The 2006 BMW M Coupe might be the first visually appealing new BMW since everyone wet their pants over the whole Y2K hysteria. Actually, scratch that. The current BMW M3 was the last real stunner out of Munich, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that the new M Coupe, which shares much of its hardware with the M3, is such a striking machine. Either that or we’ve become better attuned to BMW’s flame-surfaced design language.

Undeniably, the M Coupe’s fixed fastback roof works well with the Z4’s folded-and-creased exterior design, flowing beautifully into the raised rear deck and making that bubbly butt a logical conclusion rather than an irrational exclamation. Plus, thanks to the M Coupe’s hatchback design, there’s additional cargo space, though it’s still precious. Pop the hatch and you’ll find that the trunk is roomy enough for a couple of soft-sided duffels, or a medium-size rollaway and a briefcase. A handy cargo cover is also included to keep valuables out of sight, and there’s a light to help you see in the dark.

In addition to the sleek fixed roof, BMW has made subtle, purposeful styling changes to mark the M Coupe. A distinct front fascia with the company’s traditional kidney grilles set deeper into their openings is decorated with black vertical grille slats and includes three air intakes under the bumper for added engine and brake cooling. The M Coupe comes standard with auto-leveling xenon headlamps with washers, luminous rings on the inboard lights, white turn signal indicators, and an aluminum hood with new character lines stamped into it. Other M-specific treatments include 18-inch M double-spoke aluminum wheels, M-logo badges, four chrome-tipped exhaust outlets, a unique rear bumper and lower diffuser, and adaptive LED brake lights that glow brighter the harder you stop.

Our test car’s interior was austere, trimmed all in black with the exception of “pearl-gloss galvanic” accent trim on the gauge hoods, door pulls, door releases, and controls. Though the no-charge Carbon Leather dashboard trim looks and feels good, we’d stick with the standard brushed aluminum to keep the mood lighter. Or, you could select the Imola Red, Sepang Bronze Light, or Sepang Brown Dark interior treatments to create a less depressing ambience, and don’t forget that Madeira walnut wood is also available. Unique features for the M Coupe’s cabin include M-logo aluminum doorsill trim plates, M sport seats wrapped in premium Nappa leather, an M sport steering wheel, and special instrumentation. The tachometer winds up to 9,000 rpm and includes variable tachometer warning lights that illuminate to depict safe rev ranges depending on engine warmth. The M Coupe also gets an oil temperature gauge, a 180-mph speedometer, red-on-gray dial pointers, and special gauge graphics.

For the most part, the BMW M Coupe’s materials and construction are commensurate with the price you pay to own one. There are a few cheap plastic bits and pieces, but mainly this is a no-nonsense driving environment, stiff, solid, and free of squeaks, creaks, and rattles. You might want to check out the extended leather option. It looks and smells good, and you’ll be delighted that it covers parts that would normally be hard plastic. We especially liked the black leather sunvisors and A-pillars in our Alpine White test sample. However, we did note a build quality problem garish in its blatancy. Right in front of the passenger, the seam between the upper and lower sections of the dashboard exhibited a giant gap that looked as though it could swallow a pen. Or a finger.