BMW 3 Series 335i M Sport 4dr Car Review - May 2013

The BMW 335i MSport has a 306bhp, 3.0-litre petrol engine, producing 295 lb-ft of torque at 1200-5000rpm. As a result the BMW 335i MSport is quick. Very quick. The car can reach 62mph from a standing start in just five-and-a-half seconds, and has a top speed of 155mph. Despite that power, the engine is smooth and refined with minimal noise intrusion in the cabin. Thankfully, BMW have also managed to produce a car with handling that matches those performance figures, with the rear wheel drive 335i MSport being well-balanced and responsive. The only downside with the MSport model is a slightly firm suspension. The driving position is excellent, with the controls all within easy reach of the driver, and all are clear and easy to operate.

The latest 3-series four-door saloon is a handsome if quietly understated car, although the MSport models do get their own unique exterior treatment with discreet badging, larger alloy wheels, and bodykit. Standard equipment on the 335i MSport includes power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, metallic paint, cruise control, rear parking sensor, leather seats, alarm and immobiliser, CD player with MP3 connectivity, and bluetooth. That list of standard equipment can be added to with optional extras such as an electric sunroof for £870, satellite navigation for £1,550, and split folding rear seats for £320.

The 335i MSport boasts a full five-stars from Euro NCAP, the independent European consumer organisation that performs crash and safety tests on all new car release on the continent. The car does have a full compliment of driver, passenger, and front side airbags as standard, as well as other driver safety aids, for example stability control. The 335i is a practical four-door saloon too, with leg and head room aplenty for both front and rear seat occupants. The boot is a good size too, with 480 litres of luggage capacity. The German car maker has enjoyed a good record of reliability in the past, and offers as standard a 3-year manufacturers warranty with the 33i MSport, which is for unlimited miles.

The BMW 335i MSport has a £37,870 price tag, comes with a combined fuel economy return of 35.8mpg and CO2 emissions of 186g/km. Those CO2 emissions figures put the 335i MSport into Road Tax Band J, while the car falls into insurance group 38. It does have to be borne in mind when considering the BMW 335i MSport that the car is built for performance rather than economy, and higher running costs more workaday model in the 3-Series are the trade off for the cars impressive acceleration time and lengthy equipment list. The price also reflects this, however it may be worth it as the 3-Series as a whole peforms strongly in the resale market, and the 335i MSport is one of the highlights of the range.