When BMW introduced the 3-series coupe more than three years ago, it didn't force uncomfortable decisions on its loyal buyers. Instead it gave them a car that was almost as practical as the saloon while keeping its marvelous looks.
Although this 2.0-litre powerplant does not come with the German carmaker's trademark inline six-cylinder engine, this sleek model doesn't hold back its naturally aspirated smoothness and punchy performance with its inline four-cylinder engine.
Exterior
The mishmash of intersecting angles has certainly presented one of BMW's most elegant-looking cars in memory.
The two-door 3 has a taut and poised air, with more than a smidgeon of sportiness thrown in for good measure. Up front, the new model sports revised chrome-edged kidney grilles while the headlights have been reworked with white LED corona rings to give it a more piercing stare.
Moreover, the silhouette is lower and more elongated, giving it an elegance that's somehow lacking in the saloon.
Although this 2.0-litre powerplant does not come with the German carmaker's trademark inline six-cylinder engine, this sleek model doesn't hold back its naturally aspirated smoothness and punchy performance with its inline four-cylinder engine.
Exterior
The mishmash of intersecting angles has certainly presented one of BMW's most elegant-looking cars in memory.
The two-door 3 has a taut and poised air, with more than a smidgeon of sportiness thrown in for good measure. Up front, the new model sports revised chrome-edged kidney grilles while the headlights have been reworked with white LED corona rings to give it a more piercing stare.
Moreover, the silhouette is lower and more elongated, giving it an elegance that's somehow lacking in the saloon.
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The twisted, clear lines on the side valance draw the eyes along the flanks to the swooping roofline that merges with a raised tail, enhancing the more serious gait of the coupe.
This must be the prettiest two-door coupe around, with an exterior that's more striking and far more glamorous than its competitors in its segment. Around the back, it is similarly gorgeous, with broad tail light clusters that incorporate horizontal LED rods.
Coupes often come with compromises. Their sporty silhouettes often result in smaller cabins and reduced visibility. But man do they look good. The coupe, with its frameless windows and beautifully sculpted shell, is a streamlined creation that is easy on the eye.
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Interior
Step inside the cockpit and the coupe offers a personal touch - both the driver and passenger get their seatbelts served to them once the doors have been pulled shut.
Furthermore, with minor details such as retractable side door compartments and cupholders, it certainly helps the interior score points for its neat conception.
All four occupants are guaranteed to be sitting comfortably, courtesy of a snug, spacious and driver-focused cockpit. The dashboard is civilised, with well laid-out controls that fall naturally to hand.
Additionally, quality of the materials used feel comfortable and expensive to the touch, as expected from the German carmaker.
Step inside the cockpit and the coupe offers a personal touch - both the driver and passenger get their seatbelts served to them once the doors have been pulled shut.
Furthermore, with minor details such as retractable side door compartments and cupholders, it certainly helps the interior score points for its neat conception.
All four occupants are guaranteed to be sitting comfortably, courtesy of a snug, spacious and driver-focused cockpit. The dashboard is civilised, with well laid-out controls that fall naturally to hand.
Additionally, quality of the materials used feel comfortable and expensive to the touch, as expected from the German carmaker.
One of the positive aspects of the German coupe is the relatively large boot space. Despite its size of 440 litres, the cabin is not at all cramped. In fact the legroom is more than adequate, as so for the shoulder and head room.
In the rear, the ample head space is facilitated by the use of two individual low-slung seats to compensate for the tapered roofline. Plus, the rear seats are separated by a multi-functional armrest and centre section, creating huge amounts of shoulder space for two tall adults to fit in the rear bench.
However, despite being well-contoured and comfortable, it can prove to be a tad difficult for taller passengers to alight from the rear, due to the lower-inclined angle of the seats.
In the rear, the ample head space is facilitated by the use of two individual low-slung seats to compensate for the tapered roofline. Plus, the rear seats are separated by a multi-functional armrest and centre section, creating huge amounts of shoulder space for two tall adults to fit in the rear bench.
However, despite being well-contoured and comfortable, it can prove to be a tad difficult for taller passengers to alight from the rear, due to the lower-inclined angle of the seats.
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The Drive
On the go, the 320i coupe isn't a very quick car. But this inline four-cylinder engine is refine, smooth and the glorious exhaust note does more than enough to enhance your driving pleasure.
BMW's reputation for its performance precedes its name as the steering and handling is highly rewarding. With its responsive steering, eager throttle and rigid chassis, the four-seater BMW 320i Coupe has no problem leaving the pack behind. Put it into sports mode and gears are swopped in a greater hurry with a mere flex of the throttle and upshifts are delayed.
The coupe handles superbly, grips tenaciously and it imparts a sense of solidity and confidence that few other cars can match. On twisty roads, the 2.0-litre powerplant, which churns a maximum power and torque of 156bhp and 200Nm respectively, really proved its mettle. The car felt glued to the tarmac even at insane cornering speeds and its poised unruffled.
Although the ride was a tad firm with the 17 inch tyres, road and suspension noise are almost non-existent and it was never uncomfortable. The cabin was relatively quiet, with the engine noise being the only sound (besides the radio) that can be heard during acceleration.
Quite simply, it will be difficult for competitors to match BMW's exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort.
On the go, the 320i coupe isn't a very quick car. But this inline four-cylinder engine is refine, smooth and the glorious exhaust note does more than enough to enhance your driving pleasure.
BMW's reputation for its performance precedes its name as the steering and handling is highly rewarding. With its responsive steering, eager throttle and rigid chassis, the four-seater BMW 320i Coupe has no problem leaving the pack behind. Put it into sports mode and gears are swopped in a greater hurry with a mere flex of the throttle and upshifts are delayed.
The coupe handles superbly, grips tenaciously and it imparts a sense of solidity and confidence that few other cars can match. On twisty roads, the 2.0-litre powerplant, which churns a maximum power and torque of 156bhp and 200Nm respectively, really proved its mettle. The car felt glued to the tarmac even at insane cornering speeds and its poised unruffled.
Although the ride was a tad firm with the 17 inch tyres, road and suspension noise are almost non-existent and it was never uncomfortable. The cabin was relatively quiet, with the engine noise being the only sound (besides the radio) that can be heard during acceleration.
Quite simply, it will be difficult for competitors to match BMW's exquisite combination of athletic handling and premium ride comfort.
Conclusion
Few coupes are as good to drive or have such an immensely comfortable cabin. It's practical for a two-door car, too, with lots of space for four and a reasonable boot. Thus, it's definitely suitable for young executives who are working towards their first Bimmer.
On the hindsight, you'll just have to accept the fact that beneath its sleek bonnet lays a modest four-cylinder engine, instead of a sumptuous six with a lot more punch. Rivalling against competitors such as the Audi A5 Coupe as well as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, the BMW 320i Coupe may not be the best.
But it's definitely a joy to drive.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Few coupes are as good to drive or have such an immensely comfortable cabin. It's practical for a two-door car, too, with lots of space for four and a reasonable boot. Thus, it's definitely suitable for young executives who are working towards their first Bimmer.
On the hindsight, you'll just have to accept the fact that beneath its sleek bonnet lays a modest four-cylinder engine, instead of a sumptuous six with a lot more punch. Rivalling against competitors such as the Audi A5 Coupe as well as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, the BMW 320i Coupe may not be the best.
But it's definitely a joy to drive.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
