A drive in a BMW product is, generally, a promise of superb performance, based to a great degree on its rear-wheel-drive heritage.
This part of the country, though, expects a choice of all-wheel-drive models. Even Jaguar is acceding to that demand.
BMW sales slumped a year ago when it introduced its redesigned, sixth-generation 3 series sedan as rear-drive only. The sales pace recovered only when AWD was added several months ago. Almost half of all 3-series sedans now being sold in the U.S. are equipped with the four-wheel grip.
That suits me, for, twice during last week, I drove a 2013 BMW 335i xDrive on slick streets and roads. There was not a lot of snow, just enough that, coupled with temperatures in the low 20s, it created icy intersections and side roads. The Bimmer handled it very well, its xDrive shifting power from the rear wheels to whatever corner had the most grip, as needed.
Even with the added weight of the AWD, the performance factor remains intact.
A long hood accommodates the longitudinal inline-6-cylinder engine, for which the 3 series is noted. While most makers have switched to V-6 power, BMW continues true to its standards with the straight-6. It is a 300-horsepower (300 torque), 3.0-liter turbocharged 6, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (6-speed manual is optional). The shifts are impressively quick with the 8-speed.
It is a twin-spool single turbocharger in place of the 3’s former twin turbochargers. The twin-spool setup operates with less turbo lag and with more optimal pressure than do the two turbos.
To add to the BMW’s driving capabilities, a rocker switch on the center console will alter the throttle response, steering effort and shift patterns from comfort mode (normal) to sport for more aggressiveness. Or the driver may opt for the lesser-performing and more efficient eco-pro mode. The steering is electrically assisted.
Pull up to a stop light, depress the brake pedal and the stop/start system instantly shuts off the engine. As pressure on the brake is released, the engine’s immediately running again.
The 335i averaged 24.1 miles per gallon; EPA estimate is 20/30.
To open the hood to view the inline-6, first pull the hood release inside the cabin, then pull it again for full release, there is not the usual manual release under the hood.
Dominating the luxurious interior is dakota leather in saddle brown on the seats and the lower half of the dash. Consider, though, the other colors throughout – the light anthracite headliner and pillars, the black pebble finish on the upper half of the dash and below the side windows, a dark anthracite wood trim and a thin chrome strip. Quite a mix.
The 335 still seems short of legroom and footroom in the rear seating area. Yet, with its lengthening by 4 inches a year ago, its trunk capacity is a roomy 17 cubic feet. The sedan is equipped with run-flat tires, Pirelli Cinturato all-season 225/45R18s, so there is no spare wheel in the trunk. In its place, beneath the floor level, are two small storage bins.
The xDrive addition, all-wheel drive, adds $2,000 to the price of the 335i.
A camera setup which provides views from the rear, side and top is also part of the sticker price of $56,145. Other options include navigation and real-time traffic information, smartphone integration, heated seats and steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and 18-inch alloy wheels.
A look back
Thirty-five years ago this week, I reviewed in The Denver Post the 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel four-door. Excerpts:
The Environmental Protection Agency may be exaggerating a little when it says you can get 53 miles per gallon with a 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit Diesel, but not much. My test of a custom four-door sedan diesel with fuel-injection produced 47.9 miles per gallon on the highway and 39.2 in town. I pushed the 4-speed hard, and it had a wide range with little strain in running through the gears. The 4-cylinder diesel engine is mounted transversely with front-wheel drive. By using the same block, bearings, crankshaft and flywheel as in its gasoline engine, Volkswagen is able to offer the diesel for only $195 extra. Imports into the U.S. are very limited, and there is a months-long waiting list of prospective buyers. Base price of the model is $4,844, which includes an AM/FM radio, windshield washer and rear-window defogger. Freight from the port at Houston was $99.50, and two options were tinted glass and leatherette interior for $50 each, which brought the full sticker price to $5,043.50. Morning starts during the week I used the car were made in 20-degree temperature, and a wait of about 40 seconds was required for preheating the engine before starting. A manual choke aided the procedure. The four-door model had lots of room; we found, with 12-year-old son Brent, that it’s possible to load a bass drum, snare drum, tom-tom, floor tom, cymbals and high-hat into the back of the Rabbit. I popped two fuses when engaging the windshield washer lever to the right of the steering column. A VW official said it was due to frozen solvent in the washer reservoir. The Rabbit, only 155 inches long, has a short turning radius of 31.5 feet.
Saturday Drive can also be viewed online at DenverPost.com/budwells. Bud Wells can be reached via e-mail at bwells@denverpost.com.
