When I test drove the BMW 335i coupe, it went from zero to 60 miles per hour in a blazing 4.8 seconds. That was with a manual transmission. BMW claims the Steptronic automatic transmission with a six speed should reach that speed in about 5.5 seconds.

The BMW 335i has a twin turbo engine. This is the first time in its history that the German automaker has put twin turbos in its 3 series, which has historically been the company's entry level model, as well as the highest selling BMW. Bimmer now wants the 1 series to be the starter model. With some tuning, I have heard the twin turbo six cylinder could make just as much power as the BMW M3, which puts out 414 horsepower and has a V8, a first for an M3.

The BMW 335i is rated at 300 horsepower at 5800 rpm. It also has 300 pound feet of torque. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given the 335i a miles per gallon rating of 29 on the highway. When you are driving in the city, that figure lowers to 20 miles per gallon. Keep in mind, actual miles per gallon figures are often lower than what the sticker says.

I loved the steering, handling and stability of the BMW 335i coupe. And that was without the active steering option, which costs an additional $1250. It is hard for me to believe that the active steering would make a huge difference, considering how well this performed without it.

When driving through corners, the sticks to the road like glue. This can mainly be attributed to the dual pivot front strut suspension.

The last BMW 3 series I drove was the 2006 330i sedan. The 335i coupe had firmer springs, a larger stabilizer bar, its ride height is half an inch lower, and the rims were an inch bigger. Yet, the 335i coupe ran at least as smooth as the 330i sedan.