When a manufacturer that prides itself on producing nothing but ultimate driving machines that strictly emphasize sheer driving pleasure, you can only imagine what their all-new top-shelve 3-Series would be like. Meet the F30 335i.

You never really question a 3-Series do you? Nor can too many premium sports car makers for that matter. BMW have pretty much nailed the art of producing benchmark premium sports and luxury sedans, and it's been fact for as long as most of us can remember.

We all know about the raging power and finesse driving characteristics that's cleverly disguised under the chic and luxurious trims of a typical 3-Series; such is the rule. But this new sixth-generation model seems a bit different. It's longer than its predecessor, the bonnet sticks up like a balloon, it's got an 8-speed gearbox; What's that all going to be like then?

Expecting some differences was all fine. We knew what we'd be getting into with the F30 (as it's codenamed); Quick off the line, sharp around the turns, fun to drive, a real driver's car with a bag of luxurious tricks up its sleeves. But when BMW called and said to us, "Yes, it's the 335i", you could probably imagine our response.

*Gasp - thoughts of killing self at 250km/h - exhale*, followed by a falsely brave "Alrightey, that'll be just perfect!"

So what did we make of the BMW F30 335i? Well, in short, it's a whole new monster.

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BMW 335i F30 (2012)

1. Price: RM 488,000
2. Engine capacity: 2979 cc
3. Engine type: In-line 6 cylinder 4 valves per cyl
4. Power: 306 bhp
5. Torque: 400 Nm
6. Acceleration: 5.5s (0-100 kmh)
7. Top speed: 250 kmh (limited)
8. Fuel consumption: 10.2 / 5.5 / 7.2 (City/Hwy/Combined) (L/100km)
9. Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
10. Drive type: RWD
11. Length/ width/ height: 4624 / 1811 / 1429 (mm)
12. Kerb weight: 1,595 kg
13. Fuel tank capacity: 60 Litres