MUNICH, Germany — BMW unveiled the 2011 335iS this week, the centerpiece of its newly refreshed 3 Series coupe and convertible lineup. The car has been developed specifically for the North American market, where it will plug the gap between the 2011 BMW 335i and the 2011 BMW M3.
The new top-of-the-line 335iS Coupe and Convertible feature a tweaked version of the tried and true twin-turbocharged N54 3.0-liter inline-6. It now delivers 322 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It also now packs a unique overboost feature that allows the engine to achieve a 10-second burst of up to 369 pound-feet of torque. The car channels its power through a standard six-speed manual transmission, although an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual will also be offered.
BMW claims the 2011 BMW 335iS will reach 60 mph from a standstill in 5.1 seconds when the six-speed manual is in place, while the car shaves a further 0.1 second from the time to 5.0 seconds when the dual-clutch transmission is used. BMW also claims a top speed of 150 mph for the 335iS, which is a direct response to Audi's new S4.
Subtle revisions to the rest of the 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible lineup include a new front bumper incorporating a revised kidney grille design and a full-width air duct between the foglamps, furnishing additional cooling of the engine while accentuating the visual width.
The front bumper looks less aggressive but adds 1.4 inches to the front overhang in a move that BMW says improves pedestrian safety. The headlights retain their familiar shape but receive new internal graphics, and a bi-xenon function as standard. Both the swiveling Adaptive Headlight and the Adaptive Headlight Range Control are optional.
Farther back, there are larger exterior mirrors in accordance with new European Union safety regulations. The rear receives a slightly altered bumper with an additional horizontal line above the tailpipes. The shape of the taillights is retained from the previous 3 Series, but they receive LED-enhanced graphics.
The changes made to the interior of the 2011 BMW 3 series coupe and convertible are even more subtle than those brought to the exterior.
There's a new multifunction steering wheel as well as a selection of revised trims. BMW has also brought the latest features of its ConnectedDrive initiative across to its two-door 3 Series models, including an Internet option that brings further features to the navigation system, including the ability to download individual routes by means of the German carmaker's Web portal.
Headlining the mechanical changes is the appearance of BMW's latest turbocharged 3.0-liter TwinPower inline-6 for both the 2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible.
Among other detailed changes, the TwinPower engine substitutes a single twin-scroll turbocharger for the twin-turbocharger setup of its predecessor. Power and torque remain the same at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, respectively. BMW claims the 2011 BMW 335i coupe will accelerate to 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 5.5 seconds, while the slightly heavier 2011 BMW 335i convertible will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) from a standstill in 5.8 seconds.
Both the 335i coupe and convertible are electronically limited in U.S. specification to 130 mph.
The new range of BMW 3 Series coupes and convertibles will go on sale March 1 in Europe at prices that BMW says will be little changed over the existing models. The BMW 335iS will go on sale at the same time.
Inside Line says: A nice set of upgrades to an already exceptional car. Clearly, BMW isn't about to let Audi muscle in on the segment that BMW created without putting up a fight. — Andreas Stahl, Correspondent
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standfan says:
02:53 PM, 01/19/2010
What a poorly written article. Most of the time you can't tell if they are talking about the 335i the 335iS or the M3. I thought Edmunds writers were better than this.
johnmarco says:
07:19 AM, 01/19/2010
What about the sedan? Any freshening?
jmaroun says:
09:44 AM, 01/18/2010
Like the original front bumper better. New one looks like a Star Wars space ship.
The sedan looks better.
Crafty overboost idea..so is there like a button to press for warp speed?? I wonder how much more expensive this LCI will cost. I will pass in wait for the next generation 3 due out in a couple years. Meantime, I'm sure this 3 will continue to reign supreme over all others (unless they messed with its steering).
gmhl10 says:
09:58 PM, 01/17/2010
Quad pipes are reserved only for ///M models.
But it is weird there's no LSD option. Even a Mini Cooper S has an LSD option... Maybe BMW thinks giving a non-M that option makes it too close of a competition to the M3 itself.
raptor169rider says:
03:46 PM, 01/17/2010
the rear end is still Fugly, quad pipes on the "is" model would be nice.
felonious says:
08:48 AM, 01/17/2010
I wasn't aware that there was a gap between the 335i and the M3...
rayainsw says:
05:17 AM, 01/17/2010
"a unique overboost feature that allows the engine to achieve a 10-second burst of up to 369 pound-feet of torque."
This is what appeals to me.
Still no LSD - even optional.
Very, very odd.
- Ray
In a 335 sedan with x-drive, might be tempted...
gmhl10 says:
01:35 AM, 01/17/2010
Bi-Xenon standard... it's about time.
etanretla says:
10:50 PM, 01/16/2010
the audi a5 still looks better proportioned...good try though.../
blueguydotcom says:
08:05 PM, 01/16/2010
Still ugly and the N54 is not a good engine. Check out some bimmer boards.