2011 BMW 3 Series

2011 BMW 3 Series Overview

The 2011 BMW 3 Series is sure to please jsut about everyone. You can get a sedan, a wagon, a coupe and a convertible; there are two turbocharged six-cylinders, a diesel engine and a regular six-cylinder and each delivers on performance. Oh, and the fact that it's one of the finest automobiles on the globe according to Car and Driver.

The 2011 BMW 3 coupe and convertible get a mild exterior styling refresh. This year's bimmer sports an all-new engine for the 335i models. Its output remains the same, but the switch to a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the old engine's dual single-scroll turbochargers combines with direct injection to improve fuel economy. Not only is the new 335i peppier, it sips slightly less fuel than the 328i.

The old twin-turbo inline-6 lives on,however, in the new 335is coupe and convertible. This sport-tuned version produces 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function. The 335is should hit 60 mph in just a hair under 5 seconds. In many ways bridging the gap between 335i and M3, the 335is also features a sport-tuned suspension and exhaust, an aerodynamic body kit, sport seats and a chunkier steering wheel.

Fear not, even with these changes, the 3 Series remains one of the most desirable vehicles on the road. BMW is famous for combining luxury and performance.  This entry-level luxury model is no exception and can match the Bimmer's exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort. The base suspension setup is more capable than any comperable make, while the Sport package gives it sports-car-grade cornering capabilities without a hint of impact harshness.

Automotive journalists have often sung praises of the 3 Series, but there's a reason for that: It's just that good. With the updates made this year, we see no reason why the 2011 BMW 3 Series should falter. The Audi A4/A5/S4/S5, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G37 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class certainly deserve test-drives. But if you just make a single trip to the BMW store, we can't say we blame you.

Like all bimmers, driving is what the 2011 BMW 3 Series does best. The 328i's naturally aspirated inline-6 has enough power to suit most tastes. Those in search of something more will be well served by the 335i, which maintains the 328i's refinement while adding a huge wallop of turbo torque. This year's new 335is doesn't feel much different until you floor the throttle, at which point the overboost function provides a noticeable uptick in acceleration.

Sport package-equipped models can even keep pace with many more expensive sports cars. At the same time, the 3 Series is a wonderful long-distance cruiser, boasting both a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. The 3 Series speaks the language of driving enthusiasts, yet its upscale image and comfortable interior give it unrivaled mass appeal.