The New BMW 3 Series Coupe

Heralding the dawn of a new era in engine technology, BMW’s all new 3 Series Coupé range goes on sale in the UK on 23 September 2006. The third generation of compact coupé marks the introduction of the first ever twin-turbo petrol-powered engine in a production BMW as well as pioneering Direct Injection technology. Two models will be available at launch.

Model	OTR Price	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Acceleration (0 – 62mph)	Top speed (mph)	Combined cons. (mpg)
BMW 325i SE Coupé	£28,090	218	250	6.9	153	33.6
BMW 335i SE Coupé	£33,420	306	400	5.5	155	29.7

Designed for sporting elegance

Despite its close technical ties with the 3 Series Saloon and Touring variants, designers set out with the goal of differentiating the two-door model more than its predecessors. From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models but has its own, classically elongated, shape. Adopting BMW’s typical Coupé proportions of long wheelbase, short overhangs, long bonnet, cabin set to the rear and a low, sleek roofline, the new 3 Series Coupé has an elegant profile.

Key highlights in exterior design are the kidney grilles and restyled headlamps that give a bold yet elegant frontal view. At the rear, the broad rear lights use horizontal light rods with bright LED illumination to accentuate the low, wide appearance of the rear of the car.

Another change from the other models in the 3 Series range is the use of lightweight materials in the body construction in the Coupé. While all 3 Series models use Tailored Blanks that increase panel thickness where structural rigidity is needed, and reduce thickness where it’s not, the Coupé variant also uses plastics in its construction. As a result of the lightweight plastic front wings used on the 3 Series Coupé the new car is an average 10kgs lighter than the Saloon variant.