension, aerodynamic package, unique alloy wheels, door trim and steering wheel with gearshift paddles as well as sports seats. Do you think the extra money is worth it?SHE I reckon it's pretty good value, considering there are suspension changes and different seats, which are usually big-ticket items. And you don't really need any extra horsepower with that twin-turbo rocket under the bonnet.HE No, you don't. It has to be one of the best engines around. It's so smooth and refined but when you let it loose, it really takes off. It revs hard through to the redline and sounds great at full noise. BMW says its new 330d could take sales from the 335i but I can't see a diesel appealing to performance car lovers.SHE In outright acceleration, the 335i is about half a second quicker in the 0-100km/h sprint but the 330d uses a third less fuel. And it's almost $20,000 cheaper.HE For me, diesels don't cut it as sports sedans. What did you think of the car's six-speed auto? BMW has introduced a dual-clutch box on the Z4 and M3; would you like to see one on the 335i?SHE Yes. The six-speed auto is good but that dual-clutch gearbox has lightning-fast gear changes and is a more sports-oriented transmission. It would make the 335i even more of a weapon.HE I loved the interior of the BMW, despite the fact there isn't much storage. It's understated but still feels special. The sport seats really hug your body, while the steering wheel looks and feels great.SHE I found the steering wheel too chunky. But I agree about the understated look. It's also so easy to drive around town. It's the ultimate executive express.HE Yes but with one reservation. I found the ride too harsh on potholed city roads. BMW really needs to ditch those run-flat tyres.SHE I didn't think the ride was as bad as some others. It wasn't harsh enough to be a deal-breaker.
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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