In my opinion there’s little beyond a performance-oriented 3 series BMW that I’d want to drive every day of my life. Yes, the thrill of having a little red number (see Ferrari) parked in the garage is great – on the weekend – but in every day Johannesburg life it’s just not practical.
So what better than a fast, compact sedan from one of the few manufacturers that still believes the rear wheels should handle propulsion? And one from possibly the finest name in road going performance?
That is of course the new BMW 335i – the M-Performance Edition at that. I honestly believe it to be the best compact sedan on the market today (without getting all silly and driving off in an M3). The only other significant players in the market – Mercedes C and Audi A4 – may give the 3 an unexpectedly good run for its money every now and then but on an overall level – and undoubtedly from a driver’s perspective – the 3 is the most coveted of them all.
So let’s start on the outside. There’s sophistication in the creases, power in the bulged bonnet, menace in the trimmed grille and purpose in the special M-Performance body kit. The combination means the 3 doesn’t look out of place pulling up outside the Westcliff, nor rocking up at a track day for some tyre shredding fun.
Inside is much of the same. The interior is a contemporary blend of aluminium and leather, with elegant accent pieces flowing its length. It’s spacious and well considered throughout.
The 335’s 3.0 litre straight six motor is assisted by one large twin scroll turbo-charger that does a mighty job of generating low down torque and top-end performance. There are 225kW at the disposal of your right foot; which is a mighty pleasing experience to say the least. Then there’s the 8 speed dual clutch gearbox, which changes cogs at light speed and – when left to its own devices – is as smooth a well-aged single malt.
On the road the 335 is display exemplary levels of comfort, despite its apparent low slung stance. People believe that Mercedes offers unrivalled comfort; but that must be because they haven’t driven a 3 series. That’s only the tip of the ice berg, because once you up the rate of effort from a casual amble to a serious drive the 3 really gets into its stride.
Pop the ‘driving experience control’ into Sport (or Sport+) mode to sharpen throttle response, firm up the dampers and stoke the engine – then the 335 really comes to life. Its body control and the accuracy with which steering inputs are translated onto the road would shame many an out-and-out sports car. Yes, the electric steering is a bit numb and therefore feedback lacks the purity an enthusiast might yearn for; regardless it makes even its finest opponents look slack and slow-witted.
You know, this 3 series is one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. It’s practical and comfortable and fast and fun. It’s everything you want from a car, really. The catch is that only 500 will be available, if they’re not all already sold. Fear not however, because you can get a standard 335i without the fancy trim but with the aforementioned performance. Perhaps a stop at your local BMW on the way home is in order?
Price: R 662 600
Engine: 2,979cc six cylinder turbo charged petrol
Power: 225 kW
Torque: 400 Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.5
Top Speed (km/h): 250 (limited)
Consumption (l/100km): 7.2 (claimed)
Service: 5yr/100 000km maintenance plan
