I guess 13 is unlucky for BMW, too. That’s the number of different 3 Series models the Bavarians currently offer, and this is without counting the three different members of BMW’s M3 family, which the automaker considers distinct from the 3 Series proper. You’ve got your coupes, you’ve got your sedans, you’ve got your “xDrive” coupes and sedans, and the list continues.
And now it continues to grow, with the debut of the BMW 3 Series M Sport and 335is. These models will put an exclamation point on the subtly enhanced design language of the refreshed 2011 3 Series, albeit in two different ways.
The M Sport is primarily about aesthetics, adding some of the cues found on the M3 coupe but skipping any real performance enhancers. It gets a slightly lowered suspension, but the rest of the modifications involve things like bumpers, side skirts and steering wheels. On the other hand, the 335is takes the opposite tack, putting M-like power into the same package that surrounds today’s 335i.
Specifically, the 335is will holster a twin-turbo V-6 that’s good for 322 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque—22 more horses and 32 lb-ft more torque than in the 335i—and it will also feature an “overboost” function that can deliver 369 lb-ft of twist for short periods. But certainly long enough to run from 0-60 in about 5 seconds. Drivers will get a choice of either a six-speed manual or BMW’s advanced dual-clutch seven-speed shift-it-yourself automatic. Even the body pieces the 335is does borrow from the M3—likes its rear diffuser—are aimed at increasing performance.
In fact, the biggest concern for BMW could be that the 335is will steal sales from the M3. The M3 coupe starts at $58,400. The 335i is currently the most expensive of the 3 Series fixed-roof coupes, starting at $42,650. Now, the 335is aims to slot between the two, and let’s say it comes in at $50,000. That leaves an awfully big gap between sticker prices and just a half-second gap in 0-60 times between the 335is and the M3.
But knowing BMW, that actually might be enough room in which to wedge yet another 3 Series variant. And I’ll consider that good news for all those who believe the best things in life are 3.
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