2007 BMW 3 Series Coupé: First Look

Motoring Channel Staff - 24/Apr/2006

The news is in - BMW has removed the covers from its sleek new 3 Series Coupé, featuring a sporty but largely subdued new look, and it also heralds the arrival of BMW's new turbocharged 6-cylinder motor, which will power the 335i model.

Internally known as the E92 (the sedan is the E90) BMW's new 2-door coupe exhibits a more aggressive angle in the rear windscreen, giving the car a sleeker profile than the 4-door E90, and the hood is slightly longer too, again adding to the car's athletic profile.

In traditional BMW style, the pumped wheel arches add a touch of purpose, and the short front overhangs hint at the cars dynamic ability. The rear overhang has been extended, which increases boot space to an impressive440 litres, while the front end of the vehicle reveals a hint of the 6 Series Coupé.

BMW explains that the 'Hofmeister kick' (at the bottom of the C-pillar) now comes in a new design which extends to an even more distinctive angle into the shoulder line, which itself sits flush with the door handles and stretches all the way back to the rear end of the vehicle.

In addition to the highly anticipated twin turbo 335i model, BMW will release the 330i Coupé (200kW), the BMW 325i Coupé (160kW), and the BMW 330d Coupé (170kW) from September 2006 to global markets, says the German company.

Of most interest to automotive enthusiasts will be the new twin turbo 6-cylinder powerplant that features in the 335i, generating a healthy 225kW of power.

BMW reckons the new 3 Series Coupé is powered by the world's first straight-six with twin turbo technology, incorporating high precision fuel injection, and an all-aluminium crankcase. 

This forced induction 3.0-litre, straight 6-cylinder engine develops maximum output of 225kW and generates peak torque of 400Nm, where the combination of turbocharging and direct petrol fuel injection makes for solid power down characteristics.

Each turbocharger supplies compressed to three cylinders, ensuring the 400Nm of peak torque arrives @ 1300rpm and is sustained until 5000rpm, giving the 335i incredible straight-line speed. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.5 seconds, and is limited to a 250km/h top speed.

BMW says that the new high-performance power unit for the E92 model gives the light, aerodynamically optimised Coupé outstanding acceleration and flexibility on the road, offering the driver an equally thrilling driving experience and that thanks to their lower inertia, the two small turbochargers build up pressure much faster than a single, large turbocharger, thus eliminating even the slightest turbo lag (or “gap” as BMW terms it) while allowing the engine to rev to 7000rpm.

Average fuel consumption under the combined EU standard is just 9.5 litres premium/100 kilometres or 29.7 mpg Imp, certainly a very moderate figure for an engine of this calibre, insists BMW.

In addition to the highly desirable new twin turbo 3 Series Coupé, the entry-level 325i Coupé is expected to attract much attention from buyers, equipped with the magnesium aluminium 2.5-litre straight six engine developing maximum output of 160kW and peak torque of 250Nm. Top speed for the BMW 325i Coupé is 247 km/h, with acceleration to 100 km/h in just 6.9 seconds. The specs on the 200kW 330i Coupé, and the 170kW/500Nm BMW 330d Coupé have not yet been divulged by BMW, as these models will be released after the 335i and 325i models later in 2006.

Transmission options for the new rear-wheel drive 3 Series Coupé include the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and as an option an upgraded 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters is also available. BMW claims the response time of the automatic transmission on the new BMW 3 Series Coupé is down by approximately 40 per cent compared with a conventional automatic transmission, with shift time being almost halved.

Chassis upgrades have been made the 3 Series Coupé to reflect its sportier character - not to mention its new flagship turbo engine option - comprised of a double-joint tiebar front axle with spring struts (constructed almost entirely of light weight aluminium) in combination with a 5-arm axle at the rear. In addition to the independent front and rear suspension array, the 3 Series Coupé models feature 50:50 front-to-rear weight distribution for improved handling balance.

As with most prestige German cars these days, buyers will be unobtrusively monitored by a number of electronic driving aids, including DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), CBC (Cornering Brake Control),ASC (Automatic Stability Control), DBC (Dynamic Brake Control )and  DTC (Dynamic Traction Control). Interestingly, the DSC system also helps to reduce the effects of continual and heavy braking, sometimes called brake fade, byautomatically increasing brake pressure according to current requirements. In relation to this system, BMW is also the world's first car maker to equip its cars with a continuous, ongoing brake pad wear indicator that informs the driver of the current condition of the brake pads at all times.

A higher-performance brake system in the new E92 3 Series Coupé requires a minimum 17-inch wheel diameter to match the larger diameter of the brake rotors, which BMW insists will offer outstanding stopping power and deceleration with virtually no fading. 

Horizontal lines dominate the surfaces on and around the instrument panel inside the new BMW, as well as flowing surfaces along the centre console and side panels, giving the interior a light but dynamic touch. The instrument panel is angled towards the driver, and the controls for air conditioning, audio and navigation systems are within easy reach from the front passenger's seat. And because the new E92 model is a coupe, the access to the two rear seats is facilitated by the front seat 'Comfort Access' function. The lever for releasing the seat position is fitted in perfect ergonomic arrangement at the top on the outside of the backrest.

Frontal, hip, thorax and curtain head airbags are part of the new 3 Series Coupé package, as are belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters, and the bi-xenon headlights are standard across the range (adaptive headlight control is still an option).