An unusual comparison, without a doubt, but last week, BMWBLOG had in possession a brand new BMW 550i and our favorite BMW 335d, so we decided to take them for an extensive test drive. Heading north towards Road America in Wisconsin, we had the opportunity to put the two vehicles through some intensive driving, both on the highway, backroads and countryside streets.
From the start, the two vehicles appeal to different focus groups, the 550i comes forward as a vehicle designed for the business executives looking for a luxurious interior without sacrificing the driving experience. On the other hand, the 335d appeals to the purists and enthusiasts; BMW owners that experienced a variety of petrol engines and are eager to adventure into the “land of torque”.
Furthermore, the 335d and 550i belong to a different “horsepower club”. The only-diesel model available in the U.S. is powered by BMW’s first 50-state-legal diesel, a twin-turbo, 3.0L straight-six that delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and a thumping 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, BMW claims this engine will propel the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. In the full review, we will share our findings on the fuel consumption numbers.
The top model in the 5 Series lineup is powered by the now popular V8 twin-turbo 4.4 liter engine producing 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm.
![Picture 056 [1280x768]](https://cdn.bmwblog.com/wp-content/uploads/Picture-056-1280x768.jpg "Picture 056 [1280x768]")
So how did you two vehicle performed? You will find in our detailed review coming up shortly.
Stay tuned for an amazing photo gallery!
an article telling us about a future article…what a farce…
Thats why it said ‘teaser’. READ!
What a waste of time
I like the pictures ;)
I’m sure both performed as expected – above reproach.
I had a drive in the new 530d last week, and I found it very luxurious compared to the 320d I’m used to. It literally felt like a leap over the three.
The 335d is another story, so is the 550i, so, bring it on! Really curious about your findings.
Better put the 5 Series against the E-Class and see how the E-Class humiliates the 5er.
Sorry but i have both model the e500 and 550i.The bmw its a hundred of times better than the merc!
New one or old? I’m talking about 550i.
Starting from January 2011 the 550i will look like a turtle when Mercedes-Benz puts their new engine in the top model of E-Class.
Have you seen the Black series SL65 AMG on top gear. ” The ride is stiff and the suspension cant even handle the car AT ALL. If Benz is going to maintain its class leading comfort and ride quality with the new engines, it needs to revise the cars dynamics to tame the extra 40+ horses.
by checking the torque values for the 550i i can see that the M3 is in real trouble with only 295lb.ft of torque and at a high R.P.M .new turbo engines are much much better , they deliver much higher torques at lower rev…..i think BMW should get rid of this atmospheric V8 and replace it by a turbo V6 as soon as possible.
last week i watched a mistubishi evo10 humiliating an M3 and the reason if very simple……….torque is very poor so go turbo go
but dont forget that more power doesnt mean more fun. I drive both diesel and petrol engines and despite the less torque on the petrol i prefer it to the diesel because the less torque means you need to change gears more often and for me thats alot more fun, specially on a sporty car. Sure if its a big 7 series with auto box probably it would suit it best, but on an M3, getting to 8300rpm and taking its time its just prolonging the fun. with too much torque you just get there too fast. Its not as fun. and I think thats part of the charm of a bmw – manual trasmission and low torque. If you want torque go for an AMG
Better if they stay with inline 6.
there is one thing i do not understand. doesnt the current M3 have a 400+ hp 4 liter NA engine? why do you need a 4.4 L engine to produce less hp and a in turn a less “fun” engine as this one clearly doenst go all the up to 8300rpm like the m3 does?
The V8 engine is fun, fast, but that 335d delivers some impressive torque and makes it more fun to drive. To me, the 335d is closer to the feeling we’re looking in a BMW.
The sales of the 550i are said to be very good, dealerships are extremely happy. Safer design, more luxurious and cheaper.
sure everyones has different expectations from a car but then how do you explain that the original m3 with its low torque engine is considered one of the best, more fun cars to drive? like i said, for me at least, and i drive both petrol a diesel bimmers, i prefer having less torque, specially for mountain roads, cause i can play more with the engine and the gear box. But thats me.
I was the same, didn’t mind the less torque, but after extensively driving the 335d, I am sold.
I really enjoy the 3 series and the 335D seems less like a sedan and more like a fine sports car with room for a few friends, my golf clubs, art books, and Interior Design things.
The control on the road with the power to move around trucks and other cars is amazing and fierce.
When are you actually going to write the article?