CAR REVIEW: BMW 135i Coupe

THE SOLUTION: BMW 135i Coupe

Coupes are usually about as practical as walking to the shops on your hands to spare your shoes. Most only come with two "real" seats, a negative if you’re after something that can double as a family car.

Four adults and associated luggage, meet BMW’s new 135i Coupe. First, place bags in the reasonable (370-litre) boot, then slide six-foot frames into the accommodating back pews.

Some excitement perhaps? How does a sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds sound? If the 135i will leave its passengers smiling, it’s guaranteed to turn its driver into a Cheshire cat.

BMW’s brilliant 3.0-litre, bi-turbo, straight-six pumps out 225kW and 400Nm, so if you plant your foot anywhere above 1300rpm, your neck muscles are tested by instant, all-consuming acceleration.

Thankfully, the 135i’s got big brakes.

Despite running 18-inch alloys wrapped in finger-thin rubber, the 135i is well controlled over sharp bumps. Grip at both ends is excellent, thanks to sticky rubber and near-perfect weight distribution.

Don’t start thinking the 135i Coupe is a poor man’s M3.It’s more of a rapid, comfy and practical GT than an out-and-out sports car and seems as happy schlepping about town as it is tearing along a twisting and leaf-strewn back road.

The 135i Coupe is easily the best car BMW builds and is a more flowing, more functional driver’s machine than rivals like the Subaru WRX STI, Nissan 350Z, or Audi S3 and TT. A brilliant car.