Chassis and body - a sound basis

In common with all BMW models, the new 3 Series Coupe benefits from a near-perfect 50:50 front to rear weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive for the optimum in driving dynamics. A double-joint tie bar front axle with spring struts made almost entirely from aluminium and a five-link rear axle work in combination with a rigid body structure to provide very high levels of stability and comfort.

The 3 Series Coupe also comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control +, BMW's latest traction control system. With DSC+, the highest levels of traction and stability are complemented by the latest comfort and safety systems including brake pads that are dried in wet weather conditions and brakes that are applied harder when any possible brake fade is detected. This ensures the car remains under maximum control at all times. 

To enhance the chassis and suspension set up, the 3 Series Coupe comes with a rack and pinion steering system as standard. Customers can also opt for BMW's innovative Active Steering system that varies the steering ratio as a proportion of road speed. The Active Steering system additionally links into the DSC+ system, adding small amounts of steering correction without driver input when oversteer is detected.



Extensive safety systems

All of the passive safety systems of the new Coupe are controlled by a restraint and support system. The six standard air bags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and belt force limiters are all activated by the type and severity of a collision.

Recognising that the majority of accidents occur in the dark, the new 3 Series Coupe comes with Xenon headlights as standard. Customers wanting to improve visibility yet further can specify BMW's Adaptive Headlights that, using the steering angle, aim in the direction the car is travelling rather than the direction it is pointing.

Drivers following a 3 Series Coupe might also notice BMW's Brake Force Display at work. When the driver of the Coupe needs to execute an emergency stop, or when the ABS system is in operation, the driver behind is warned of the danger ahead by an additional illumination of the LED brake lights in the lamp cluster.


Future Coupe models

Further engine derivatives add to the Coupe range in September. Heading up this wave of additional powerplants is the one that powers the new BMW 335d Coupe - a twin-turbo diesel engine with 286hp offered by its 3.0-litre engine. With 580Nm of torque being fed to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic gearbox, the 535d sprints to 62mph in 6.1 seconds before going on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 335d offers supreme in-gear flexibility due to the fact that its peak torque figure of 580Nm is attained at just 1,750rpm.

The new BMW 330i Coupe will develop 272hp from its normally-aspirated 3.0-litre six cylinder engine that uses magnesium alloy in its engine construction. Acceleration to 62mph is dispatched from standstill in 6.1 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The 330i Coupe still delivers 32.1mpg on the combined cycle.

At the same time as the 330i, the new BMW 330d Coupe will start production, offering 231hp and 500Nm of torque. Performance and economy are both top priorities for the diesel-powered Coupe, with the car posting a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds while still delivering 43.5mpg on the combined cycle. 

Details of the future entry-point BMW 320i and 320d Coupe models will be announced at a later date.



The new BMW X3

Featuring the most powerful diesel engine ever to power a production BMW in the UK, the revised BMW X3 is destined to reset the benchmark for Sports Activity Vehicles. Using a development of the engine taken from the BMW 535d model the latest X3 also now comes with two new petrol engines.

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