Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2000

Entry-Luxury Coupe

Winner: BMW 3 Series

Last year we were blown away by BMW's redesigned 3 Series sedan. This year the company follows up with its exceptional 3 Series coupe, building them on the same E46 platform. Yet the new 323Ci and 328Ci Coupes are more than just two-door versions of the sedan. They have slightly altered exterior dimensions that make them longer, lower and wider than the four-door cars. A 2.5-liter inline six, creating 170 horsepower, propels the 323Ci while a 2.8-liter six, making 193 horsepower, scoots the 328Ci. These silky-smooth engines can be mated to either a slick-shifting five-speed manual or a new Steptronic five-speed automatic transmission. Of course, the real driving pleasure, when talking BMWs, comes not from straightline blasts but from back-road barnstorming, where the real magic of these ultimate driving machines can be experienced. If you're a performance enthusiast seeking a touch of class at a reasonable price, the sub-$30,000 323Ci deserves a test drive.