(continued from above)
For the first time on a BMW 3 Series in the US, the 7-speed
Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control will be available as an
option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the
DCT, the 335is Coupe is capable of 0-60 mph acceleration in 5 seconds flat.
Fundamentally unchanged are the BMW 3 Series' essential attributes of
rear-wheel drive, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise
steering, and skillfully engineered suspension, all of which conspire to produce
the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.
Unique Exterior and Interior Design Features
The new BMW 335is
Coupe is based on
the latest BMW 3 Series Coupe, which has itself been
enhanced for the 2011 model year. Of those updates, the 335is model retains the
new high-depth LED tail lights, new xenon adaptive headlights with LED-lighted
corona rings, and the new hood which integrates with a freshened BMW kidney
grille. Above and beyond those updates, the 335is Coupe will receive new M Sport
enhancements which include comprehensive M aerodynamic elements, kidney grille
surrounds in high gloss black, Shadowline black window trim, wing mirror caps in
high gloss black, and standard 18" light alloy wheels in ferric grey color. 19"
light alloy M wheels are optional. Exclusive "335is" badges adorn the front
fender and the rear of the trunklid.
The M Sport front and rear fascias
and side skirts have been carefully sculpted to provide the best air management
benefits along with a healthy dose of style. Starting at the front, the new air
dam of the 335is Coupe is equipped with large openings meant to feed as much air
as possible to the upgraded cooling system. Horizontal black planes are placed
within each opening to properly guide the air into the ducts.
At rear, the form-follows-function design
philosophy continues with a new rear diffuser intended to properly manage the
high-velocity air flow exiting from underneath the vehicle. As the most
aggressive ever fitted to a BMW 3 Series, the body-color rear diffuser features
a black inset portion with vertical strakes that help maintain air velocity,
reduce pressure, and therefore help prevent "lift" over the rear axle.
Inside, the M Sport upgrades continue with an M Sport steering wheel, sport
seats, anthracite headliner, M door sills, M driver's footrest, M gearshift
knob, and high-quality stainless steel sport pedals. The instrument cluster
features dials in dark grey with a "335is" badge on the tachometer face. The
passenger side dashboard also features an exclusive "335is" badge on the
standard aluminum glacier silver dark trim.
BMW 335is Coupe: Review (2/2)