REVIEW: Finally, an equal to the BMW 3-Series?

Emmmm, NO

Maybe to the IS

^^ Some one's driven none of them ;)

...which both already surpass the 3-Series.
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Will, whatever you're smoking, it's not good. :p

Ok lets ge one thing straight... A NISSAN will never be EQUAL to BMW--EVER!!!!!!!
W.T.F are you talking about !!!!

Come on, just stop this BULL$hit.

I test drove a '06 coupe yesterday and came away very disappointed. The car did nothing well. The engine felt harsh, was loud, and overall very unrefined. The transmission wasn't smooth and the ride wasn't right.

The interior was an atrocity, as was the handling. This car needed a complete makeover, and I doubt it's anywhere near the refinement of the A4 or 3.

Will is just a little bit upset that the 335i is out and has trumped the competition once again. Infinit should be praised for their efforts, the only Japanese offering that comes close to the 3. The Lexus has now been made somewhat irrelevant, maybe except for the interior and reliability issues. Lets not forget the A4 and C class which will only put the IS further behind in this 5 car comparo. G35 is nice but 3 remains King for now. Reliability issues and compromises in the interior department are some of the sacrifices us Bimmer fans are willing to endure for even that "magic feel" the sheer joy of driving, afterall if there is no magic feel then might as well get a nice Civiv and pimp it out or get a nice Camry or Maxima completely optioned out. After all, if u don't get the magic feel, then what do r u looking for in a premium performanc car geared towards performance

Spiritfilled: Just for your information the A4 and C-class don't put the IS far behind. All the reviews and comparison test have the IS beating the A4, C-class, and the Old G35. Since this story is from C&D, look at their recent comparison test. BMW 335i = yes, G35 = yes (in handling). But the A4 is just too slow when compared to these three - Don't throw in the S4 and RS4 - they are not in this league.

I buy and believe the BMW mantra of "Drive one and you’ll understand." I did, and I do. I’ve also driven the current gen G35, and it’s the closest any Japanese automaker has come to delivering the driving joy of seemingly fabled German engineering. As good? No... but frighteningly close.

In my opinion, if this car has improved as much as the reviews say they have, then Infiniti has won in the $35K performance/luxury segment.. period. Not because it’s a better car, but because it compromises better. Yes, you’ll get a better BMW for an extra 10K, but for most of us money IS an object and coming within "paper thin" measurements of driving joy for a not so paper thin 10K less is very appealing.

For me, the BMW, especially the latest 335 is a better looking and probably better driving vehicle... But bigger than my love for cars is my love for the money that gets me the cars; and I can think of too many things I can spend an extra 10 grand on. Good job Infiniti.

I ve got the magic feel of a CDV, it's a show stopper , at least for me

looking forward to the coupe!

I have driven the 335.. not impressed... its fast yes, but my 350z gives me better "spirit" when i drive it. I also got more excited when i drove the IS 350. Dont get me wrong... i like BMWs... but there is one major problem with them... BMW=OVER-RATED

BTW... per CNBC on TV this Morning

sales to date:

Lexus up 33%
Mercedes up 13%
BMW up 3%
Cadillac down 9%

So let me get this straigth is someone in here naive enough to belive that the 335i has a rival in the likes of Lexus or Infinity.

Let's get the facts straight, the 335i has beaten the M3, S4, C55 AMG and CLK 63 AMG in one test or another.

The jap. cars will be an easy prey.
I feel sorry for you poor folks that think otherwise.

yawn , I feel sorry for CDV

DarkOneForce, I don't think anyone has compared the 335i to the M3, S4, C55.

I did see the CLK63 AMG test, though.

Congratulations DARKONEFORCE for stating the obvious fact that the 335i has beaten everything in straightline acceleration.... however where I live there are twists and turns and hills and bumps and traffic... as a daily driver I will take the Lex or Infinity all day everyday. very much more comfortable.. and a COMPLETE Package... of ergonomics, control, power, and performance...
I dont even think BMW can spell ergonomics...

Just because Will doesn't understand German cars shouldn't mean the end of the world is near.

This new G35 looks a bit femninine to me with the smooth curves and chrome accents. It reminds me of the S-class. I am sure it is a fast car, and I am sure it will make many people happy.

The subject line is falacious. There is no such thing as equal to a 3-series. Even a 3-series is not equal to a 3-series. A car is more than a set of numbers to a driver.

Will doesn't understand car's period...He's satisfied driving around in a dressed up toyota with no personality, no spirit, Toyota design ques, & steril driving performance. Therefore he's not a performance enthusiast, causing him to prefer soft less agressive cars that don't intimidate him. Mabye even a chick car like a Lexus SC.

4 The Haters- "I have driven the 335i.. not impressed... its fast yes, but my 350z gives me better "spirit" when i drive it. I also got more excited when i drove the IS 350."

If your making commemts like this...you must not know much about driving & pushing a car to it's limit's.

Same thing with you AUDIMAN4, your the only one I've heared badmouthing the new 335i's driving dynamics, probbably due to hateritiss.

There's already been a handful of proffesional reveiws on the 335i coupe all turning up more than positive. "European Car" mag even produced this quote concerning the car's perfromance- "The car begs to be pushed, but while I tried my best it was as if the car was laughing at me."

Get your head out of Audi's ass and realize that the new 3er is outclassing the A4 in more ways that one.

Nope. Not many people would consider a Infiniti g35 when they are in the market for a 3-Series. The 3 is sharp, clean and crisp, this is a fat hippo that can run fast.

i hate the boot on this thing, what is with that giant chrome strip?
i have no idea of infiniti's reputation, but they're 5er rival looks good (something you can't say about the 5 :P).
this car dissapoints though.

FYI, MunichRob's post with proper spelling and punctuation:

Will doesn't understand cars period...He's satisfied driving around in a dressed up Toyota with no personality, no spirit, Toyota design cues, and sterile driving performance. Therefore, he's not a performance enthusiast, causing him to prefer soft, less aggressive cars that don't intimidate him. Maybe even a chick car like a Lexus SC.

4 The Haters- "I have driven the 335i.. not impressed... it's fast yes, but my 350z gives me better "spirit" when I drive it. "I also got more excited when i drove the IS 350."

If you're making comments like this...you must not know much about driving & pushing a car to its limits.

Same thing with you AUDIMAN4, you're the only one I've heard badmouthing the new 335i's driving dynamics, probably due to hater-itis.

There have already been a handful of professional reviews on the 335i coupe, all turning up more than positive. "European Car" mag even produced this quote concerning the car's performance- "The car begs to be pushed, but while I tried my best it was as if the car was laughing at me."

Get your head out of Audi's a-- and realize that the new 3er is outclassing the A4 in more ways that one.

4_The_Haters wrote:

Congratulations DARKONEFORCE for stating the obvious fact that the 335i has beaten everything in straightline acceleration.... however where I live there are twists and turns and hills and bumps and traffic... as a daily driver I will take the Lex or Infinity all day everyday. very much more comfortable.. and a COMPLETE Package... of ergonomics, control, power, and performance...
I dont even think BMW can spell ergonomics...
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All these test were on tracks. And don't care much for
its straight line acceleration.
The 335i really is the complete package.

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GermanNut wrote:

DarkOneForce, I don't think anyone has compared the 335i to the M3, S4, C55.

I did see the CLK63 AMG test, though.
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Auto Express of GB and Sport Auto of Germany have done track tests.

On Auto Express test:

335Ci 1:42.9 secs
Mercedes CLK63 AMG 1:45.3secs

Sport Auto tests:

Nurburgring:
BMW 335i - 8.26 min
Audi S4 Avant (new) - 8.29 min

Hockenheim:
BMW 335i - 1.17,8 min
Audi S4 Sedan (V8) - 1.18,1 min
Mercedes CLK 63 - 1.18,4 min
Mercedes C55 - 1.18,6 min

It was however slower on the Nurburgring vs. the M3/C55 8.22 min.

However this with RUNFLATS TYRES, not proper tyres like the rest.

German magazine Auto Zeitung also tested the 335i and found that on their track it was faster then the M3.

crackityjones, why the edit on my post?

kart1-

He was referring to the NEXT-GEN A4 and C-Class, if I'm correct. They both come out next year and they both will blow the IS away in every respect (especially the Audi).

Will-

I don't see where you're coming from. If the IS isn't the best in class, which it's not, admit it. The 3 Series interior isn't nearly as terrible as some people make it up to be- sure, it may not be as ergonomically sound as a 2002 A4 1.8T, but at least the plastics are on-par with the IS (those Lexus plastics feel pretty cheap to me). Again, styling is subjective. I happen to think the 3 Series is very sharp looking. The IS, on the other hand, is Lexus trying too hard to make a car agressive-looking. It comes off as almost cartoonish. They still have a ways to go, Will.

The Lexus IS, Infiniti G, and BMW 3 series are all equally competant competitors. You may have your favorite, but to deny the others of being able to play in the same league is very stupid.

DarkOneForce-

The 335i beat the S4 Avant, which is significantly heavier. I assure you a sedan with a manual could out-drag it. The CLK63 is quite an accomplishment, though. And if the S4 is faster than the CLK63, the RS4 has to be!

S4cabriofox,

I don't doubt Audi makes good stuff, but please stop trying to argue over things like styling. In my opinion your "cartoonish" comment could be applied to the entire Audi lineup (save the A8).

the best times I ever saw for the S4 were 5.1 seconds 0-60 and 1/4 mile in 13.7. Those are the BEST times, and the majority of tests were in the 5.4 second, 13.9 range. I haven't seen a test yet where the 335i was slower than 5.1 and 13.6 seconds, and C&D just got 4.8 seconds and 13.5 seconds (they also got the best times I just mentioned for the S4). Additionally the 335i pulls .01-.02g's higher on the skidpad than the S4, it weighs a good amount less, and the weight distribution is more evenly balanced. Given all those facts I don't see why it would be so hard to believe the 335i would be faster on a track. It would also be more comfortable in day to day driving. And cost less. And come with free maintenance (Audi is dropping it for anyone who doesn't know already). And be worth more on resale. Anyway, I'm sure it's a bitter pill to swallow, Audi fans, but such is life.

what's up with the "Magic feel" thing...I don't feel anything on my 528i,

About a month ago here in Irvine, California on the street I live on parked in front of a home I saw this car in red with lots of blue camo tape covering up the front and rear, but I was too lazy to go get my camera to take pictures.

If it's as nice as a BMW 3 series I have no idea.

BEFORE ANYONE CAN SAY ANYTHING THE CAR HAS TO ACCUALLY BE RELEASED. PEOPLE HAVENT EVEN SAT IN THE CAR AND ARE SAYING ITS THE BEST....NOW DOES THAT MAKE SENSE?

I've driven it and it's like the 1st gen power right off the line but a dog at the top end, to tail happy for most drivers skill and the interior is better but still very cheap. Infiniti just makes low rent high power vehicles. Something most Americans must like i.e. those old crappie 60's&70's "muscle cars.

Will, I've stated this before, this is what I do for a living, I drive all the cars you discuss here every day roughly 165,000 miles a year total. BMW and all U.S market German cars have a special "magic feel" no one outside supercars can match.
And to the rest of you The 3 series closest rival is the IS350.

Damn that car looks like the Infiniti M35 ,So infiniti is going to use the German car Strategy and make all their cars look alike !!

Will -

Besides, it is the 5-Series that look like it came straight out of a Japanese anime!

Also "trying too hard?"

So once again, we go on the merry-go-'round!

"Lexus doesn't try enough,
No, they try too hard,
Their designs are boring,
No, their overstyled
Lexus cars are cheaply-made,
No, they're not but they're not sporty,
No, they're too luxurious for the the luxury segment..."

Good God man! I could not have said it better myself! One second, somebody says that the look is anonymous. The next, somebody says it is trying to hard and is overstyled. Another second, somebody says that the Lexus is too luxurious to be competing with "these 'spartan' German uber-sedans". One day later, some guy is telling you that Lexus aren't as upscale or luxurious as the Germans.

"and on and on and on and on and on...."

And also, I am with Rupert on this: What is with the chrome strip? I love the new G, but that specific aspect is overstyled; it looks out of place on a sport sedan of the G's class.

I think it is already out! lol.....

S4: Time will only tell. But I guess we shouldn't be surprised right? Audi has seen what BMW, Lexus, and Infiniti brought to the table and they have time to react. Also will the Audi be offered with a manual transmission in its V-6???

Also will they put the 3.6l engine in the new A4??? They will need to retune it, because 280 isn't going to cut it in this league anymore.

You guys have no life, who cares which car is better, pick one that fits YOU.

Get a focking life. ooh that care looks cartoonish..i dont like this styling..or that..car isnt comfortable..

Well guess what? everyone has differing opinions!! NO need to force your opinions upon others.

If you like BMW buy one.
If u like Lexus then buy one..etc..etc

No one cares u have a 300hp Lexus, b/c in a bit BMW will have 300Hp+, and then guess what MB might have a 430hp C class... then bam...now BMW increases to 340hp.

And whats with the 0-60 time debates? OMGFG who cares? Veyron goes 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Whats next Ferrari makes one that goes 0-60 in 0.2secs?

Oz Noz we have run out of time. Lamborghini now needs to make car that goes faster than time!! 0-60 in -3.2secs.

Storm9: If we don't have these opinions, our likes, dislikes, and favorites then what right do we have to call ourselves car enthusiasts? This is what this website is about. Otherwise we'd find out everything when the commercial came on TV.

Storm9: If we don't have these opinions, our likes, dislikes, and favorites then what right do we have to call ourselves car enthusiasts? This is what this website is about. Otherwise we'd find out everything when the commercial came on TV.

oops double post

and pay taxes

lol, im starting to like this infinite. but again , styling is subjective. still its not a 3er beater! BTW for those who hate BMW interiors, its ur opinion, coz i love BMW interiors, they r futuristic and luxury.

Congratulations DARKONEFORCE for stating the obvious fact that the 335i has beaten everything in straightline acceleration.... however where I live there are twists and turns and hills and bumps and traffic... as a daily driver I will take the Lex or Infinity all day everyday. very much more comfortable.. and a COMPLETE Package... of ergonomics, control, power, and performance...
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Well then, if you take the Lexus IS350, the 335i will certainly outaccelerate you and outhandle you. With the G35, it's a little closer but the BMW will probably have the edge.

Oooh, that was a very razzy statement.

Juvenile dilinquents to post on Sherdog.Com

What, are you in grade 12, maybe?

NO MIKEG--I am a Small Business Relationship Manager for the JP Morgan Chase Organization AND I own a BMW 5 Series.
Moron.

will, have you ever driven a car that could be classed as a drivers car? seriously, it is very fun, the control and feel you have.
don't say rubbish about bmw when all you have driven are mercs, lexi and chryslers.

If I did that, I would get septicemia.

How many SMALL BUSINESS relationships have you ruined?

well- you are certainly FULL of it!
Yours would be the first.

At least Infiniti hasn't forced the trials and tribulations of runflat tires on their customers like BMW has. On the 3 Series, runflats in all trims. 5 Series, you're stuck with them if you opt for the Sports Package...and God forbid you end up with Dunlops...just check the Bimmer forum sites to read about those issues.

I've got an e46 330i ZSP on lease, but will not be considering the new 335i primarily because it doesn't have enough rear seat and trunk space. The new G35 may not have the same "magic" as the e90 (though after driving the e90 330i ZSP I think the e46 feels more connected to the road), but I think it's a better overall better value for the money.

1995e34, headroom in the rear isn't that important for me- I just need to get 2 car seats back there. And the trunk in the 3er is laughably small.

Who knows, I may just go for the new Altima since it is a little bigger (interior and trunk space) than the G35... At least I won't have to worry about swapping winter wheels/tires in the near future.

Then in 4-5 years splurge on the next generation 5 series. Hopefully they'll have the runflat tire issues worked out by then as well.

The G35 is a good alternative if the BMW 335i is out of ones price range. But there is no substitute for the king of the entry luxury-sports-sedan segment the all mighty BMW 3 series.

Excellent car, way better than the 3 series..Infiniti is an amazing brand..

MunichRob-- i was gonna list the vehicles i have driven, but i dont feel i have anything to prove to u... however i do know how to push a car to its limits because i have done it many times... and sometimes i have pushed too hard... the new 335i does not have that "magic" feel or "spirit" to me that you guys mentioned... is it a "nice" car?.. yea .. kinda like the way your friends describes the ugly girl he is trying to set u up with.. shes' "nice".. but I tell u i couldn't wait to get back into my Z.... might not be as luxurious, but a hell of alot more fun to drive... and FYI..just to give you an idea...I have driven M3, M5, 911 turbo, Lambo Murc., and a Carrera GT... just to name a few... 911, Lambo and GT have SPIRIT... not an overpriced 50k coupe/sedan... that "spirit" u feel when u drive a BMW is ur conscience kicking u in the balls for paying to much for the car...

theman....

explain how is the G35 is way better than the 3 series. I'm interested in hearing your theory. Or is your comment a personal opinion?

BM3W, theman's post is just as much of an opinion as yours by saying that the G is simply "a good alternative" if you can't afford the BMW. You then go on to say that there is no substitute for "the king", the "all mighty BMW 3 series". I like the 3 series models, all but the sedan, and even the new e92(?) 335ci, but calling it "the choice" for people who have "the money" is so f*cking condecending it is unbelieveable! Did it ever occur to you that somebody would buy a G35 sedan over the e90 sedan because they think that the e90 is UGLY?! In their opinion... Or is your opinion the absolute.

Interested in hearing his "theory"? Are you that stupid that you can't fathom somebody liking a car other than BMW? Does it hurt your ego that much? Does it make your "propeller" all crooked (ref. to the badge)?

By "and even the new e92(?) 335ci" I meant that I liked it as well. Very good looking car both inside and out.

MikeG...

No badge ego here guy. Just the facts. All I'm saying is explain why the G35 is way better than the 3 series. Like I said the G35 is a good alternative to the 3 series but it's not the best entry luxury-sports-sedan. That clearly belongs to the 3 series.

Look if one can afford 41K for the 335i then most driving enthusiast would certainly take that over the G35 any day of the week. If one has 30K then the G35 is a good alternative. But even then, I wouldn't take the G35 over the 328i. The 328i has a higher resale value an better handling.

Handling.

That's ALL the 3-Series excels over the competition at!
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Will i don't know if you've already driven a new 3 series. I went from Gneva to Zurich last sunday and i can tell you it's a very pleasent car to drive, it was a 330. I've driven few weeks ago the new IS250 and it's also very pleasent to drive with. The MAGIC feel in BMW 3 serie i realy dont feel it! I drive few times per month with a MAZDA RX8 and it has honestly more magic feel than the BMW 330 that i've driven during 3 hours.
BMW is a great geat car but defenitly to be objective it's not the greatest. Niether LEXUS or BMW or AUDI....
Each of them has their magic feel.

Sorry for my bad Ortograph!!!!!! It's not my nativ language. I a german speaking!

Thank you for your valued opinion (seriously).

Look, BM3W. I can't tell you why the G35 is better than the 3 series because it isn't. No car in this class is better than the other (A4, C, IS, 3, G, CTS... am I forgetting anyone?). A car sells because the person who is buying it likes the certain qualities it has in a certain order of priorities. One person may value aesthetics just a LITTLE more than driving dynamics, so they forgoe a better handling car for a car that has superb handling by anyone's measure with aesthetics that are better suited for that given person. Combined with other reasons, like ergonomics, technology, comfort, etc. and one package looks better than the other, because DRIVING DYNAMICS are not the ONLY reason somebody buys a car. Believe me, you don't need the best (I am not calling the 3 series the best, though) handling car to be a driving enthusiast and/or enjoy driving your car hard.

WHY DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THIS?!

people hark on about BMW driving emotions and dynamics.. but they always see it from a BMW perspective.. How about other peoples perspective ??

Most folks here keep comparing apples to oranges. Of course the 335i is going to be superior to the G35 because a similarly equipped 335i is 10 grand more than the G35. Give Infiniti engineers 10 more grand to play with and they would better the 335i. In order to compare apples to apples compare a $36,000 G to a $36,000 3 series. It's not even close. The G35 blows the doors off the 325i. And therein lies the debate. Apples to Apples, the Infiniti wins. And why are 335i fans so proud of stating that there car is superior to the G35. Of course it is, it's 10 grand more. Thats likes someone stating proudly that the the bordeaux that they are drinking is better than Gallo wine jug on the table next to them. Well, Duh. Of course it is, you are paying much more than the folks at the next table for precisely that reason. So please stop comparing the 335i to the G. The 335i is better as it should be. If it wasn't, BMW should be humiliated. Now, BMW should feel embarrassed about the 325i because it's direct competition in the marketplace, the G35 kicks it tail. It's not even close.