3 Series coupe nears production

Newswheel staff :: 25 November 2005 :: Filed under Coupe, BMW, BMW 3 Series, Europe & UK, US

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New model due in March

With the Geneva motor show launch of the new 3 Series coupe approaching, the test mules are slowly shedding their disguise. So, it’s time for a little speculation.

First, take a peek at the pictures below.

The top image comes courtesy of this week’s edition of Autocar magazine. Now, Autocar reckons the new coupe takes inspiration from the 6 Series in an effort to address criticisms that the slightly dowdy outgoing E46 coupe was too similar to its saloon sibling for comfort. But that, not to put to fine a point on it, is clearly bollocks, as Autocar’s own picture clearly demonstrates. Granted, there’s some scope in the front and rear light cluster treatments to differentiate the coupe. But in terms of the car’s basic architecture, it undoubtedly sticks very closely to the saloon, right down to the exaggerated crease in its flanks and the way the front pillar, front wing and bonnet meld together. Likewise, there’s absolutely no evidence of a Bangle Butt. If the coupe does depart from the saloon by any significant measure, it might be in terms of rear overhangs. It may be an optical illusion resulting from the test car’s black bodywork, but if you compare the bottom two images, the coupe’s tail certainly looks longer.

But if there’s one thing these pictures prove beyond any doubt, it’s that rumours the coupe would be ditched in favour of a folding hard-top model are clearly nonsense. Yes, there will be a folding hard-top 3 Series. But the conventional coupe will also live on.

Linkage:
Autocar