Morego BMW 335i V BMW M3 Review - Evo Magazine

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If you’ve already cast your eyes down the table on the right, you’ll know that’s a broadly accurate assessment. To be fair the M3 holds on to the 335i’s coat-tails reasonably well through fourth gear – not least because this M3 has the seven-speed DCT transmission, which is much shorter geared than the six-speed auto fitted to the 335i here. But arguably the bigger surprise is that the Morego reaches 60mph earlier and is only half a second behind at the ton, in the process taking a second and a half out of the standard 335i’s 0-100mph time.

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By any measure this 335i is a quick car, quick enough to keep pretty much any supersaloon you care to mention in sight. In fact, when it comes to delivering accessible, any-condition acceleration, I reckon it has them all licked, with the possible exceptions of the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Jaguar XFR.

Each turbo of the Morego’d 335i now has a more defined workload, and their actions are more noticeable in the gathering burst of acceleration that arrives at 1600rpm and then kicks hard at 4000rpm. Response is as good as ever, but it’s not 100 per cent lag-free and an engine as alert and penetrating as the M3’s 4-litre highlights that. The straight-six doesn’t have the personality, the rasping purity of the naturally aspirated V8 either; instead the new exhaust delivers a deep, bassy note.

This is a monstrously effective conversion, one that seamlessly enhances the 335i’s best aspect, allowing it to deliver its power more consistently and entertainingly than before, but in the process one or two deficiencies are highlighted. The lack of a slippy diff is now very noticeable at roundabout speeds and the automatic ’box tends to hunt in the low gears, changing down when it could use the torque – I suspect the extra poke is giving the gearbox software a few digital headaches. It’s nothing that manual shifting via the push-pull steering wheel levers can’t sort out, but I have a feeling the upgrades would complement the manual 335 even better, perhaps giving it a keener, sportier edge.

It still wouldn’t be an M3, but that’s not what the Morego package is about. This car has its own appeal – that of the do-it-all everyday coupe. Now with added bite.

Specifications

Engine	In-line 6-cyl, 2979cc, twin-turbo
Max power	382bhp @ 6080rpm
Max torque	404lb ft @ 3220rpm
0-60	4.6sec
Top speed	155mph (limited)
On sale	Now

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