Test report, BMW 335d M-sport x-drive saloon

BMW 335d M-sport x-drive saloon

Replacing my current AMG Mercedes was always going to be difficult, as to be honest, I love everything about it, apart from the fuel consumption, so I have set about finding a replacement with perhaps a more sensible head on, but as this is to be my daily drive, I am still looking for something with a bit of character that's also fun to drive.

When the opportunity came to try this 6th generation 3 Series BMW for a couple of days, it was an offer I couldn't refuse, and I am grateful to BMW UK and to Astle BMW Grimsby for arranging it for me. Although I have never personally owned a BMW, we have had several in the family over the years, and as a regular reader of motoring magazines I have been impressed with the regularity that BMW machinery has topped road tests against similar premium manufacturers, and the high praise heaped upon the brand, and the 3 series in particular, by the motoring media.

My BMW arrived resplendent in its Estoril Blue paintwork and shod with attractive 19” M Star-spoke style wheels, set off with blue brake calipers. The 3-Series shape is a familiar one on British roads, but from outward inspection (without the benefit of badges) the 335d X-Drive does not particularly excite nor stand out from the crowd.

Inside, the 335d is familiar modern BMW. The interior finishes are of good quality, but maybe shaded by the latest C-class Mercedes as far as quality and ambience is concerned. Settling into the Black Dacota leather faced seats, the instruments are easy to identify and the I-drive easy to use, major controls are all at hand, and 360 visibility is excellent. I was able to adjust the seating, mirrors and steering wheel to my preferred position with ease, and store it in the seat Memory, the size and thickness of the multi function steering wheel feels just right, and I was able to Bluetooth my iPhone easily. One slight disappointment is the boot, still a little bit tighter than some of its rivals, with a slightly higher lip, but still providing reasonably good storage space.

BMW quote a 0-60mph time of 4.8 secs and a Top speed of 155 mph., so this car is no slouch. The car arrived set in Comfort Mode, so on the road a quick shift to Sport, made overtaking an easy exercise, the engine quickly revving to 4500 rpm in each gear and in automatic mode, the 8 speed auto box shifting easily and the car feeling very responsive. The paddle shift gearchange is easy to use and handy for those times when you might want more control, the car settling back into Drive again when cruising. A quoted average mpg of 52.3 was unsurprisingly way off what I was able to achieve, and without unduly stretching the car on a mixture of A and B roads and with some town driving thrown in, consumption in the upper 30's seems more realistic with a range of around 500 miles achievable with ease. On a run, expect consumption in the high 40’s. This 3 Serious must be a serious contender as a great touring car, able to eat the miles in comfort, and with a great range.

The 3 Litre powerplant coupled to the excellent semi-automatic gearbox is very smooth, and has a not unpleasant noise at higher revs, and it is impossible to tell that the car is a diesel, except at low speeds and tickover. The car is very assured on the road, and handles all manor of road surfaces with ease, there is excellent feedback through the steering, and although a little jarry at times at lower speeds, on the open road, the suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride, with good communication back to the driver. The x-drive system really comes into its own on the twisty Lincolnshire roads, and the car is exceptionally sure footed, handling corners at speed with ease, with little body roll, the excellent seats providing great lateral support. This car really does inspire confidence, the brakes are excellent too when needed.

My test car was excellently kitted out with the M Sport Plus Package, BMW Professional Media Package, heated seats, folding mirrors, excellent Harmon/Kardon sound system, auto lights and wipers, park distance control, heated electric seats, climate control and everything that you would expect on a car costing nearly £50,000. With all models coming fitted with six airbags, electronic stability control and tyre pressure monitoring as standard equipment, and BMW Assist, which automatically contacts the emergency services if the car is involved in a serious accident, BMW's are one of the safest cars on the road. Road tax is £145.00 pa and CO₂ emission are 143.0 g/km so you will feel that you are doing your bit for the planet too.

So, what did I think of this BMW with the very long name? Overall, this is a car that does what it says on the tin, it is without doubt very competent and does most things well, it is comfortable, reasonably economical, quite spacious, well built and nicely finished, and drives and holds the road well, but at the end of the day, it left me just a little bit disappointed. Perhaps it’s a little bit too competent and therefore ever so slightly dull as a result, maybe an M Sport body kit would make it look a bit more special. Without doubt it would be a nice car to own, but is it special enough, maybe, I will reserve judgement until I have driven the other contenders on my short list, so watch this space.