The BMW M3 is a seriously quick and capable four-door saloon. It competes with the Mercedes-AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, although the latter has the most power of the three.
BMW's mid-sized super-saloon is powered by a twin-turbocharged, straight-six engine driving the rear wheels through a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The BMW is a powerful car that’s capable of cornering at impressive speeds. It has a huge amount of front-end grip, doesn’t roll in corners and responds to steering inputs very quickly. The steering is weighty enough but doesn’t give much in the way of natural feedback. The adjustable suspension can be made firmer when you’re driving harder but, in any mode, the car is agile and precise.
There’s not a great deal that’ll keep up with the M3 in a straight line – although the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is marginally quicker. The BMW's twin-turbocharged 425bhp straight-six engine pulls strongly, even in higher gears. However, while from outside it sounds great, in the cabin it is harsh and loud.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard but we’d recommend specifying the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. It allows you to make far better use of what the quick-revving engine has to offer, thanks to its reliable and lightning-quick shifts. It also makes the car a little more easy-going in traffic and around town. The launch control system can be very fiddly to use, though, and doesn’t restrict wheelspin as well as some rival systems. Despite this, we managed to record a 0-60mph time of just 4.3sec in our test M3.
The BMW’s ride is firm but tolerable for a car of its ability. There’s lots of road noise at motorway speeds, however, so long drives can become a little tiring.
The only downside to the M3’s outrageous capabilities is that it has to be driven aggressively and fast before it begins to get exciting and involving. It’s not like the thunderous Mercedes-AMG C63, where you can amble around at lower speeds and enjoy the bellow of its V8; nor the Giulia Quadrifoglio, which makes its own superb noise and is more playful at lower speeds.
For more money over the standard car, BMW will add a Competition Pack, which brings slightly more power, bigger 20in alloy wheels, black exhaust tips and a unique suspension set-up. The extra power isn't really noticeable on the road, but the revised suspension is a revelation. In Comfort mode, the M3 Competition feels beautifully damped, absorbing bumps and compressions with relative aplomb. This means that the car works with you and is therefore much less intimidating to drive than the standard M3. Given that Competition Pack models will hold on to slightly more value come sale time, it's a worthwhile addition if you can stretch to it.
Here, the only differences between an M3 and a standard 3 Series are model-specific badges, sports seats and performance-themed instrumentation. If you choose the automatic, you’ll also get tactile shift paddles that enable quick, driver-selected gear changes.
Thanks to a wide range of steering column adjustments and decently supportive seats, it’s easy to get comfortable. Visibility is good all around and there are lots of storage places for odds and ends.
All of this, together with good materials, fine detailing and precise, slick controls, gives the car a suitably premium feel. The M3 is not as flashy as some alternatives but many drivers will prefer its more restrained look and feel.
There’s lots of standard equipment, including dual-zone climate control, electric heated memory seats, DAB, sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. In fact, it’s so well equipped that you won’t have to buy any options.
The M3 also comes with BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. It’s linked to an 8.8in colour screen and is controlled via a handy rotary dial down by the gearstick. It’s simple to use and easy to look at because the screen is mounted high up on the dash. The standard-fit BMW Professional Media Pack also gives you access to a greater number of online services and an upgraded sat-nav.
The M3 is a roomy four-seater with plenty of storage spaces sprinkled around its comfortable cabin. The boot is the same size as the standard car’s, so roomy enough for a family’s holiday luggage. What’s more, the rear seats split and fold as standard, so you can pack in more stuff if necessary. It’s not too difficult to access, either.
You won’t find a spare wheel in the boot, though; only a tyre repair kit. That’s a shame, given that you might take the M3 on a track day and damage a tyre to the extent it can’t be repaired, leaving you stranded.