^^^^ I'm confused, the 335 M-sport has a different engine from regular 335?

 

The 335i has a CARRYOVER engine also with 300hp not 340.

The 8 speed auto with start/stop tech allows it to achieve 23/32 MPG!!! while going 0to60 in 4.7sec.

While the handling #s are EQUAL, it has always been the STEERING FEEL and CONFIDENCE that the 3 Series inspires the driver with when you drive it which separates it from other cars.

Performance #s are great but the feeling and communication of driving a car is what makes it SPECIAL.

Oh and BTW the new 3Series and GS350 are almost the SAME SIZE, as the new 3 has grown a bit - it is now the same size as e39 5 series.

GS350 Specs:
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,848 mm (190.9 in)
Width 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Height 1,455 mm (57.3 in)

335i Specs:
Wheelbase 2,810 mm (110.6 in)
Length 4,624 mm (182.0 in)
Width 1,811 mm (71.3 in)
Height 1,429 mm (56.3 in)

 

If you have been paying attention, many reviews have stated that the tables have turned : it is now Lexus with its 4th Gen GS that is more confidence inspiring in the turns and handling course than BMW. I guess that means the 4GS is more SPECIAL than the BMW now LOL

The size of the F30 3 series still doesn't change the fact that it is 300 pounds lighter than the 4GS yet no better on the handling circuit.

And BTW, the handling numbers aren't equal, the 4GS > F30 335i in terms of braking and skidpad. Only the greater hp/mass ratio of the 335i keeps it in the hunt on the MT Figure 8 test track. Given the same hp/mass ratio, the 4GS would probably win decisively with better times.

 

Just got my Autoweek and the newly tested 335i stick did the deed in 5.4 seconds. Where is the brilliant numbers? I know AW is usually on the slower side, but a half of second?

 

Thats normal, and thats what you would expect to get out of a 335 under normal circumstances. A 4.7 figure is very very optimistic, and an average driver would probably break the car before getting anywhere close to this number.

 

I have not driven the 4GS as of yet, but I would have to drive it for myself before I can personally claim that it is more confidence inspiring that the 3 series. I've driven cars that will outhandle 3 series with ease, but they just don't inspire the same type of confidence.

They were doing some road work on one of the local highways, and they built a temporary overpass, with very narrow, wavy lanes, very uneven, constant camber changes, and driving most any car above 40mph just felt unsafe. Yet you could do 70mph on it in the 3 series, and it didn't phase at all, it feels as confident as driving on a perfectly smooth road. If the new GS can do it, it's going to be my next car.

 

I'm not sure you understand difference between STEERING FEEL/CONFIDENCE and HANDLING #S...........I'm sure the new GS is great handling car but I will highly doubt it provides the steering feedback, nimbleness, and fun to drive factor that matches the 3 Series. No review has stated that steering feedback was excellent, if anything that was what is left for Lexus to improve on.

BTW the GS350 FSport that achieved those handling and braking figures has 4 Piston 14in Brake setup upfront and active rear steering, none of which the 3 Series has and yet it achieved Equal handling/braking #s.

I have owned a modded GS and currently have a STOCK 335i.......they are 2 different cars when it comes to confidence and steering feel.

 

Well reviewers have been saying how GS feels best to drive in the class vs A6, 5 series and E class. GS-F is also a size larger car as your info shows.

But I am sure it would be a lot more nible, confident and feel like a proper car if it only had BMW badge :-).