Im gonna start by saying I dont like the new look at all. We got the cars in about 4 days ago and just had a chance to drive one, a 330i 6sp:

Interior- very cozy/snug. The seats really envelope you and hold you tight, very sporty. I really like the interior compared to the E46. The A/C controls have improved, to raise/lower the temp is a knob instead of holding down a button. The door locks/window buttons have moved to the conventional driver door spot. Not sure how I feel about that, not a bad thing just not used to it. The steering wheel is small and easy to turn, and there are 2 cup holders that hideaway into the dash which I loved. Not that you should be drinking in your bimmer anyway but its nice to know theyre there. The Start/Stop engine button and keyfob is also a very cool feature.

One thing about the interior I absolutely did NOT like was the shifter. It might have well as been on the floor as long as it was. Whoever makes a SSK for it will make billions if not trillions of $$$$ since EVERYONE will buy one.

Engine- Is the car on? Very very quiet engine and very smooth. The increase in power was definately noted as I got on the highway, almost as nice as my modded E36 M3. After driving the 255HP E90 I think Ill $hit my pants driving a 400HP one.

Suspension- really didnt get a chance to burn it through some twisties but did take it fairly hard on the on/off ramps and it was just as expected from BMW.

Exterior- Well... um... Its there. I dunno. I definately dont like the rear, the sides are okay, the front would be okay if they did something differant with that "Swedish Chef" mustache molding onto the hood. Maybe with an aftermarket CF option that deleted that, who knows.

Either way I was very impressed with the engine and the new interior not only looks and feels nice but there a lot of features and cool little things going on in there. If only I could transplant all that into a E46 or even an E36 :devillook

I test drove this car today back to back with a new '05, both automatics, both 325i's, the 06 had the premium package and the '05 just had leather.

The '06 was very quiet, eerily so. The '06 to me was a beautiful car that was very attractive... more so on the outside than inside to me. The inside had some interesting features but I didn't care for the armrests and how far away the window controls were. I felt like I was in a tub with its high waist line.

Driving it felt very luxurious and soothing. Everything was effortless and smooth. The power delivery was excellent... very powerful and refined. Everything is more refined in this 325. I thought it would be great if I were about 20 years older. I think they've turned the 3 more into a 5.

Another dissapointment was the backseat. There was less headroom (and seemingly less footroom) than the older model. I didn't understand that one.. and it's a deal-breaker since I take clients to lunch quite often.

For the most part, the '06 is a fantastic car. However, the changes they made turned a sports sedan into a peppy luxury sedan. I think it will compete well with the '05+ Toyota Avalon. (don't knock it till you drive it)