[300hp]

Just look at the ATS stopping distance

[cs4444]

Is there going to be a M335i ?!?!? If so when?

Also about time the 3 series gets reviewed on some normal tires. 3 series tied for the best figure 8 out of all the cars with 8 inch wide tires...the S4 had 8.5's on so it had more grip.

[ALPINA B5]

Lexus IS "bone-deep ugly". Hmm i think the cadillac is way uglier. Still, the other cars didnt really stood a chance against the germans.

[DASHOCKER]

I like the ats out of the bunch. Magazines are always amusing

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by 300hp

Since they copied the E46 it does not come as a surprise, but its not a well rounded car. For the same money I would argue the 328i is better, similar straight line numbers and given the 328i is lighter, would probably decimate the ATS 3.6 on the track.

I agree, we own a 3.6 ATS as well, and its a great driving car, CUE is awful. It could be cool but its just so slow.

Both my fiance and I would have rather bought the 328i, similar performance better gas mileage by far, but since its our 3rd car and we were leasing you couldn't even come close on the price, we are almost $150 difference per month for the ATS 3.6 loaded vs a loaded 328i and that was with nothing down on the on the ATS out the door.

[300hp]

Interesting quote that I missed

"The Cadillac outshone everyone else in one single category: Ride and handling. In terms of smiles produced and fun to drive, no other car was even close. "

Given the S4 beat the E90 335i, and here MT is saying the ATS is better than all cars in this test in ride and handling (S4 included), then Cadi really achieved its goal. They are beating everyone including the E9X's in ride and handling.

Gread job Cadillac

[FogCityM3]

Never been a fan of AWD setups (assuming live in fair weather climate, cold weather is a different story) and while losing out in the handling dept (BMW's historical forte) makes this a bittersweet victory, I'd say overall, given entire package--especially in looks dept, I'd take the 3er. Cadillac's designers seem like they only use rulers in drawing/designing their cars.

[KG3356MT]

Good to see the xdrive get a little shine.

[KG3356MT]

Good to see the xdrive get a little shine.

[KevRyd]

ATS would be an upgrade over your 2007 335i so that for sure would be a car to consider.

Kevin

Originally Posted by DASHOCKER

I like the ats out of the bunch. Magazines are always amusing

[bimmer]

Looks like the gap is really narrow these days between BMW and the rest. This is not because the rest is catching up , its because BMW is getting softer. Tactical maneuver to sell more cars by BMW. New trend as of late.

[KevRyd]

My F30 335i with DHP is nowhere near "Soft" so shop your BS Elswhere

Kevin

Originally Posted by bimmer

Looks like the gap is really narrow these days between BMW and the rest. This is not because the rest is catching up , its because BMW is getting softer. Tactical maneuver to sell more cars by BMW. New trend as of late.

[ATX78703]

Will be interesting when the GM 8-speed auto launches. Also, you know caddy is working on a 3.6L V6 replacement and the twin-turbo mill is around the corner (for the CTS and possibly the ATS-V models). The magnetorheological shocks, the true LSD combined with an upgraded powertrain should put caddy back in the competition.

[KevRyd]

If all the raindrops where butter-cups and gum-drop, oh what a world this would be! (Sing it!)

And where will BMW be with it's new engin's and second genereation EAS in the future

Lalalalala

Kevin

Originally Posted by ATX78703

Will be interesting when the GM 8-speed auto launches. Also, you know caddy is working on a 3.6L V6 replacement and the twin-turbo mill is around the corner (for the CTS and possibly the ATS-V models). The magnetorheological shocks, the true LSD combined with an upgraded powertrain should put caddy back in the competition.

[drob23]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

Will be interesting when the GM 8-speed auto launches. Also, you know caddy is working on a 3.6L V6 replacement and the twin-turbo mill is around the corner (for the CTS and possibly the ATS-V models). The magnetorheological shocks, the true LSD combined with an upgraded powertrain should put caddy back in the competition.

Who is GM working with on the 8spd? I know Chrysler is getting some cool ZF stuff. They both got pretty nailed in the powertrain dept during all the bankruptcy stuff. That 3.6 NA engine just isn't up to par with these Germans, Merc excluded. But the V6TT is gonna be pretty sick, interested to see how the ATS-V competes with the M3/M4, although if I was spending that kind of money it would be near impossible to not go f80 M3 or B9 RS5, unless GM severely discounted the price...probably into S4/335 territory.

Agreed though that GM has some pretty cool driveline stuff, but then again, they absolutely should given the amount of money the dump into corvette. The head scratcher though are cars like the SS, are people really going to pony up 45k for a Chevy sedan?

[bplewis24]

Originally Posted by ALPINA B5

Lexus IS "bone-deep ugly". Hmm i think the cadillac is way uglier. Still, the other cars didnt really stood a chance against the germans.

Agreed. As ugly as I find Lexus at times, I would still consider their cars. But Cadillacs are so ugly to me that I'd never consider owning one, even if it does handle better.

[RPM90]

Originally Posted by ToyotaBMW

BMW may have won the review and barely by the numbers against an aging S4 but I say what the heck is wrong with BMW? I find it more of a loss. Cadillac and S4 both had better handling. Here is a quote
"Oddly, the BMW features the laziest handling here. As you're probably aware, BMW has been drifting away from its Ultimate Driving Machine image for several years now, moving more toward a techno/luxury future anchored by ferocious straight-line speed. Said Lago."
This forum cheering on BMW as the best all rounder reminds me of Audi forums a couple of years ago when BMW was winning all performance/handling tests/reviews and BMW calling Audi cars soft and Audi guys would say that the Audi was the best all rounder. Now we have a reversal of roles.
I would like one Audi and one BMW, don't like sticking to one single brand but if BMW is going to be softer than Audi than what is the point? I want BMW to basically be a four door sports car while the Audi to be the 4 door all rounder and this worked best in my opinion.

The X drive version has always been a bit less of a handler.
Yet, oddly enough, when the 335i RWD was tested with it's competition it wasn't the winner like the 335Xi here.

All of these cars are SO close to each other in terms of performance, as they accel in different areas.
Pick what make you happy and you'll have the best car for you.

For me, I like my 335i Msport, but next time I'm going with something smaller and lighter with better steering feel.
If BMW has something like that, then I'll stay with BMW.
If not, moving on......well....that is if there is something like what I want out there.

In all, GREAT showing by the 335Xi. FTW!

[Pentium]

3 Series is a winner, I like the Audi though

[Ghetto2315]

And I laugh at Audi fanboys when they try and compare an S4 to the M3 when it doesn't even live up to a 335.

[300hp]

Originally Posted by Ghetto2315

And I laugh at Audi fanboys when they try and compare an S4 to the M3 when it doesn't even live up to a 335.

+1

I was surprised by statements to the same effect when I joined this forum.

[ATX78703]

Originally Posted by drob23

Who is GM working with on the 8spd?
That 3.6 NA engine just isn't up to par with these Germans, Merc excluded.

GM is developing their own proprietary 8 speed. They are outsourcing (Aisin-I believe??) the 8AT for the upcoming CTS. But soon their own will proliferate throughout the line up.

I agree that all NA high output V6's in this segment are basically junk (CAddy, merc, lexus, infiniti, etc...) when compared to the n55 and supercharged audi. it is laughable that they are rolling out new models with these dated engines. The N55, whilst criticized for being dated, is still cutting edge and a bad ass motor.

[drob23]

Originally Posted by ATX78703

GM is developing their own proprietary 8 speed. They are outsourcing (Aisin-I believe??) the 8AT for the upcoming CTS. But soon their own will proliferate throughout the line up.

I agree that all NA high output V6's in this segment are basically junk (CAddy, merc, lexus, infiniti, etc...) when compared to the n55 and supercharged audi. it is laughable that they are rolling out new models with these dated engines. The N55, whilst criticized for being dated, is still cutting edge and a bad ass motor.

I almost think the transmissions on those cars are actually the biggest faults. A few of them don't have MT options and the 6spd slushboxes are dinosaurs compared to the ZF8 and the STronic (is on another level, though not M-DCT level).

People criticize the N55? Seems to be a pretty advanced engine with DI, VANOS, pretty immediate turbo spool. I suppose compression ratio could be higher, but the fuel economy numbers are pretty impressive for an engine with this kind of performance. Wonder if they will base the new M3 engine off of it.