BMW
2011 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan
What it Is: A premium compact five passenger all-wheel drive luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility and all-wheel drive traction.
What's Not: Small size hinders usefulness, price.
Family Friendly Options: Navigation, premium audio, active cruise control.
How It Got Its Score:The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive adds all-wheel drive to a car that's already a blast to drive. Unfortunately, it adds to the cost and hurts fuel economy at the same time.
BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system may not be as famous as Audi's quattro system, but the company hopes to change that. Offering xDrive on every 3 Series model, the all-wheel drive system offers the same benefits as all similar systems, that is, improved bad-weather traction. Unfortunately, xDrive adds to the 335i's already considerable price, and it hurts fuel economy as well, although in fairness, the Family Friendliness score stays the same. If you're a driving enthusiast, there's a lot to like, as BMW has earned its reputation as a driver's car. It looks great for starters, and it boasts a comfortable and luxurious interior as well. BMW's iDrive navigation and audio system has been much improved as well. But remember that this is a compact car, so it has a small trunk that would have trouble accommodating a stroller plus groceries. We were also surprised that it got four out of five stars on the NHTSA's front driver, front passenger and rollover crash tests. Then there's that price, a whopping $45,000-plus, and that's before you start adding options. Note that by choosing a manual over an automatic transmission you'll save $1,375.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$44,850 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-6 |
|
Horsepower |
300 hp |
|
Torque |
300 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
All Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
17 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
25 mpg |
|
EPA Combined |
20 mpg |
Utility
Vehicle Type |
Compact |
|
Family Friendliness |
6.4 |
|
Doors |
Four |
|
Seat Rows |
Two |
|
Passengers |
Five |
|
LATCH Positions |
Two |
|
Cargo Space |
12.0 cu. ft. |
Safety
NHTSA Driver Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Passenger Front |
4 Stars |
|
NHTSA Driver Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rear Passenger Side |
5 Stars |
|
NHTSA Rollover |
4 Stars |
|
IIHS Front |
Good |
|
IIHS Side |
Good |
|
IIHS Rear |
Good |
|
Stability Control |
Standard |
|
Traction Control |
Standard |
|
Brake Assist |
Standard |
|
Side Airbags |
Thorax and Curtain |
|
Collision Avoidance |
Not Available |
|
Active Cruise Control |
Optional |
|
Photos
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