BMW 335d xDrive - a talented sedan

Fast, economical, reliable to drive and well-equipped ... "Troika" with a powerful turbodiesel has many advantages. However, the high price can dampen the enthusiasm of even the most ardent fans of Bavarian limousines. Not everyone will also be able to put up with the average jamming of the power unit.

The F30, the latest iteration of the BMW 3 Series, entered the battle for buyers in early 2012. The most powerful engine version available was the 335i petrol engine. TwinPower-Turbo technology evolved from three liters of displacement of 306 hp. and 400 Nm in an impressively wide range of 1200-5000 rpm. Performance? More than enough. The xDrive sedan accelerates to “hundreds” in just five seconds. However, the dominance of the BMW 335i did not last long. However, the 335i was not overthrown by the new M3. Before the start of the sale of sports limousines, the most dynamic "troika" will be ... 335d. Three-liter turbodiesel with a capacity of 313 hp entered the gamut in the middle of this year.

Many drivers looked at the tested BMW 3 Series with interest. This is due not only to the snow-white paintwork, with which the black color of the rear windows effectively contrasted. Anyone with even a superficial interest in the automotive industry could not help but notice the distinctive M logos. They were visible on the front fenders and multi-piston brake calipers. Moments later, the audience began to experience cognitive dissonance. Four-door "eMki" are not new to BMW's offering. But for a limousine that accelerates like a sports car to carry a 335d on the tailgate?

One might wonder if the growing availability of accessories signed by the BMW court tuner is not the destruction of the M GmbH legend that has been built up over the years? At present, nothing prevents the base 316i from being equipped with an M sports brake system. The Bavarian group, like Audi and Mercedes, is simply responding to the wishes of customers around the world, who are increasingly asking about the possibility of personalizing the car. There is something to fight for. The income from exclusive add-ons is calculated in millions of euros.

The M Multi-Year Package and the M Sports Braking System are a foretaste of the additional features found in the BMW M Performance catalogue. Bumper spoilers, carbon fiber mirrors and spoilers, Alcantara steering wheels with racing style indicators, metal or carbon fiber interior trim, sport exhausts, even stronger brakes, even stiffer suspensions… Among the optional M Performance features you can even find packages to increase engine power. BMW engineers have developed a Power Kit for the 320d version.

We doubt anyone would want to "tweak" the flagship 335d. The limousine accelerates to "hundreds" in 4,8 seconds and accelerates to 250 km / h. The values ​​are impressive. The same can be said for the driving experience. The 5400-litre turbodiesel has a very wide usable rpm range. The red field on the tachometer only starts at XNUMX rpm! The reaction to gas is the most captivating. Every movement of the right foot, regardless of rpm and gear, causes a jump in speed. The temptation to drive fast is hard to resist...

"Troika" not only provokes a dynamic ride, but also gives a sense of security. Powerful torque reserves make it easy to overtake and join traffic. The brakes are sharp and the braking force can be precisely dosed. Perfectly balanced and standard xDrive on the 335d, it is very predictable and neutral. Anyone who thinks that four-wheel drive tempered the BMW limousine is mistaken. After setting the chassis to Sport mode, the “troika” can be effectively thrown back. In Sport +, the moment of electronic intervention is even longer, but in a critical situation, the driver can still count on support. Of course, there is also a switch for electronic assistants.

The steering and suspension match the capabilities of the engine. The BMW 335d is as sociable and precise as you can imagine. The engineers of the Bavarian concern have once again proved that they have no equal in suspension tuning. The chassis of the "troika" provides excellent handling and at the same time dampens bumps surprisingly well, even with 18-inch wheels.

Another masterpiece is the 8-speed Steptronic transmission. The 335d is standard, but you can and should pay PLN 1014 extra for a sporty version of the transmission that juggles gears even faster and more efficiently. A large number of gears has a positive effect on fuel consumption. In the city, the car needs 9-11 l / 100 km. Outside the settlement, eighth gear can reduce fuel consumption by up to 6-7 l / 100 km. The on-board computer of the presented 335d was not reset for more than four thousand kilometers. The result of 8,5 l/100 km speaks for itself.

The interior of the test car was filled with numerous amenities. The most important thing, however, comes as standard - excellent ergonomics, an optimal driving position and appropriate trim materials. The asymmetrical and left-leaning center console reminds us that BMW designs cars with the driver in mind. The front row passenger cannot complain of any discomfort. There is more than enough legroom and headroom, and the wide-adjustment seats provide comfort even on the longest journeys. In the second row, the situation is not rosy. There is no longer enough legroom behind the driver's seat of average height. The tall central tunnel also steals valuable space. A trip of five people? We strongly do not recommend!

The sound of the engine is very interesting - both under load and with a decent ride at low revs. You can, however, complain about the mute sound, or rather the lack of it. The six-cylinder unit is clearly audible, and when driving dynamically, it becomes loud in the cabin. Not everyone will be happy.

Another tablespoon of fly in the ointment is prices. BMW 335d in the basic configuration was estimated at 234,4 thousand. zloty. The flagship diesel is almost twice as expensive as the base "troika". Is it twice as good? Certainly not in terms of equipment. The standard equipment of the 316i and 335d is very similar in terms of safety, design, comfort and multimedia. BMW offers a full set of airbags, a multifunctional leather-trimmed driver's compartment, automatic air conditioning, LED taillights, an on-board computer and a Professional audio system.

In the 335d, in addition to a more powerful engine, we get xDrive, an automatic transmission, Servotronic power steering, lightweight wheels, a rear armrest and reading lights. You must pay extra for other additional services. The price is rising fast. The cost of the tested 335d exceeded PLN 340 thousand.

Equal levels of equipment may convince people who were thinking about ordering a 335d variant to buy the BMW 330d. For an additional 21 55 zlotys we get all-wheel drive, 70 hp. and Nm. This is a really interesting proposal. Moreover, we get two in one. Economical diesel and sports car.