BMW
2011 BMW 335i Sedan
What it Is: A premium compact five passenger luxury sedan.
What's Hot: European panache with four-door flexibility.
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 is a premium car, and you'll pay a premium price for it. That hurts its Family Friendliness, as does its small trunk and compact dimensions.
The BMW 3 Series is a legend among driving enthusiasts, and justifiably so. However, it not particularly well suited to the demands of a modern family. It has a small trunk, which limits its usefulness when it comes to hauling, say, a stroller plus a week's worth of groceries. Its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter engine may be powerful, but it's also thirsty. The NHTSA crash test results are a bit of a surprise, with the 335i scoring four out of five stars in front driver, front passenger and rollover crash tests. Then there's the price, which starts at more than $43,000 and goes up from there, especially considering that many things standard on other cars are optional here, such as Bluetooth. Still, one could argue (effectively) that you don't buy a BMW for its value, but for the driving experience. It's a beautiful car with an exquisite interior. BMW has rethought its iDrive navigation and audio interface and it's now better than ever. If you're looking for the ultimate driving machine -- as the tagline goes -- then look no further. Just remember that Family Friendliness isn't this BMW's forte.
Specifications
Price |
|
| MSRP |
$42,850 |
| Destination |
$875 |
| |
| |
| |
Mechanical
Engine Size |
3.0 liters |
|
Engine Type |
Inline-6 |
|
Horsepower |
300 hp |
|
Torque |
300 lb.-ft. |
|
Fuel |
Premium Unleaded |
|
Drivetrain |
Rear Wheel Drive |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Optional Transmission |
6-Speed Manual |
Fuel Economy
EPA City |
17 mpg |
|
EPA Highway |
26 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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