Trapezoidal, clear-lens headlights with washers recall the X3 sport-ute more than the flared "Dame Edna" lamps on the 5-Series, which is a good thing, we think. The new BMW 3-Series also avoids the slab-sided appearance of the 5-Series through the use of four character lines that sweep back to the decklid. They add welcome definition to the rocker panels, the doors, and the rear quarters.

In back, the new 3-Series exhibits modern, tasteful, conventional design, punctuated by a chrome-tipped twin-pipe exhaust outlet. Blessedly free of the bustle-butt found on the 6- and 7-Series models, the 2006 BMW 3-Series is available in three standard primary colors - red, white, and black - and several optional metallic paint hues.

Overall, we like the way the new 2006 BMW 3-Series looks…better than any other model in the automaker's current lineup.