The future is friendly...
The 328xi is equipped with some pretty nifty gadgets--at the risk of sounding automotively geeky, if there is such a thing. The moment you sit in the car and place the keyless entry pod into its holder to start the ignition with the start/stop in-dash button, the car will give you your seatbelt, literally. An electrically-powered arm hands you the belt. Also, in the evening, when the car is unlocked, bright-white LED lights illuminate the handles from beneath in both a practical and aesthetically-pleasing way. And you'll never have to get your hands dirty again, simply navigate your way through the onboard computer and you'll be able to see your oil levels and other engine diagnostics that would normally require some elbow grease.
But, most impressive (in the gadget department) was the cruise control. Granted, most sedans, luxury or not, are equipped with cruise control. But few have the performance ability of the 328xi's system. Upon setting your desired speed, you can then control your speed in increments of 1 km/h and 10 km/h, either accelerating or breaking as desired, but always returning to your original cruise setting.
Made to drive
There's no question about it--the new '07 328xi coupe was built to be driven. Sporting a new name, dashing new looks and a brand-new dose of stability with the xDrive system, this BMW is brimming with confidence and will instill in its driver the same level of self-assurance--and with good reason. The 328xi is not the high-end model in the 3-series lineup (its turbo-powered 335i big brother is the star) it still carries a reasonable price tag with a base MSRP of $46,100 (as tested, $56,185). Just when it seemed BMW had fallen into a luxury manufacturer's designing rut, they broke the mold with the 3-series coupe.
Handling
Interior comfort
Futuristic cruise control
Interior rattles
Driver visibility
Electronically-controlled throttle
photo:Colin Styker
The 328xi is equipped with some pretty nifty gadgets--at the risk of sounding automotively geeky, if there is such a thing. The moment you sit in the car and place the keyless entry pod into its holder to start the ignition with the start/stop in-dash button, the car will give you your seatbelt, literally. An electrically-powered arm hands you the belt. Also, in the evening, when the car is unlocked, bright-white LED lights illuminate the handles from beneath in both a practical and aesthetically-pleasing way. And you'll never have to get your hands dirty again, simply navigate your way through the onboard computer and you'll be able to see your oil levels and other engine diagnostics that would normally require some elbow grease.
But, most impressive (in the gadget department) was the cruise control. Granted, most sedans, luxury or not, are equipped with cruise control. But few have the performance ability of the 328xi's system. Upon setting your desired speed, you can then control your speed in increments of 1 km/h and 10 km/h, either accelerating or breaking as desired, but always returning to your original cruise setting.
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| Sleek and stylish, the 3-Series Coupe remains on top of its game. |
Made to drive
There's no question about it--the new '07 328xi coupe was built to be driven. Sporting a new name, dashing new looks and a brand-new dose of stability with the xDrive system, this BMW is brimming with confidence and will instill in its driver the same level of self-assurance--and with good reason. The 328xi is not the high-end model in the 3-series lineup (its turbo-powered 335i big brother is the star) it still carries a reasonable price tag with a base MSRP of $46,100 (as tested, $56,185). Just when it seemed BMW had fallen into a luxury manufacturer's designing rut, they broke the mold with the 3-series coupe.
 |
Interior comfort
Futuristic cruise control
 |
Interior rattles
 |
Driver visibility
Electronically-controlled throttle
photo:Colin Styker
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