Of course, that’s not the point-- and reaching for the 7,000 RPM redline gets things in the engine compartment pleasantly ticked off. Heads are forced quickly into seatbacks as the turbochargers get to work creating a potent swell of forward momentum. Additionally, turbo lag is virtually unnoticeable unless one goes looking for it.

Thanks to a specially-tuned, high-flow exhaust system, the entire thing screams with a high-pitched wail that’s as loud as an aftermarket setup. At full throttle, those nearby can hear the 335is clearly as it pulls away through several gears. The exhaust resonates warmly off of nearby buildings and vehicles, and it even burps and pops during shifting and throttle lift-off. No need to consider a set of custom pipes here.

There’s even a ‘sport’ shift pattern available for the automatic shift setting. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)

7-speed cyber-tranny
The tester was fitted with an optional 7-speed, dual-clutch transmission which uses formula-one inspired technology to fire off perfectly rev-matched gear changes via a set of wheel-mounted shift paddles. This gearbox computerizes the most rewarding part of performance driving, but it’s fast as hell and massively enjoyable to use.

There’s even a ‘sport’ shift pattern available for the automatic shift setting, as well as a switch to toggle between “NORMAL”, “SPORT”, and “SPORT +” modes, which dial throttle response and gearshift speed up and down.

Fire off 4 or 5 quick downshifts during braking, and those nearby will think you’ve had years of heel and toe lessons from Michael Schumacher himself.

Cog-swapping purists can hold their tongues, as a six-speed stick is standard. God bless you, BMW.

The whole package
Like all fast BMW’s, this hopped-up 3-Series looks good and goes like stink-- but it also handles and stops, too. Giant brakes clamp down with authority when called upon, and a heavy steering and taut suspension work with one another to deliver a ‘locked-down’ feel in fast corners that’s very confidence inspiring.

Giant brakes clamp down with authority when called upon. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com)