2006 BMW 3-Series Preview

From side profile the new 3's rocker panels display a pronounced flare that tapers off towards the rear wheel opening,

From the side profile view, the new 3's design is striking, yet retains classic BMW styling cues like the Hofmeister kink. (Photo: BMW Canada)

mirroring a sharp crease at the car's waistline bisected with two color-keyed door handles on each side. The large greenhouse features BMW's traditional Hofmeister kink rear quarter window, surrounded by chrome trim at its topmost edge like the other side windows.

I think that the 3's rear quarters are where Bangle, von Hooydonk and company have executed their best work on this model. Particularly, I love the way the side waistline meets the top edge of each taillight, which follow the line downwards to meet up with each side of the license plate inset. This is the type of detailing that separates good designers from great designers, and despite the criticism, BMW has had some truly inspired styling going on lately, at least from a creative standpoint. The trunklid features some of the 5, 6 and 7's bulge, but it flows much more fluidly on the 3, seeming

I'm elated at BMW's new 3-Series design, as the current model was beginning to bore me. (Photo: BMW Canada)

as one cohesive overall design rather than an aerodynamic add-on. Below, the lower valance features bends and folds that reduce the mass of what would otherwise be a visually heavy chunk of design, another brilliant execution.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm elated at BMW's new 3-Series design. As attractive as the current model was when it came out, it's beginning to bore me to be honest. The design team has tweaked the headlamps and modified the side marker and taillamps, but its still old-style BMW design language. I suppose that's why some BMW fans love it so much, but I was ready to see a change in the overly conservative previous generation 5-Series design as soon as it came on the market, and would have been disappointed if BMW hadn't stretched a little with the upcoming 2006 car. They did, but not too much.