Coupes have to be sleek, lower and better looking than the saloon they’re based on. Those expecting beauty that is head and shoulders above the saloon will, however, be disappointed but then again 3 Series Coupes have never been breathtakingly beautiful in a Ferrari sense.
BMW has made this the most distinctive coupe version ever. There are just three exterior components common to the saloon; the front door handles, side indicator repeaters and BMW tail badge. Like any good coupe it does make a strong visual statement and is longer than the saloon. It is only when driven that you’ll realise it’s the car’s engineering that provides the ‘wow factor’.
I recently put two six-cylinder petrol versions through their paces (325i & 335i twin turbo). Needless to say the 335i with 306bhp (400nm) on tap is a bit of a rocket. BMW hasn’t fitted a turbocharger to a petrol car in years not to mention two! This new engine is a real star and can propel the new Coupe from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds. The 325i (218bhp) is certainly no slouch but it goes about melting your licence in a far more civilised way (top speed 247km/h).
The interior is bigger than ever but those expecting a bit more flash because it’s a coupe will be disappointed. The car’s DNA means the dash is slightly dull but well built. The driving position is perfect and the gear throw nice and short. An optional paddle-shift gear change is available for more enthusiastic users. There is ample space in the rear for a couple of adults - okay ample is used relatively here.
Being a coupe, the front seat belts are mounted almost in the back seats! BMW has installed an automated seat belt extender arm that feeds the belt forward towards the user. This will save owners from having to shell out lots of cash on yoga classes!
On the road the 3 Coupe is weighty yet nimble. The car feels balanced and this is no surprise as BMW continues to be masterful at producing great handling rear-wheel-drive cars. The manual six-speed gearbox in the 335i is rewarding but it took me a few kilometres more than usual to get used to the clutch’s bite point. In automatic form the 335i is really a brilliant car as you can ease yourself along the road with little fuss, or if you wish in an instant give in to your dark side!
Four cylinder versions will be available in the new year and of course will be the volume sellers. I’m particularly keen to see the 320d Coupe. Until then you’ll need a few SSIAs to buy a 3 Coupe as prices start at €56,165. The silky smooth 325i for now is the smallest engine option with the 330i next up, followed by the 335i in the petrol range. Two diesels will be available from launch namely the 330d and 335d. All these cars can do 0-100km/h in less than 7 seconds and get this; the thirstiest (335i) will return 29.7mpg!
The BMW 3 Series Coupe is a very, very good car.
Michael Sheridan
