Category: Affordable Sports 
Price Range: No data available
Powerful, smooth engines, great fun to drive, full four-seat practicality, the can't-go-wrong option.
Bit dull to look at, arrogant image, increasingly the default choice in the sector and thus not particularly exclusive.
The 3-Series Coupe is every bit as good as predicted - but perhaps a little bit too predictable.
Like most BMWs, the 3-Series Coupe gives a firm ride, but if you choose the right wheel/tyre combinations, it's perfectly bearable. Noise levels are low - apart from desirable throttle feedback, a very pleasurable soundtrack - and vibration minimal.
The seats are also firm but supportive and well-shaped, and there's even a handy automated 'arm' to stop front-seat occupants having to reach backwards for their seatbelt; this isn't always as quick to proffer said belt as you'd want, but it's a nice touch and useful to the less agile (or the larger of girth, as the snug-hugging seats don't give much scope for wriggling around).
This car also scores when it comes to rear-seat legroom. So many coupes are claimed to have 'adult-sized' rear seats when they patently do not, but the 3-Series actually does deliver enough space to fold up even quite long legs and enough headroom for those of a good six feet or so in height.
The boot's a decent size, too; not especially deep, but wide, well-shaped and long, offering up to 440 litres plus extra storage holes, wide fold-out door pockets and a large glovebox.
All the essentials are standard (a good air conditioning system and a CD player) and there's a wide range of upholstery/trim choices, including two-tone black/red leather for a rather racy touch - only for those in the throes of a bad midlife crisis, we think. The plain monochrome cabins are functional-looking, yet attractive, and the better option for preserving resale values.
All in all, the 3-Series coupe should prove to be an excellent companion for long-distance commuting, extended motorway hauls and involuntary expeditions, as well as those for-the-sheer-joy-of-it recreational drives. Lovers of super-soft cruisers should probably look elsewhere, though.
