There are a lot of cars out there to choose from if you’ve got close to $50,000 to spend on a new car.

But let’s narrow it down to luxury sport sedans.

A few of the more popular options are the Lexus IS 350, the Mercedes C350 and the new Audi S4.

My favorite out of all of sport sedan options is the BMW 335i.

The 3 series has been around since 1975 and its four-door offering has been included in the list of most-sought-after sport sedans since its inception.

The 335i sedan is the flagship of the 3 series and is one of my all-time favorite cars to drive.

With a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, this car was amazingly fun to drive with its six-speed manual transmission and optional sport package added on (for $2,150).

I would definitely recommend keeping the standard manual gear shifter. With its short throws and easily manipulated clutch pedal, the manual gear-shifting is enjoyable and contributes to the overall ride.

The 3 Series has been noted for having a superlative steering feel and the 335i I got to drive lived up to that reputation.

As cornering effort builds, so to does the feedback torque through the wheel so you can tell exactly what the wheels are doing and what needs to be corrected.

Mileage is rated at 19/28 mpg and I got about 25 mpg the week I got to test drive.

Inside the 335i is typical BMW with plush leather, lots of wood muted, expensive brushed metal and chrome. All very tasteful.

I do think that BMW ought to include a few more options as standards, to stay more competitive – a $45,000 car of this caliber should have satellite radio and Bluetooth capability.

You can start out in the 3 series with the “baby” – the 328i – for about $35,000.

But the 335i’s turbocharged engine is what makes driving this sporty sedan so fun.

The base price for a 335i is $40,600. My test vehicle had the sport package, keyless entry, iPod adapter and a few other options added on for a bottom line price of $44,525.