BMW launches the new 3 Series Coupe in the UK in September, marking the introduction of the first twin-turbo, petrol-powered engine in a production BMW. Two models will be available at launch the 325i SE Coupe, priced at £28,090 and the £33,420 BMW 335i SE Coupe.

Despite its close technical ties with the 3 Series saloon and touring variants, designers set out with the goal of differentiating the two-door model more than its predecessors. From the front, side and rear, the car is clearly related to other 3 Series models, but has its own, elongated, shape.

Key highlights in exterior design are the kidney grilles and restyled headlamps. At the rear, the broad rear lights use horizontal light rods with bright LED illumination to accentuate the low, wide appearance of the rear of the car.

Another change from the other models in the 3 Series range is the use of lightweight materials in the body construction in the coup. As a result of the lightweight plastic front wings used on the 3 Series Coupe the new car is an average 10kgs lighter than the saloon. The new coupe bodyshell clothes the twin-turbo 3.0-litre engine in the new BMW 335i SE that develops 306 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 62mph in 5.5 seconds.

The turbocharged engine is also considerably lighter than a normally aspirated powerplant of equal power. In the case of the 335i, the new twin-turbo six-cylinder engine weighs approximately 70kgs less than an eight-cylinder engine of corresponding performance. At the launch in September, the new 325i SE Coupe will form the entry point to the range, delivering 218 horsepower and 33.6mpg on the combined cycle.

BMW will start production of other engine versions in September to broaden the 3 Series Coup range. The new BMW 330i Coupe will develop 272 horsepower. At the same time as the 330i, the new BMW 330d Coupe will start production, offering 231 horsepower.

Details of the future entry-point BMW 320i and 320d Coupe models will be announced at a later date.