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New Challengers To The BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series gets a refresh for 2010, but it faces tough competition in what is an already tough field for the executive class. Mercedes means business with the E Class Coupe. Lexus has aggressive plans in this space, despite the troubles of parent company Toyota and of course there is always the stylish, but eclectic Alpha Romeo. All of them want a piece of the German market leader.

The new coupe and convertible versions of the BMW 3 Series have both received relatively modest revamps. Certainly once you're behind the wheel it all looks very similar. The main changes have come in the styling: a new band around the front face is the most obvious change along with new front and rear lights and a new front air dam. It is all designed to give it a more angular and purposeful look, to make sure the competitors don't get too close.

Speaking of which, let's see what they're up to. This is a big year for Alpha Romeo. It has been underperforming in terms of sales for a long time now and there are signs that the parent company Fiat are beginning to lose patience. There are eight new models planned altogether ranging the entire spectrum. The brand certainly means business with a new sporty SUV/Coupe crossover, but could it be a case of too little too late.

Of bigger concern as always will be the Mercedes E class. This has impressed reviews across the globe. Like a fine wine it gets better with age and has become a staple of the car rental business for top class executives.

Lexus also continues to spruce up its image, with a range of high performance luxury hybrids. This is a direct challenge to the BMW 3 Series 320d. Described as the cleanest model ever produced by the Bavarian manufacturer this aims to set new standards for performance and efficiency. The Germans seem to think this is their territory so to see the feisty Japanese competitor snapping at the heels will not please them one bit.

So is it time for a new king of the executive class? Well, the answer to that is not just yet. The BMW 3 Series continues to do everything its rivals do, but just that little bit better. The good news from a customer's point of view is that it is no longer a simple choose. At least from now on there are a few viable options out there.

Article Source: http://www.search-the-world.com/articles

Dom Donaldson is a motoring expert. Find out more about BMW 3 Series at www.lbps.co.uk/

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