BMW 335i Convertible
The
3 Series Convertible is BMW's first attempt at building
a folding hard top, but it already a class leader.
What's
New
It wasn't so long ago that BMW was pooh-poohing the idea
of using a folding metal roof for its open-top models. But
here's the all-new 3 Series Convertible and yes, it has
one of those trick retractable hardtops. BMW may be a strongly
engineering-driven company but it didn't become the top-selling
premium brand by ignoring what its customers want.
Some
compromises had to be made in the switch from fabric to
metal, but thankfully none of them to do with styling. It
has a lower, flatter boot section than the coupe it is based
on and a sharper angle between the rear deck and the base
of the rear windscreen, giving it a more distinctive profile
from the side.
The
roof retracts completely in 22 seconds and for the first
time in a 3 Series Convertible, it can be triggered from
the remote key as well as from inside the car. Because it's
split into three pieces instead of the more common two,
each section is smaller and the lot can be stacked tighter
together.
Luggage
space isn't great, falling from 350 litres to just 210 litres
when the top is down, but most will agree it's a fair trade-off
for the security and refinement the solid roof brings to
the table.
Powering
the range-topping Convertible is the muscular twin-turbo
3.0-litre engine that made its debut in the Coupe. One indication
that this car is more cruiser than bruiser though is that
the base model is a 320i with a 170bhp four-cylinder powerplant,
whereas the smallest-engined Coupe you can buy is the six-cylinder
325i.
How
it Performs
It's really quite amazing how the 335i feels as keen and
nimble as it does, given that it weighs a substantial 200kg
more than the equivalent Coupe. While there's a touch more
body roll and the steering isn't quite as communicative,
you'd need to be pushing really hard to notice this at all.
The
306bhp engine isn't fazed by the extra weight. Floor the
throttle and the car just picks up its heels and goes, with
acceleration not tapering off until the speedometer needle
is deep into the right hand side of the dial. Roof down,
there's the added bonus of listening to the glorious exhaust
note in full 3D surround.
Most
of the time the Convertible drives just how you'd expect
a 3 Series to - amazingly balanced through corners and rock-solid
at high speeds - but with the added bonus of a genuinely
plush ride thanks to the revised suspension.
The
seats are firm and supportive, all the controls operate
with well-oiled precision and the innately driver-focused
feel that's a hallmark of all BMWs is immediately obvious.
How
it Stacks Up
Incorporating a folding hardtop in a 3 Series was always
going to be a challenge, but it's one that BMW has risen
to admirably. The Convertible is great with its roof down,
and in closed mode it's fantastically refined. Yet it has
a distinct appearance and character that sets it clearly
apart from the Coupe. The
car is due to hit Singapore showrooms by the middle of this
year, which means a shorter than expected wait to get their
hands on the clear class leader.
| Technical Specifications |
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MODEL
BMW 335i Convertible (A)
ENGINE
Engine: 2,979cc 24V in-line 6
Max Power: 306bhp at 5,800rpm
Max Torque: 400Nm at 1,300rpm - 5,000rpm
TRANSMISSION
5-speed automatic
TOP SPEED
250km/h
0-100km/h
6.0s
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