2011 BMW 335is Coupe E92 LCI

Confirming what may have been this year’s worst-kept auto industry secret, BMW announces the introduction of the BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, each destined to take a place in history among the line of desirable, often collectible, BMW “s” models. Based on the newly-enhanced BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible, the new BMW 335is features the award-winning, twin-turbocharged BMW inline-6 engine, specially tuned and equipped to produce 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liters. For the first time on a BMW 3-Series in the US, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control will be available as an option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the DCT, the BMW 335is Coupe is capable of 0-60mph acceleration in 5 seconds flat. The BMW 335is will debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show and arrive at BMW Centers in the spring of 2010. Pricing will begin at $50,525 including Destination for the BMW 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including Destination for the Convertible.

Fundamentally unchanged are the BMW 3-Series’ essential attributes of rear-wheel drive, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

The “s” was first seen by North Americans on the original BMW 3-Series, which was imported from 1977-1983. The 1980 BMW 320is included the most desirable 3-Series equipment, including Recaro sport seats, sport steering wheel, halogen high-beams, sunroof, dual color-keyed wing mirrors, anti-sway bars, exterior aerodynamic enhancements, and cross-spoke light-alloy wheels. Later in the 1980s, the BMW 3-Series and 5-Series were each available as “s” models, including the BMW 325es, 325is, and 535is. Again, sticking with a proven formula, BMW gave the “s” models enhanced aerodynamics, sport suspension, on-board computer (OBC) and Check Control, sport leather seats, and other features. Early last decade, the original BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) was available twice as an “s” model, first as the BMW X5 4.6is and then as the BMW X5 4.8is. The “s” model SAVs brought even further enhancement in the form of increased power from their modified V-8 engines.