BMW aficionados around the world have just one question when it comes to the redesigned 2006 3-Series: What will Chris Bangle and his merry band of stylists do to our beloved Bimmer?

Never mind the hardware; BMW devotees know that the company's engineers rarely put a foot wrong when it comes to engines, transmissions, suspensions, steering systems, and braking components. BMW isn't able to advertise itself as purveyor of the world's "ultimate driving machines" and keep a straight face for nothing. No, fans of the BMW 3-Series want to know if it's been Bangle-ized, a euphemism that has come to be defined within the automotive community as "made to be ugly."

Judge for yourself whether or not the new 2006 BMW 3-Series is as handsome as before. In our opinion, it's not as appealing as the 2002-05 edition, which itself was not as attractive as the 1999-2001 model. However, it's not ugly, as many have feared.

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.

Inside the 2006 BMW 3-Series, the theme is in keeping with today's BMW interior design vocabulary. The driving environment is clean and business-like with large, metallic-trimmed gauges that are easy to read, but it's no longer driver-centric. Dual front cupholders slide out of the dashboard to the right of the center stack of controls, similar to the BMW 5- and 7-Series sedans, and the center console storage box is climate controlled for 2006.

Passengers riding in the rear seat of the 2006 BMW 3-Series will be more comfortable thanks to added room, rear air vents, power points, and a fold-down center armrest. Both front seatbacks are equipped with storage nets, and there's a headrest for the middle seat position. A power rear sunshade is available to cut solar glare and heating.

Leatherette (vinyl) upholstery is standard, with Dakota leather a stand-alone option or included in the Premium package. Burl walnut wood trim decorates every 2006 3-Series interior, with poplar natural wood or aluminum available as options. On models equipped with the Sport package, the front seat backrests are width adjustable for 2006. A new Logic 7 audio system with digital sound processing and surround sound is available, as well as Sirius satellite radio.

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