Best Reviewed
Coupes
- Best compact coupe 2009 Honda Civic Coupe *Est. $15305
- Family-friendly midsize coupe 2009 Honda Accord Coupe *Est. $22405
- Top premium sport coupe 2009 BMW 3 Series Coupe *Est. $36500
- Modern muscle coupe 2010 Chevrolet Camaro *Est. $22245
- Value sport coupe 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe *Est. $22000
Get info about new reports and updates
- Best-in-class handling and performance
- Good fuel economy
- Available manual transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD)
- Quality and reliability
- Higher price than competitors
- Complicated controls (especially iDrive)
- Tight rear seat
- Plain interior
The BMW 3 Series is the car against which all other sports sedans and coupes are measured, say critics. Reviews claim the BMW 3 Series offers a combination of excellent handling, strong performance, ride comfort and quality craftsmanship that few competitors can match. Some lower-priced alternatives, however, such as the Infiniti G37 (*est. $34,900 to $36,200), come close and are frequently recommended based in part on their lower price tags. Reviews indicate that buyers who want more features and luxury may find some rivals more satisfying, such as the Mercedes CLK-Class (*est. $46,450 to $55,150) or the Audi A5 coupe (*est. $39,900 to $50,800).
Critics acknowledge that the G37 and higher-priced coupes simply can't beat the BMW's best-in-class performance. The 3 Series base BMW 328i coupe (*est. $36,425) is the best value, with its 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder, which reviewers say has plenty of power. More thrilling performance is found with the 300-horsepower BMW 335i coupe (*est. 43,825) or the 414-horsepower BMW M3 (*est. $57,325). On the downside, negatives such as a cramped rear seat and needlessly complicated controls are noted, especially the unpopular iDrive interface, which controls the sound system and climate.
The BMW 3 Series wins numerous "best" or "recommended" awards, but comparison tests and road-test reviews often give a better description of driving the various 3 Series coupe models. Edmunds.com has an excellent head-to-head comparison between the 335i and the Infiniti G37 coupe, as well as another interesting comparison against two other BMWs. Motor Trend pits a G37 against a 2007 BMW 335i coupe, which is the same as the 2008 model. TheTruthAboutCars.com compares the 135i with the 335i, and Consumer Reports provides valuable historical reliability data, safety information and an informative summary review. Seven individual staff reviews on the J.D. Power and Associates blog, Power Steering, provide an insightful range of opinions.
Our Sources
1. Edmunds.com
Despite its advantage in value, the Infiniti G37 loses the Edmunds.com comparison test to the BMW 335i (the 2007 model has not changed for 2008). Senior editor Erin Riches notes, "The Infiniti G37 is an impressive car and a lot of fun. But it isn't as quick as the BMW 335i, nor does it engage its driver with equal commitment."
Review: Comparison Test: 2007 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37, Erin Riches, Jul. 1, 2007
2. Motor TrendDetails/Subscribe
Motor Trend compares the Infiniti G37 and BMW 335i. The '335i, with a price as tested $8,000 higher than the G37, is deemed 'slightly faster and is noted for better fuel economy. Ultimately though, the Infiniti wins the comparison because of the "micro performance margins and the macro price differential."
Review: Head to Head: 2008 Infiniti G37 vs. 2007 BMW 335i, Frank Markus, Aug. 2007
3. Automobile MagazineDetails/Subscribe
This comparison of the BMW 335i coupe and the Infiniti G37 concludes that the Infiniti "easily tops the value chart." The BMW is the selected as the superior car, however, due largely to its superb handling, which is said to "make even mediocre drivers feel like road stars."
Review: Dueling Coupes: 2008 BMW 335i vs. 2008 Infiniti G37S, Don Sherman, Aug. 2007
4. Edmunds.com
A long-term vehicle, a 2002 BMW M3, goes up against a new 135i and 335i coupe. First place is a tie between the older M3 and the 135i, but editors say the 335i "wins the "'popular vote when it comes to the car we'd most like to have if cost were no object."
Review: Differences That Don't Make a Difference, Josh Jacquot, Apr. 27, 2008
5. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Editors of Consumer Reports base this review of the BMW 3 Series on a mix of convertible, sedan and coupe test vehicles. Data on historical reliability compiled from owner surveys is also included.
Review: 2008 BMW 3 Series Review, Editors of Consumer Reports
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com give the BMW 3 Series their top rating and comment, "Feature for feature it may end up costing more than some rivals, but the 3 Series is a Best Buy for its resolute focus on balanced performance."
Review: 2008 BMW 3 Series Full Review, Editors of ConsumerGuide.com, Sep. 9, 2008
The BMW 335x is test-driven by seven writers of varying experience and driving expertise, who each offer insightful reviews. Reviewer Christian Wardlaw says, "In almost every way that is important to me, it is a perfect automobile."
Review: 2008 BMW 3 Series, Contributors to Power Steering
The BMW 135i and 335i coupes are driven and compared back-to-back. The less-expensive 135i is credited for its strong performance, but ultimately the reviewer recommends that "coupe buyers acquire "the more spacious and better-styled 335i," which they can do for only 10 percent more than the 135i's purchase price.
Review: 2008 BMW 135i vs. 335i Review, Mike Solowiow, Apr. 21, 2008
Coupes Runners Up:
5 picks by top review sites.
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.
1 pick by top review sites.