|
|
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is
a line of compact luxury cars manufactured
by BMW since May 1975. It is the successor
to the 2002 coupe, retaining much of that
car's styling while adding a more powerful
2.0 L 110 hp (82 kW) engine and other performance
enhancements. The 3 Series was for some time,
the smallest car line manufactured by BMW,
although that place has recently been taken
by the BMW 1 Series.
From its sporting origins
in 1975, the E21 generation, available in
two and four-door forms, as well as a later
in-house full convertible (replacing one developed
by Baur of Germany), became a more formal
range that was synonymous with the "yuppie"
generation. Being an accessible prestige-badge
car, the 3 Series' reputation grew at this
time. By the early 21st century, the E46 3
Series, designed by American Chris Bangle,
was the best-selling car of its size in the
world, as commonplace in Asia and America
as in Europe, while maintaining its prestigious
image.
The 3 Series has been
on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best
list 15 times, from 1992 through 2005, making
it the second-most common entry on that list.
The E90 was named "Best New Sports Sedan"
in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.
Top Gear named the
3-series the ugliest car of 2005.
|
|
|
