Guts and grace

But it's the power that impresses - "oodles of torque", as one reviewer put it. The 335i is the most powerful of BMW's range of straight-six powered cars outside the 'M' badge. The top model does 0-100kmph in just 5.5 seconds, with its 306 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

Roberto Ravaglia, former European and World Touring Car Champion, now manager of BMW Team Italy-Spain in the WTC Championship, when test driving the car around Italy's Adria Raceway reported a "never-ending fluidity in power" from the six-cylinder twin turbo power plant, which gave "a good power distribution in every gear."

In these days of soaring oil prices, improved fuel economy is a much appreciated feature. The lower weight of the turbochargers, compared to say an eight cylinder, 4.0-litre plant, means better fuel economy without loss of power, and a more even distribution of weight throughout the car. An advanced direct fuel injection system adds greater performance while also putting a lighter demand on fuel consumption.

Uphill, it also shows its strength. The UK Independent's motoring editor, taking the 335i on a run around the Alps, said a drive up an Austrian mountain road delivered "monstrous acceleration" even at lower speeds, as if the power was being delivered by "a powerful turbo diesel." So, diesel pulling ability at the lower end of the speed range combined with the high-speed power of a petrol engine.

Looking at the specs: the top-range model, the BMW 335i Coupe, is powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbo putting out an impressive 306hp and 295lb of torque between an amazing range of between 1,300 to 5,000 rpm. Zero to 100km/h is eaten up in 5.5 seconds, and there is an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.

BMW says this level of performance is made possible by the two turbo chargers each supplying compressed air to three cylinders. The engine output gives figures comparable to BMW's 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, which is 70 kg heavier and obviously burns more fuel and dollars.

The 325i Coupe is the entry point model. It has a 2.5-litre straight six-cylinder engine which delivers 218hp. It takes 6.9 seconds to reach 100km/h from a standing start and has a top speed of 247km/h.

At first glance, the Coupe is obviously related to the BMW 3 Series Saloon, with which it has technical ties, but designers have succeeded by clearly defining the two-door with a classically elongated sportier shape, with a long bonnet, cabin set to the rear, and a low, sleek roofline.

Though a two-door, the Coupe has enough room in the back for two medium-sized adults, with rear legroom enhanced by recesses in the front seats, while the foot wells can accommodate just about any shoe size, which could be an added sweetener for some buyers.

A new chassis system includes BMW's Dynamic Stability Control which prevents against loss of control at the earliest moments, to Dynamic Traction Control, giving a better grip on unstable surfaces.