19 Oct 06
And all that tech we mentioned? The Coupe comes with DSC+, which involves traction control, stability control, ABS, brake drying, Cornering Brake Control, brake fade compensation, Dynamic Brake Control, brake pre-tensioning, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, hill-start assistant, Engine Drag Torque Control, and soft stop. And more besides. But to repeat: none of this messes with the essential simplicity of the drive, or with the relationship between car and driver.
The last 3-Series Coupe was often dismissed as being too close to the saloon in the way it looked and the way it drove. This one is better to drive than the rest of the highly impressive 3-Series range and, although at a glance it clearly is a close relative of the saloon, the more you look the more different it is. Only three exterior components are shared with other members of the 3-Series family: the indicator side repeaters, the door handles and the badge.
Inside, you sit low, which means your seat is set back, but there's still decent leg room for an adult behind you. The rear bench, which splits 60:40 to expand the already deceptively big boot, is divided into two proper seats, with a moulded plastic divider. Those in the back sit low too, which gives them decent head room. It's useful to be able to carry passengers in comfort.
But ultimately this is a car that's all about the driver. A very happy driver.
Road Test: BMW 3-Series Coupe
