SENIOR EDITOR FOR NEWS BOB GRITZINGER:<\/b> Little to quibble about here–the 3-series coupe is one of the best-driving cars on the market, and this example is no exception. Even without a nice manual tranny, the car was fun to run via the steering-wheel paddle shifters, which are placed just right for holding the wheel and shifting. The engine is smooth and strong, with nary a trace of turbo lag. Everything else is marvelous–brakes, steering, chassis control, the works.<\/p>\n
Outside, the car looks stunning from virtually every angle. This is the best execution of current BMW styling on the road right now.<\/p>\n
Not sure if I found a switch that Cindy didn’t, but I was able to adjust the seat into a quite upright position, so much so that it felt almost claustrophobic at times given my proximity to the roof and headliner. Every time I moved the sun visor, I had to take care not to whack myself in the head–I was that upright. I guess that’s my only complaint about this car: Too tight in the interior for a midsize car. If it’s going to be that cramped, why not opt down to the 1-series, save some cash, and have even more fun?<\/p>\n
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART:<\/b> As Bob said, the 3-series is the benchmark on which all other sport sedans are measured. The chassis is rock solid and the suspension tuned for serious driving–throw the car hard into a turn and there’s little roll. Mash the brakes hard and you’ll notice little dive. I would certainly prefer a manual transmission in this car, but as automatics go, it’s fine.<\/p>\n
Yes, the cabin is a bit small, but I had no problem finding a comfortable driving position. There’s more than enough legroom, but I sure wouldn’t want to be in the back seat.<\/p>\n
2010 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe<\/b><\/p>\n
Base Price:<\/b> $44,925<\/p>\n
As-Tested Price:<\/b> $51,600<\/p>\n
Drivetrain:<\/b> 3.0-liter turbocharged I6; AWD, six-speed automatic<\/p>\n
Output:<\/b> 300 hp @ 5,800 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 1,400 rpm<\/p>\n
Curb Weight:<\/b> 3,770 lb<\/p>\n
Fuel Economy (EPA\/AW<\/i>):<\/b> 20\/23.9 mpg<\/p>\n
Options:<\/b> Cream beige Dakota leather ($1,450); Steptronic automatic transmission ($1,325); sport package including 17-inch wheels, sport seats, shadowline exterior trim ($850); cold-weather package including ski bag, heated front seats ($750); BMW assist with Bluetooth ($750); Mojave metallic paint ($550); comfort access keyless entry ($500); iPod and USB adapter ($400); sport steering wheel with paddles ($100)<\/p>\n
For more <\/p>\n
![\"a](\"http:\/\/focusgear.com\/files\/2010\/04\/2b76f573a4c2ad9972e9fecb84f1e313.jpg\")
<\/span>