BMW's quattro killer - the 335xi Coupe - MotorAuthority

BMW's quattro killer - the 335xi Coupe

Posted Thu Aug 16 2007 1:31 PM by Ralph Hanson

Audi is famous for its quattro AWD systems, but arch-rival BMW is cutting in on the action with a high-performance all-paw coupe of its own. An AWD option will be added to the 335i coupe when it launches the 335xi in the first half of next year.

The 300hp twin-turbo straight six will remain unchanged but with the added traction can beat the manual transmission and automatic versions of the RWD 335i coupe (pictured) to 60mph from rest by 0.1 seconds and 0.2 seconds respectively. Manual 335xi coupes take 5.2 seconds to reach 60mph, while auto models take 5.3 seconds.

The xDrive AWD system allows infinitely variable distribution of drive forces between the front and rear wheels, reacting in an instant to information gathered from sensors that can predict if a wheel is about to lose traction.

BMW has also announced plans to introduce a new torque vectoring rear axle for some of its RWD cars, designed to distribute drive torque individually between a car’s rear wheels to improve agility and stabilize the vehicle, while also providing better handling in critical situations.

Reader Comments

Thu Aug 16 2007 4:33 PM
TJ says

"An AWD option will be added to the 3-series coupe for the first time when it launches the 335xi in the first half of next year."

thats not correct, the 328xi was released shortly after the 335i.
Thu Aug 16 2007 7:26 PM
Renton says

Amazing engine. Get it. Coupe is better as RWD though, its mission is impracticality comes second to looks. You want a hot muscle car, get the coupe. You want a practical all weather uber-sedan get the 335xi sedan.

all wheel drive coupe.....I'm glad they give you options I guess.
Fri Aug 17 2007 1:53 AM
Ryanza says

anything you can do I can do better?
Fri Aug 17 2007 5:13 PM
Gus says

Of course the funny bit is seeing these x-cars (and all other manner of SUV's that don't tow anything, I guess) in Southern California, where there are SO many needs for all wheel drive (2 days a year, up in Big Bear)... :)
Sat Sep 1 2007 7:29 AM
Merrick says

i love the 335i coupe. adding all wheel drive really defeats the purpose of a coupe (in my humble opinion), i say, your a german, think like one, you make an amazing coupe and you add all wheel drive........

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