It's no small matter when BMW rolls out an all new 3 Series, not only does the car represent BMW's bread-and-butter - it represent 50% of all bimmers sold - it's also the benchmark upon which every other entry-level luxury sedan has been judged over the last 30+ years. For 2012, BMW made the new 335i faster, more fuel-efficient and gave it a controversial but in my opinion beautifying face lift.
A new 3 Series face features bright Xenon adaptive headlights with the signature coronas that pour inward toward the iconic chrome-wrapped grill. The front bumper is broad and blunt-faced giving the car a menacing grimace-like overbite which pours over the lower grill. Into the sides and rear the car looks much more familiar, even with the 3.7 inches of extra overall-length and 1.9 inches of additional wheelbase. The wheelbase extension is noticeable, especially when you take a seat in the rear where you get some extra head room and a little more knee space.
The new 335i is powered by a turbocharged N55 3.0-liter inline-six good for 300 horsepower and a satisfyingly symmetrical 300 ft-lb of torque. I had the pleasure of reviewing the six-speed manual, an 8 speed automatic option is also available. The manual operated beautifully, the tautly sprung clutch and shifter work in perfect unison to offer up smooth shifts whether you're in stop-and-go traffic or whipping up a steep canyon road. When you pair smooth shifting to the fantastic shifting and precise steering of the 335i you can't help but find yourself smiling.
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