BMW’s new 3 Series coupe and convertible

By Matt Brogan | January 18th, 2010

BMW plans to raise the benchmark in dynamic sporting luxury coupes and convertibles with the release of the new 3 Series.

The pictures released show changes to the front, side and rear giving the car a more dynamic and athletic look.

As well as changes to the appearance BMW have also revised the engines. Power has increased with better fuel efficiency and is now EU5 emission compliant.

Changes to the front include new dual round headlights with light rings and light bars, the bonnet and front bumper have been redesigned and the kidney grill is more three-dimensional.

The lower sill along the side has been redesigned as well as the rear bumper and the tail lights are a two piece L-shaped light cluster with LED lights.

Finishing off the changes are new colours and a modified range of leather upholstery, BMW ConnectedDrive is also offered on the new 3 Series coupe and convertible.

The new BMW 3 Series is scheduled to arrive in Australia mid 2010. Prices and specifications are not available at this time.

matt_b

front three-quarter shot is not very flattering is it? The line from the top of the headlights across the side of the body makes it look like it’s been decapitated.
Luxury009

Does anyone know if this will also come in 320d form (or equivalent)?

I am shopping between different convertibles, and so far have looked at Lexus, BMW and Audi.

I was quite surprised how far behind the Lexus was in terms of luxury features. I am a big fan of Lexus primarily because I like nice interiors and a soft cushy ride, however the IS250C seems to be built for midgest and materials used seem rather plasticky. Love the soft seats though but not enough to overcome the drawbacks.

So it’s between BMW and Audi. The Audi A5 looks sexier, but the BMW 320d looks set to be a winner – I never thought I’d say it but BMW offers super value! Driveaway price for the 320d convertible comes up to circa high 80s, after throwing in all the gadgets we want, and upgrading the interiors to Merino leather and piano black wood trim with BMW Individual, we still end up with spare change over the A5!

But now I might just wait till this new range gets launched and re-evaluate my options then… Maybe even the Merc E class cabriolet but I bet the pricing would be north of 150k.

Deco

Yeh but the A5 is so much more sexy!

Luxury009

Yeah it is hey. And when I think about it… it’s only $6000 more for the Audi after it’s all optioned up (and whatever you lose over the years with the higher fuel consumption figures). Still, I think I’ll take an extensive test drive to really feel the ride quality, as I still don’t trust those run flats which don’t soak up bumps very well. I am currently driving a 118i hatch which I love, apart from the ride quality.

mmmmmmmmmm

have a look for a 323d if its available.
my sister just got the 123d, with the 2 litre twin turbo diesel. I did not know a small car could be such an awesome drive, the amount of torque is incredible.
you can cruise along at 160km, dump the accelerator and its leaps up to 190km.
Its phenomenal for a little car.
that is a motor that could make me buy a diesel.

Luxury009

The 320d does make compelling value. You do seem to get the best of all worlds – value, reasonably good looks, space, good drive, and BMW Individual is sublime (the Audi equivalent isn’t as nice and will no doubt cost a lot as Audi add-ons usually do). Argh decisions decisions.

Andronicus

it is a good subtle refresh. Cleaned up some of the little things that were not aesthetically correct on the last one. I particularly like the revised rear lights.
Bongo

Not a fan of BMW designs since Bangle left. This looks puffy-nosed. At least it doesn’t have a snout like the hideous GT.
David Jones

bloated…
spellbound

Not a bmw man myself , but i think the current version is the best looking coupe on the road , particuarly the three quarter angle , this tidy up looks pretty damn good .

Peter

I’m with you (not a BM man) and I reckon this is a very sweet coupe for the money. Much nicer than the sedan. I think volvo got the rear better with the C70, though the BM kills the volvo at the front which is a little meh for my liking. I’m assuming that when we say it’s the best looking coupe on the road, we are talking about prices less than (say) $150K or so. I can think of plenty that I would prefer if money was no object – 6 series, XK, etc etc

Dan

Certainly looks a lot tidier the the current model, but im seeing a little bit too much 1 series coupe in there..
redfox

In my opinion, there is still something a little bland about the front of the car. Especially in that last picture of the silver convertible, it reminds me a bit too much of a Pontiac GTO. Perhaps it’s just a bit too round in every dimension. I would have preferred the front fascia to taper down more sharply.

However, the side profile and rears are much improved. I love the LED tails on the new 3 series.
Valet Dabess

it doesn’t look that much different to the current one… i thought it was gonna be a whole redo

Dan

Find a picture of the current model and look at them together and then say that it doesn’t look any different.

crouchy

Hmmm the current model is possible my favourite car this side of 100k… Im not overly impressed with this.

I think the revised front end has ruined the svelte look. Not to mention the silver convertible…. it looks like a cross between an A4 and a saab
davie

Thank goodness they moved beyond the big droopy jowls look of the 7 and 3 series from circa 2003.

Who on earth thought that old-man droopy jowls was a good look on a sports car???