A totally new BMW 3 Series Coupe arrives for 2007 with freshened styling and thrilling performance enhancements.
Last year, BMW tweaked the 3 Series Sedan and Wagon. This year, it's the Coupe and Convertible that received makeovers.
The BMW 3 Series has always been a favorite for driving enthusiasts shopping the entry-level luxury segment. Now, the bar has been raised again by the folks at BMW, further separating their 3 Series from the rest of the field.
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.
The Coupe's long hood hints at what lies beneath, a traditional inline six-cylinder engine. The long wheelbase, short overhangs, sleek roofline, and high shoulder line help maintain the Coupe's sporty appeal.
Up front, you'll find the traditional kidney grille and xenon adaptive headlights. Around back, the new horizontal LED taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night.
The long-established "Hofmeister kink" at the bottom edge of the C-pillar now extends at an even more distinct angle into the shoulder line.
The 3 Series Coupe's cabin is equally attractive. And because the new Coupe is a four-passenger car, the rear seat passengers are treated to a center console between their individual rear seats, which includes individual storage boxes, additional air outlet vents and footwell lights.
Although there was barely enough headroom for me in my 335i Coupe tester, I truly appreciated the automatic seat belt presenter that delivers the seat belt (from the B-pillar) to the driver and front seat passenger once the door is closed. This clever device allows the front seat belts to stay tucked away while rear-seat passengers make their way in and out.
The interior is very elegant and controls are easy to access. My 335i Coupe tester came equipped (optional) with sharp Coral Red leather upholstery as part of the Premium Package ($2,450) and front sport seats, 18-inch alloy wheels and performance tires as part of the Sport Package ($1,000).
Through its design and configuration, the cabin emphasizes the sporting and driver-oriented character of BMW's new Coupe. Taking a seat behind the steering wheel, we immediately focused our eyes on the new instrument cluster which includes an oil temperature gauge positioned below the tachometer.
The 2007 BMW 3 Series Coupe is available with one of two engines. The 328i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, with horsepower increased from 184 to 230.
The 335i is powered by BMW's first inline six-cylinder engine with twin turbochargers, high precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminum crankcase. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six in the 335i spits out an impressive 300 horsepower.
The reason for using two small turbochargers (each feeds three cylinders) over one large turbocharger was to eliminate turbo lag.
A standard 6-speed manual gearbox is mated to either engine and a 6-speed automatic with manual controls (and paddle shifters) is available.
Both the 328i and 335i send power to the rear wheels. For the first time, BMW is now offering its phenomenal all-wheel drive system in the 3 Series with the introduction of the all-new 328xi.
Our BMW 3 Series tester was a 335i. With our 335i Coupe tester, we could not tell that it featured a turbocharged engine. Acceleration was quick and precise. The power came in swiftly and stayed throughout the rpm band.
The slick 6-speed manual gearbox in our 335i Coupe tester was easy to shift and provided us with total control.
The steering and brakes are impressive, too. From a performance standpoint, there's nothing negative regarding the BMW 335i Coupe. The 3 Series Coupe is extremely fun to drive, especially through twisty country roads.
Compared to the competition, you'll pay a few bucks more for the 3 Series, but you'll enjoy your decision once you take the wheel.
2007 BMW 335i Coupe
Engine 3.0-liter (300 hp) twin-turbocharged I6
Transmission 6-speed manual
Drive Type RWD
Fuel Economy 19 city/29 highway
Base Price $40,600
As Tested $45,720 (including $695 for destination)
Website http://www.bmwusa.com |
