BMW Australia has previewed its new 2011 3 Series coupe and convertible ranges to the media at a function in Brisbane. This was followed by a terrific drive program in the hills behind the city. Though the body has been given a neat revamp, even more efficient engines are the biggest news.

Equipment levels have been raised to further tempt potential buyers.

This all makes sense as the design work for these latest versions of the BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible would have been carried out during the early stages of the GFC. So money would have been relatively limited and it made sense to point available funds to increasing efficiency rather than simply coming up with an all-new look.

However, the stylists have done a very good job. Though the radiator grille retains the same theme as before, it has been widened and is more prominent. A chromed surround highlights the grille, these are the sporting flagships of the 3 Series range so it pays to make them stand out visually.

There are bigger changes in the design of the lower grilles. They have received a bolder more rectangular shape that is enhanced by a horizontal bar dissecting them. This 3 Series arguably looks half a size larger than in its previous iteration.

At the rear there's a new design of taillights featuring LED technology. The lights are enhanced by a character line stretching across most of the rear bodywork. The rear diffuser has been heightened to give a semi-race car appearance.

Stronger designs of alloy wheels complete the external body revisions to these sports BMWs.

All coupes and convertibles now have bi-xenon headlights. An interesting optional lighting system that's part of an Innovations package lights up the ‘eyebrows’ over the headlights.

 

But the real news isn't in the body restyle – it's under the bonnet. Though the engines are based on the previous units, BMW's relentless push for greater efficiency has seen increases in power and reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

The turbo-diesel powerplant in the 320d coupe and convertible produces an extra five kilowatts (up to 135 kW) yet its consumption has been dropped by as much as 0.8 of a litre each 100 kilometres on official measurements. The engine is now offered with a six-speed manual gearbox that uses a stop-start function to turn the engine off when the vehicle is stationary.

BMW's 335i M Sport engine is the latest of its type and now uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the twin turbos of the superseded unit. With a peak power of 225 kilowatts it uses eight per cent less petrol than its predecessor.

Turbo lag is minimal in the latest BMW 335i M Sport engine and we found it almost as responsive as a non-turbo BMW unit. And the acceleration, once the engine has been wound up, is exhilarating. Witness the standing start figure of just 5.4 seconds.

A factor in the standing-start and in-gear acceleration in the 335i coupe we tested was the installation of an optional fast acting double-clutch transmission with seven forward ratios.

Both the coupe and the folding hardtop convertible have suspension revisions aimed at giving it a more supple ride without affecting the handling. However, we found that some of the Aussie backroads we traversed sometimes resulted in ride so firm that passengers may not like it. Then again, keen drivers will love this car no matter what...

The new BMW coupe and convertible ranges come with a staggering array of option packages, as well as individual optional items. Rather than taking up a whole page describing these may we suggest contacting your local BMW dealer, or clicking your way onto www.bmw.com.au/?

Prices, excluding dealer and government charges, for the new BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible are:
320d Coupe: $65,600
320d Convertible: $78,500
325i Coupe: $84,900
325i Convertible: $98,700
330d Coupe: $94,700
330d Convertble: $107,700
335i Sport: $116,700
335i Sport Convertible: $129,900