By Jim Meachen and Ted Biederman

We revised our list of favorite cars the other day. Yes a new model enthusiastically caught our attention and you probably won’t be surprised to find it’s a member of the Ultimate Driving Machine (oh how we hate that ubiquitous ad tag) family, the all-new 2007 BMW 335i coupe.

The new Bimmer makes plunking down 40 grand or the equivalent thereof in the form of a loan or lease as easy and palatable as super-sizing an order of French fries from Mickey D’s. We can hear the hard core BMW crowd saying, “So what did you expect?”

That might have been a fair question a few years ago, but it seems to us that BMW has encountered some slippage in its pursuit of the ultimate in more recent times. Or perhaps some of the competition has achieved BMW’s ultimate driving machine standard — until now.

This 335i coupe, with its twin-turbocharged — yes, Virginia, we said turbocharged — inline 6-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower combined with incredible driving dynamics, puts a high-gloss luster back on a brand that, while somewhat tarnished by its polarizing styling and needlessly complicated operating systems, still has plenty of shine.
The new fifth-generation 3-Series coupe comes 18 months after the launch of the all-new 3-Series sedan and features sleeker lines with a more contoured hood, different headlight treatment, larger taillights, a more rounded rear deck and a lower roofline for a more hunkered-down appearance.

It takes the (Chris) Bangle-era styling to a new, more agreeable level using the best of the curves and creases found on the 5-Series and 7-Series, incorporating them into a handsome package from every angle. It’s indeed a head turner. In fact the next best thing to driving it is looking at it.

And the skin is important. Styling does sell cars. But it’s the driving experience more than the gorgeous body that puts this newest Bimmer into exalted status.

This exhilarating BMW experience comes compliments of two turbochargers each supplying compressed air to three cylinders. This rather unique design eliminates the dreaded turbo-lag that has become synonymous with turbo-boosted engines. And the turbo-boosting along with direct gasoline injection and variable valve timing yields 300 pound-feet of torque in a wide band from 1,400 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

Put the pedal to the metal and the result is a smooth, seamless flow of power measured, according to BMW statistics, in 5.3-seconds from 0 to 60. The flawless performance is accompanied by a low growl, music to the ears of anyone who has an ounce of gasoline in their blood. Even our lovely spouses, neither of whom has nary an ounce perked up and responded to the sight, sound and performance of the coupe giving it a compelling endorsement.

As you might expect from a 3-Series Bimmer, the new 335i exhibits point-and-shoot accuracy with the suspension tuned to the sporty side of driving hard and fast through the twists and turns. Despite the handling prowess dialed into the coupe, the ride is relatively civilized and should not offend even the most sensitive of behinds.

When our turn came to drive, we had to wait impatiently to really delve into the new car.
Rain accompanied the delivery of the silver 3-Series, and it wasn’t the afternoon shower, but a day-long soaking drizzle and light rain keeping the streets hazardously wet. So we had to drive sensibly for 24 hours until clouds passed, the sun appeared and the streets dried out before we could explore the heart and soul of the new coupe.

We found it entertaining company whether on a straight stretch of asphalt or at more than double the limit on some 25 mile-per-hour curves. The 335i offers a wonderful balance of power, handling, comfort and interior solitude.

The interior is attractive, but a bit teutonically understated. Beige leather seats, black dash and center console and a generous presentation of wood trim offered just the right touch. We found the driver’s seat supportive without side bolstering being intrusive. That’s good because most driving is done under everyday mundane conditions that call for seat comfort rather than high-speed pampering.

As you might expect in a compact coupe, rear-seat room is tight and head room is limited. But there is adequate space for two normal-sized adults if they have the dexterity to get there and as long as the ride time is kept to a minimum.

The 335i has a rather spacious 11 cubic-foot trunk managing to comfortably take in a serious load from the “farmers’ market.” More importantly room is aplenty for set of golf clubs — for two sets of clubs the rear seatback folds down giving plenty of space for the often ill used equipment.

The 3-Series comes with a long list of standard equipment, but there are enough option packages to push the bottom line toward $50,000. Our advice, be careful and pick extras wisely.

For instance, we can do without navigation. And if you don’t check the NAV option, you will also be spared the infamous iDrive, which comes bundled with navigation. We lived for a week without iDrive and astoundingly survived the experience.

Even without that option, our test car was loaded up with such extras as the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, active steering that changes the steering gear ratio — the amount of steering wheel rotation required to turn a given corner — when vehicle speed changes, the sport package that includes 18-inch alloy wheels and a more liberal top speed limit of 155 miles per hour and a premium package that includes leather upholstery and Bluetooth capability.

That brought the bottom line to $47,270.

For those who can’t stretch the household budget to include a premium priced automobile the 3-Series coupe also comes in a 328i version powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6 developing 230 horsepower starting at a more modest $35,995 including destination charge. The 328 is also offered in an all-wheel drive package beginning at $37,795.

All 3-Series coupes are loaded with safety equipment including stability control; antilock brakes with brakeforce distribution; a full compliment of airbags; tire-pressure monitor; xenon headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

By the way, there will be no M3 coupe this model year. A V-8-powered M may be on the way for 2008. But who needs it with the neck-snapping performance combined with the 20 city/29 highway gas mileage of the 335i?

The newest BMW may be the all-star of the 2007 model year.

Essentials:

Base price: $41,295; as driven: $47,270
Engine: 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6
Horsepower: 300 @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 300 pound-feet @ 1,400 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: rear wheel
Seating: 2/2
Wheelbase: 108.7 inches
Length: 180.3 inches
Curb weight: 3,571 pounds
Turning circle: 36.1 feet
Luggage capacity: 11 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 15.9 gallons
EPA mileage: 29 highway, 20 city (premium)
0-60: 5.3 seconds (BMW)
Also consider: Infiniti G35 coupe, Mercedes CLK Class

The Good:
• Superb powertrain
•Great looks that will turn heads
•Can be purchased without the infamous iDrive

The Bad:
•Tight rear-seat quarters

The Ugly:
•Watch the options that can run an excellent $40,000 coupe into 50 grand territory.