Fans of large six-cylinder engines have a treat in store too. The optimised six-in-line unit in the new BMW 335i will impress performance-minded drivers with its effortless power, exceptionally fast-revving temperament and outstanding refinement. The 3.0-litre core engine has been setting standards from the start, as the pioneer of a new generation of engines in which BMW TwinPower Turbo technology with High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing made its debut.

Thanks to intensive fine-tuning of the core engine, BMW's engineers have now further reduced the fuel consumption and emissions of the predecessor unit, while at the same time maintaining its high performance. With a maximum power rating of 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, the 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit reflects the sporty personality of the BMW 3-Series and helps this sedan deliver ebullient performance. Peak torque of 400 Nm is on stream between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm.

As a result, the new BMW 335i can show off its prowess with a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of just 5.5 seconds, which shaves 0.1 seconds off that of its equally powerful predecessor. The automatic version is even quicker, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) a full 0.3 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Top speed remains the same, at an electronically governed 250 km/h (155 mph).

All this extra performance comes with exceptional fuel economy and low emission figures, so drivers can enjoy it with complete peace of mind. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (35.8 mpg imp, and CO2 emissions at 186 grams per kilometre. Fitted with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 335i is even more frugal, with combined fuel consumption of just 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres (39.2 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of 169 grams per kilometre. The improvement in emissions for the manual and automatic versions works out at 6 and 16 per cent respectively.