Insurance Group: 37
MPG: 35.8
CO2: 186
0-62 Mph: 5.5 secs
BHP: 306 BHP
Range: 472 miles
The engine makes BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology a little less effective than in other cars in the 3 Series range but it does offer a great driving experience. It also comes with loads of equipment and kit, making the price a little more justifiable.
PROS: Great performance, good level of standard kit.
CONS: Expensive to buy and costly to run.
The handling is fantastic, offering controlled and stable driveability thanks to the balanced rear wheel drive chassis. The suspension is too firm, however. The 335i engine is powerful, smooth and quiet, with the cabin well insulated from outside sounds. The only slight disturbance comes from the wind but is only really noticeable at high speeds.
The 335i has a 306 bhp engine which delivers 295 lb-ft of torque at 1200-5000 rpm and reaches 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds with a limited top speed of 155 mph.
The 3 Series doesn't offer the good looks of the Audi A4 or the sheer presence of a Mercedes C-Class but its understated charm makes it a very handsome car.
The 335i saloon comes with metallic paint, cloth/Alcantara seats, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and stereo as standard, with optional extras including satellite navigation for £1,550.
The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low and includes numerous systems such as: automatic stop-start, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance as well as improved aerodynamics.
Safety is top rate with a good range of standard safety equipment including six airbags, dynamic stability control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An optional extra of the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) is also available whilst an alarm is a standard fitting.
Space within the cabin is plentiful and all passengers are treated to loads of leg room. The boot is sizable too with 460 litres available when all the seats are in use. The option to take down the split-folding rear seats expands this and gives owners plenty of options when it comes to storing luggage.
The reliability record of BMW is also high and this means that drivers should not have to worry about repair or maintenance costs too much.
The 335i costs £35,525 and has a combined fuel economy of 35.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 186g/km. This makes it fairly good for a car of its class but unlikely to win any awards for green credentials.
Overall, this is an expensive car to buy and to run even with BMW’s Efficient Dynamics technology being used. However, the price does include a lot of equipment and a great engine, with a speedy acceleration time, so if these are your priorities in a car then it won’t disappoint.
A BMW is also a good car to invest in due to the assured quality and service that is offered and the 3 Series currently has very good resale values, making it great for long term investment.
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