In the enthusiast community, the 3-series BMW sedan has been the benchmark for sports sedans since it was introduced in 1975. With its agile handling, great steering and precise response, it is a perennial favorite on "ten-best" lists. Through five successive generations, BMW has continued to improve this model, always keeping it one step ahead of the competition, and with the introduction of the twin-turbo straight-six engine for 2008, reviews continue to rank it at the top of the sports sedan list.

The sedan is available in 328i and 328xi versions powered by a 230 horsepower, 200 pound-feet of torque, three-liter inline-six engine, and the 335i and 335xi new-for-2008 turbocharged three-liter inline-six producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Both models offer six-speed manual and six-speed steptronic-controlled automatic transmissions. Zero-60 mph is achieved in the 328i in 6.3 seconds, and in the 335i an exceptional 5.4 seconds.

The "x" in the model names denotes all-wheel drive, which improves safety in wet and icy conditions, though at the expense of performance and fuel efficiency.

The 335 engine is the first turbocharged gasoline engine in the BMW line since 1981. BMW found that two small turbos working together would minimize turbo lag, and also allow them to produce more power from smaller-displacement engines while not sacrificing fuel economy in normal use. These developments led to the introduction of the twin-turbo charged engine in the BMW line-up this year.

The 2008 3-series has been completely redesigned, growing a little larger in the process, longer by 2.2 inches with a 1.4-inch longer wheelbase, wider by 3 inches and higher by 0.8 inches. The added size improves crash protection, meets all anticipated European pedestrian protection requirements, and increases all interior and cargo dimensions, improving the luxury feel of the car.

With this redesign, much of the criticized awkwardness in the rear quarters has been corrected, and the new look is much smoother, with a definite look of speed and performance.

The BMW suspension system, always the strongest feature of these aspirational cars, incorporates some small improvements, and reviewers agree that the result is the best-handling small sedan on the market.

As in all previous versions, the BMW fit-and-finish on the interior is positively noted by most reviewers. Leatherette is standard, and leather is optional on all models. Seats are supportive, materials and colors are understated and functional, but with a look of quality, and though the rear seat leg-room is never going to be mistaken for that of a full-size sedan, space is excellent for front seat passengers and rear seating is comparable to that in other sports sedans.

For the true driving enthusiast, a sport package is available on the 335i with a more responsive, but less compliant suspension and 18-inch wheels and tires. Other options include vehicle-speed-sensitive Active Steering, Xenon adaptive headlights, power-fold exterior mirrors, Sirius satellite radio, HD radio, and iPod adapter. A navigation system is available, which comes equipped with BMW's iDrive system, still a little clunky but vastly easier to use than previous versions.

Though BMW emphasizes that the handling and performance of the 3-series will enable drivers to avoid collisions, passive safety systems are comparable or better than any other mid-sized sedans. For 2008, the redesign includes expanded front and rear crumple zones, and better side-impact protection. Front, side, and rear head protection is provided through a six-airbag system, including side-curtain air bags, with an occupant-detection adjustment system. Antilock brakes, traction control and anti-skid control are standard on all models.