Since the earliest days of the company, BMW Coupes have been elegant expressions of individual style and passion for driving. By the 1930's, a coupe was widely appreciated as a special automobile for people who regarded automobiles as much more than convenient transportation. The BMW 327 Coupe, introduced in 1938, was widely regarded as a truly outstanding example of that viewpoint and remains a legend to this day.
With totally new looks and thrilling performance, the all-new BMW Coupe once again sets the benchmark for elegant design, luxury and value. In true BMW tradition, it also establishes new standards of performance and driving dynamics with the introduction of an exceptional engine: the first inline six-cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers, high precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase.
The performance potential of the new 300 horsepower turbocharged engine ensures that the 335i Coupe delivers a significant improvement in performance while maintaining the efficiency for which the BMW 3 Series is renowned. The 335i Coupe will be joined in the U.S. by the 230 horsepower 328i Coupe.
An additional dimension of driving dynamics with the benefit of outstanding traction is available in the 328xi, the first time BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive has been offered on a 3 Series Coupe. BMW xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market. It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the ten BMW models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S.
In addition to the standard six-speed manual transmission, both models will be offered with an available six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Designed for responsiveness, the new automatic enhances driving dynamics without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
The distinctive character of the newest BMW Coupe, internally-designated E92, is recognizable from the very first glance. Over and above the basic shape of the car and its classic lines, the graphic design of the headlights, the detail of the taillights, the interior and even the exterior mirrors were specifically created for the new Coupe. These unique design elements reflect the special character of this elegant and sporty new car. The driver who chooses a Coupe wants a car with elegant looks as well as driving dynamics. With all this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique yet unmistakable blend of design, features and - most importantly - driving pleasure.
Designed to reflect the performance and elegance in the tradition of BMW Coupes The new Coupe is unquestionably a BMW 3 Series. Yet despite its close technical ties to the Sedan and Sports Wagon, it is unique in its design details. A genuine BMW from every angle, the Coupe is an individualist through and through.
It's all about proportions. The Coupe's long hood reflects BMW's adherence to its tradition of inline six-cylinder engines. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, the passenger compartment set back and the low, sleek roofline which seamlessly slopes into the trunk are all characteristics of BMW Coupes.
In addition to the classic proportions, three design lines - the shoulder, character and sill lines - serve to enhance the sleek appearance. Both the shoulder line and character line stretch uninterrupted to the back of the car, allowing one's eye to move quickly and smoothly from front to rear along the entire length of the car. The sill line of the lower edge of the door flows into the front and rear air dams, reinforcing the dynamic nature of BMW's newest Coupe.
The combination of lines flowing into one another elegantly emphasizes the Coupe's performance potential. While the shoulder line rises slightly but consistently from front to rear, the character line flows in a long, stretched arch all the way from the front fender to the taillights. As the sill line, by contrast, moves up slightly to the rear in a slow and gentle curve, the distance between the character and sill lines becomes smaller near the rear wheel arches. The fender flare around each rear wheel also serves to give the character line extra tension in both an upward and outward direction.
The front view also shows a significant distinction from the 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon. The contours of the hood as well as the design of the front air dam and headlights give the new BMW 3 Series Coupe a particularly low and sporty look. The powerdome on the hood alludes to the exhilarating driving experience that awaits. Its lines form a powerful silhouette extending all the way from the A-pillars to the outside corners of the BMW kidney grille.
The kidney grille, a traditional feature of every BMW, stands out from the surfaces around it. Interaction with the three-dimensional kidney frame creates a look of power and unique style.
The headlight units on the new BMW 3 Series Coupe also have a unique look. With the hood extending beyond the headlights as such, they appear to have been sliced-off at the top creating a sense of powerful, concentrated focus.
AUTOSPIES.COM VERDICT
The Good- Quite simply, the new turbo engine is the best 3-series (Non-M) engine ever. BMW gives the faithful 4.0 V8 performance with a 6-cylinder gas bill. Interior ergonomics are a lesson for all others to emulate. New two-tone interiors raise things up a notch on the competition. The only way the interior could get better is if they did the old 'performance package' interior upgrades from the last 3-Series (Alcantara, etc.) Incredible feel and control in the twisties. Both trannies (6-speed or auto) do the job quite well and it would be hard for us to make a decision of which one to choose. Great value for the money with the new pricing strategy. Of course, our choice would be the the 335 but the 328 is more than enough for most people. It gives better performance than the old 330 for less money and the old 330 was no slouch. We like it when car makers really differentiate their sedans from their coupes. The only exterior design elements carried over from the sedan are the door handles and the BMW logos.
The Bad- Suspension is a little stiff for our taste. An adaptive suspension option would be a plus. We wish there was a panoramic roof option.
The Ugly- Latest design strategy shifts from ‘The Man Show’ to ‘Desperate Housewives’ although body kits and wheels can re-masculinize the coupe.
Conclusion- The new coupe has successfully been implanted with the quintessential BMW DNA. If you’ve never had a custom suit then it will be hard to explain to you the subtle differences of how good this BMW is compared to the competition. The car becomes a part of you, just like that hand made suit effortlessly molds to your body. It’s so right on so many levels and has all the elements that great cars should have. Other car makers find these attributes easier to talk about than to create. The result is a level of driving feel, control and ride quality that sets BMW apart from virtually every other car on the road.
Rating- 4.5 Shields (0 is worst, 5 is best)
BMW 3-Series Coupe pdf