IT’S funny how certain makes of cars are associated with driver behaviour and when it comes to bad behaviour BMW seems top the list.
Just like the old jokes about Skoda, which persisted long after the marque had been transformed, it’s an almost certainly an unfair and an unfounded stereotype - but if there’s even a smidgen of truth in it I think I may have discovered the reason why.
Having not driven a BMW car for a year or more - I forgot just how good they were to drive.
If you’re wondering what the connection is between cars that drive well and bad behaviour, then let me explain.
Put anyone behind the wheel of a BMW and the chances are they’ll drive a little more quickly than they would if they were behind the wheel of a more pedestrian car like, say, a Kia Rio.
Cars that are built to be driven will be driven more enthusiastically and perhaps aggressively at times and BMW is the ultimate case in point when it comes to this theory. Okay, so it’s an unscientific assumption on my part but I think there’s more than a grain of truth in it.
The BMW 3-Series has always been a benchmark for driving excellence when it comes to family/executive saloons.
It’s the car everyone seems to want to emulate and good as its rivals get it continually manages to set itself apart.
Its excellence is at its peak in the M3 but if you want to combine performance with something that’s a little more practical and won’t have the sort of running costs that might require a second mortgage then look no further than the 335d.
It has much of the character of an M3, with all-out pace, performance and aggression but with a diesel engine that delivers a surprising level of economy and doesn’t pump too many nasty chemicals into the atmosphere.
Given a large-ish slice of cash to splash on a new car this would certainly be one of the contenders.
From the moment I sat in I felt totally at home, from the figure-hugging sports seats that felt like they’d been made to measure, to the all-round driving experience from the word go.
The only real challenge was squeezing enough camping gear in for a weekend away. The kinds were fine in the back, even with sleeping bags and suchlike stuffed under their feet but the tough job came when loading the boot.
It was a struggle but we managed it - just. As far as practicality goes the 3-Series Coupe might have its limitations, though in truth it’s actually on a par with the saloon which doesn’t have the biggest boot in the world either.
Even with a full load the 335d performed admirably on the open road. The 3.0-litre diesel engine feels effortless, even when it is being worked hard and as ever the 3-Series’ big selling point is its excellent handling.
A recent advertisement for some car or other had an excitable driver continually looking for an excuse to drive their new car.
If ever there were a car that would inspire such commitment it’s the 3-Series and the Coupe is without doubt the best of the bunch.
In short it’s as good if not better than ever. It still goes around corners like it’s on rails and has a stiff, composed and sure-footed feel that many car-makers can only dream of.
FAST FACTS
BMW 335d Coupe SE auto
Price: £38,330
Mechanical: 286bhp, 2,993cc, 6cyl diesel engine driving rear wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.9 seconds
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 174g/km
BiK rating: 26%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles