The New Coupe

[bronxborn]

Drove by the dealership last night and saw the new coupe in the parking lot. I don't like it. The design seems to move the car away from the taut, compact, aggressively muscular stance of the coupe as I see it. Maybe it's still too new, but it seems bloated and stretched to me. Is BMW creating a place for a future 1 series by making the 3 seem bigger and more upmarket? I am not up on the status of the 1 series, whether it is coming to the States, etc. I am just trying to figure out why they did what they did to this car. Are there E46 coupe owners out there who like the looks of this thing?

In fairness to BMW, I have not yet driven the car. My opinion could change based upon the feel of those 300 horses. If it does, my license will once again be in jeopardy.

 

[tazza0712]

I know what you mean about the styling change, I think it's almost a "shock" to see the E92 when compared to the E46, but I think it looks really good. Has a very muscular stance and the rear end is more sorted than the E90 sedan. Front is pretty agressive too. The E46 is a classic design that looks great but in a different way, you can tell that it is an older car, but I repeat, a great looking one. I think the E92 just brings the 3 series coupe into different territory and aligns it with the time we are in.

 

[TheBry]

I've actually driven the coupe -- BMW San Francisco let me take one out for a test drive. I just drove the 328i, but it's quite a car I must say. Feels very different from my '04 330cic (the drivetrain).

Being a sun worshiper, I'm holding out for the hardtop convertible. I've seen a few spy shots of it, but want to see what it looks like in it's full glory (top up and topless) before I state my opinion one way or the other.

Regarding aesthetics, I can say this: When the E46 first arrived on our shores I thought -- that's it... BMW has ruined the look of the 3 Series. Then, over time, the car grew on me. I came to appreciate and love the lines and eventually bought one brand new. I'm sure the new 3 will have the same affect. My car is in for Inspection 2 today, so naturally, I keep glancing over at the new coupe.

 

[codex57]

It's ok. I only got upset at BMW's styling with the 5 series. I still think it's fugly. 7 is a little better, especially with the new trunk styling. 3 is the best of the new Bangle stuff, but still not nearly as good as the previous 3 series. Strangely, I've always liked his Z4 ever since it came out.