MUCH hype has surrounded the release of BMW’s 3 Series Coupe, and it delivered the goods as found on a test drive at the foot of the French Pyrenees.

Take a walk round BMW’s latest entrant into the much-celebrated 3 series, the 335i coupe, and there is only one word that springs to mind: Elegance.

It’s elongated understated profile marks it out as a cut above its admittedly solid predecessors.

Unleash it for a test upon the ever-so inviting open roads at foot of the Pyrenees surrounding Pau, and it begins to make even more sense.

What you essentially have at your disposal is a high-performance car boasting the awesome power of the M3 with more of the everyday practicality of its saloon cousins.

According to BMW, this car nearly got an entirely new series name in its own right, such has been the level of development behind it. But it seems 3 series owners were eager to ensure it remains within their stable. Who wouldn’t want such a sleek motor as its meaty, 17in-alloyed flagship range model?

The big selling point of the 335i other than its low profile topped off by an understated, restyled front grille is its twin-turbo powerplant.

Powered by direct injection technology, it produces almost seemless acceleration and with so much speed at your disposal right through the rev range, it’s hard not to find this a genuine pleasure to drive.

From the moment I sat inside its smartly-upholstered leather seats I felt at ease. The car accentuates its air of superiority with some very strong features including an electronic arm that delivers your seatbelt to you.

Its incredibly adaptable driving position offers maximum support to drivers of all heights. The other thing you notice fairly instantly is how spacious it seems for a coupe. It is easily able to accommodate two adults in the rear seats. The ability to sling a large golf-bag in the boot has also been factored in.

Its dash housing the groundbreaking (though much bemoaned) I-Drive computer system is typically BMW. It is stylishly minimal and uncluttered without setting your pulse racing.

That joy is saved until you tickle the accelerator and snap the silky six-speed gearbox into action and hear the engine rumble in response. An electric 0-60 time of 5.2s seconds and 306bhp under the bonnet places it well up there with its nearest contenders.

Fuel economy is exceptionally good for a 3 litre coupe and manages an impressive figure of nearly 30mpg.

Some have raised a note of concern over the 3 series having an overly firm ride (perhaps due in part to its run-flat safety tyres) though in fairness its handling is one of its strongest points.

The sports suspension on the 335i acquits itself well, despite putting up a few minor signs of complaint on the roughest of weatherbeaten roads that Pau’s undulating terrain offers.

Switch it out of auto mode and investigate its sporting paddle shift set-up for more of a hands-on driving challenge, and there’s great fun - though it takes a little time to master.

Other advanced features include an automatic headlight system which comes on in built-up areas.

There are full driver and passenger airbags and its dynamic stability programme and ABS braking systems are second-to-none.

Unsurprisingly, such quality comes at a price and it weighs in with a fairly substantial £33,000 tag. However, this puts it well within the grasp of its executive target audience.

There is another option to the range with the entry level petrol model, the 325i. This clocks in at £28,090 and features a 2.4 litre engine.

While it boasts the same styling as its big brother, there is no doubt you notice the lack of the twin-turbos. This translates into a more than acceptable 0-60 time of 6.9 seconds and is equally as comfortable as its more powerful stable-mate at motorway speeds.

One gripe I would have is true of all the manual range within the 3 series: tight placement of the gearbox is far from ideal for anyone over 6ft tall.

This hassle factor is something those with longer limbs will have to bear in mind, making the auto models the more logical option. If it’s supreme driving thrills coupled with refined practicality that you’re after, the 335i will definitely merit your attention.

Factfile

BMW 335i SE

Price: £33,420 - on the road
Insurance group: 18
CO2 emissions: 228 g/km
Performance: Max speed 155mph / 0-60mph 5.2secs
Fuel consumption: (combined) 29.7mpg
Standard safety features: Twin front airbags, twin front side airbags, twin ITS side window airbags / ABS / DSC / run-flat tyres.