New BMW 3 Series Coupé, Convertible And Compact
Published: 14th May 2003
"This makes the two-door, four-window BMW sports coupé
the ideal touring car for the demanding motorist wishing to enjoy
the thrill of speed and the pleasure of sports motoring."
From a 1937 internal memo on the launch of Europe's first coupé,
the BMW 327.
Thankfully, it seems, very little has changed in BMW's philosophy towards its Coupé models over the past 66 years. However, the product has clearly developed since the introduction of the BMW 02 Coupé in 1966 established Europe's compact sports Coupé market and BMW has consistently driven sales in the segment through a strategy of clear, but subtle differentiation between Coupé/Convertible models and other 3 Series body styles.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé, now in its 6th incarnation as either a 2-door sports saloon or coupé, features a number of stylish design enhancements and technical developments that reinforce both this philosophy and the car's sporty and dynamic nature. The Coupé retains its understated muscular looks, but becomes even more clearly differentiated from its Saloon and Touring cousins with major work to the front end and bonnet, design and safety enhancements at the rear and added specification and technical features.
Thankfully, it seems, very little has changed in BMW's philosophy towards its Coupé models over the past 66 years. However, the product has clearly developed since the introduction of the BMW 02 Coupé in 1966 established Europe's compact sports Coupé market and BMW has consistently driven sales in the segment through a strategy of clear, but subtle differentiation between Coupé/Convertible models and other 3 Series body styles.
The new BMW 3 Series Coupé, now in its 6th incarnation as either a 2-door sports saloon or coupé, features a number of stylish design enhancements and technical developments that reinforce both this philosophy and the car's sporty and dynamic nature. The Coupé retains its understated muscular looks, but becomes even more clearly differentiated from its Saloon and Touring cousins with major work to the front end and bonnet, design and safety enhancements at the rear and added specification and technical features.
The introduction of the BMW 3 Series Convertible in 1985 had a similar effect to the Coupé, establishing itself as the benchmark in the compact four-seat convertible market. This latest model, a mid-life revision of the third generation (launched May 2000), reinforces BMW?s reputation as the leader in styling and dynamics for the soft-top market.
