Fast, capable and luxurious, the BMW 3-Series has long been the Michael Jordan of the sports-sedan set, a world-class performer that seems to have no weaknesses or vices other than a high price tag.  Since its latest ground-up redesign, the 3-Series is even better, with more expressive sheet metal outside and upgraded mechanicals beneath.  Is it possible to improve on what many consider to be perfection?

It’s certainly worth a shot.  For 2008, BMW takes the already-outstanding 335 coupe and adds the power of all-wheel drive.  The new 335xi expands the 3-Series’ resume to include all-weather performance.
From the driver’s seat, the all-wheel drive is seamless, and the additional weight has a negligible effect on handling.  The 3-series’ standard Dynamic Stability Control already tames the tail-happy tendencies of the powerful, rear-drive 335i, so the 335xi’s additional stability is simply icing on the cake.  The drivetrain is BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, shared with the X3 and X5 line of sport-utes, and torque transfer is seamless.  When the going gets slippery, the XDrive all-wheel drive system transfers power to the wheels with traction via a smooth, multi-disc clutch.  XDrive will also transfer grip to enhance dry-weather performance, giving the 335ix a subtle edge over two-wheel drive cars.  From the driver’s seat, the average 335xi pilot will notice only that the 300-horsepower six-cylinder engine doesn’t tend to make the rear end step out, in the wet or in the dry.
The addition of all-wheel drive makes the 3.0 liter straight six an impressively powerful yet tame engine, in fact.  BMW’s first gasoline-powered turbocharged powerplant since the early 1980s, the 335’s engine features two small turbos, to provide maximum boost with minimum lag.  The turbocharger is seamless; thanks to the inline engine’s inherent torque nature, there’s never a feeling of boost or lag.  There’s a broad torque band and ample power when it’s needed; you can’t catch this engine napping.  The throttle’s even perfectly suited, so boost and horsepower both roll on smoothly, making the 335xi deceptively fast from the driver’s seat.  The six-speed manual transmission is awesomely suited to the straight-six, and the 335xi will get up and go from any gear, at any speed.  It’s as easy to drive slow as it is fast; unlike some frenetic performance sedans, the 335xi is adept at calming down and acting responsible every so often, if the circumstances require it.
The brakes are excellent, of course; BMW wouldn’t allow anything less.  The racetrack-bred 335xi is equipped with BMW’s elaborate “double-pivot” dual lower control arm suspension in the front and a five-link suspension at the rear.  The bigger brakes require seventeen-inch or larger wheels.  The suspension is taut and responsive to a fault, and the ride on the road is stiff but not uncomfortable.  That said, the 335 doesn’t like sharp bumps, and tends to bounce like a go-kart over frost heaves.
For all the exciting mechanical bits, the 335xi’s face is rather restrained.  The signature BMW styling looks good, but the average onlooker won’t see anything other than another handsome, long-nosed BMW coupe.  The 335xi has conservative lines with a lowered hood, cool flat-topped quad headlamps with BMW’s signature corona rings, and of course the unmistakable split grille.  This car is competent and confident, so it’s got no need for flashy styling tricks.
My test car featured a red and black leather interior that got mixed reviews, but otherwise the 335xi’s cabin is laid out nicely and comfortable.  The narrow-diameter steering wheel feels tightly connected to the rest of the car and will remind younger drivers of a video game controller.  The 335xi feels very taut and together–the steering wheel seems to be attached directly to the wheels, the shifter only a hairsbreadth from the gears themselves.  The 335xi is good at making sure that the driver is involved.  It’s easy to imagine that you can feel each individual tire’s contact patch on the road as you drive.   And driving is what this car will invite you to do.  The comfortable seats are sporty and grippy but don’t pinch, and surprisingly enough there’s room for over-six-footers in the back seat.
For all that sportiness, it’s still a luxury car as well.  A choice of real wood or brushed aluminum trim is offered.  Fancy electronic arms present the seatbelts to front-seat passengers when the key is turned, and there’s mood lighting in the armrests front and rear, giving the 335xi a unique theatrical feeling after dark.  Active cruise control, heated seats, parking assist and a navigation system are available.  Sirius satellite radio and a custom iPod adapter are also on the menu.
So what’s it cost to roll with what’s largely considered the best of the best?  BMW pricing isn’t quite “if you have to ask…” but it is up there.  335ix pricing starts at $42,600.  My tester featured th  rear parking assist, iPod adapter, Sirius, Premium Package and Cold Weather package and stickered for $49,720.  BMW’s XDrive is also available on the slightly less expensive 328 series.

Specifications: all specs are for the BMW 335ix.
Length:  180.6 in.
Width:  70.2 in.
Height:     54.1 in.
Wheelbase:  108.7 in.
Curb weight:   3759 lb.
Cargo space:   11.1 cu.ft.
Base price:  $42,600
Price as tested:      $49,720
Engine:  3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder
Drivetrain:  six-speed manual transmission, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:  300 @ 5800
Torque:  300 @ 1400-5000
Fuel capacity:  16.1 gal.
Est. mileage:  16/25