First Drive - BMW M3

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Many have tried to copy the M3's award-winning formula of unsurpassed driving dynamics, day-to-day practicality and understated performance. Can the new car hang on to its crown?

It maybe just a single letter and number, but the latest M3 is the fourth evolution of a massively successful formula for BMW's M division that started way back in 1986. The new car is loosely based on the current 3-Series coupe, although the M3 shares just 20% of its components with the standard car - these are the doors, lights, bootlid and windows. The rest of the car has been specially modified or changed for the M3, including a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic roof. The roof is not just there to look cool either; BMW claims that this one element aids the car's chassis set-up and dynamic capabilities.



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To stay ahead of rival models from Audi and Mercedes, the M3 is fitted with a V8 engine for the first time. The most powerful production M3 ever, the performance figures are impressive. How about 414bhp, 295lb-ft of torque, a 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155mph and the engine will rev to a heady 8,300rpm redline. Cast alongside the BMW Sauber F1 team's powerplants, this new unit is 15kgs lighter than the six-cylinder unit it replaces.

BMW teased us at Geneva this year by showing the M3 concept. Fast forward six-months and the production version of the car looks little changed. It's no shrinking violet, with its sculpted wheel arches and bumpers and then there's that powerdome on the bonnet hinting at the performance of the V8 engine beneath - but that's the whole point of the M3 and it could never be mistaken for a lesser 3-Series coupe. Only available in four exclusive colours, we thought that the red, silver and grey worked well with the shape. The standard wheels are 18" alloys, with 19s an £800 option - all the UK launch cars were fitted with these; worth considering when speccing your car for future resale.

Inside, there's the usual high quality feel to the trim, in-keeping with the price. The M3 has pretty much all the equipment you'll ever need, including leather trim, a full-colour DVD-based sat nav system, automatic air-conditioning, auto lights and wipers, electric seats and mirrors together with rear parking sensors. The front seats are superbly supportive and comfortable, and at a squeeze there's enough room for two in the back and the boot will hold a couple medium-sized suitcases. I particularly liked the brushed metal dash trim which featured on some of the UK launch cars and the coloured stitching for the chunky leather-trimmed steering wheel. Options include even more leather, Bluetooth and wired phone kits, DAB radio and a Freeview TV receiver.

Fancy a closer look? Check out our BMW M3 gallery

So what's it like to drive then? After all, this is what the M3 is all about. Well, with the big V8 driving through the rear wheels with a slick six-speed manual gearbox, it has all the ingredients for a fun drive (A paddleshift sequential manual will follow in the future). The performance is amazing; the engine is very happy to rev right to the 8,300rpm limiter with an enjoyable, guttural roar. But compared with the Audi RS4, it's all a bit muted - could the latest M3 be too refined? A real shame as bystanders will enjoy the howling tones of the V8 more than you will. The steering lacks feel too, despite the two settings - Normal and Sport. Select the Sport mode and the steering feel firms up which is better, but there's still precious little feed back, making it harder than it should be to place the car in corners. Like its bigger brothers, the M5 and M6, you can dive into the M3's iDrive presets for the steering wheel-mounted M Drive button, enabling you to switch to your favourite setting for throttle response, stability control intervention, steering weight and suspension stiffness - all at the press of a button. We didn't play with the settings, but with the M button on, the car certainly felt more dynamic and keener to play.

. The ride on the optional 19-inch alloy wheels was refined. The brakes certainly have the measure of the performance on both the road and track, showing no sign of fade after heavy use. BMW had fitted the track test cars with Sports brake pads, which do become very vocal after heavy use.

The Michelin tyres are built to BMW specifications and offer very good grip. When traction breaks, it's progressive and, as demonstrated on the track, the tail will step out if you push past the levels of grip. Lurid tails slides are entirely possible, as seasoned racer and BMW M employee Rolf Scheibner demonstrated on the track. I spent most of the lap looking through the side window!

The M3 will go on sale here in September, with prices starting from £50,625. Perhaps not focused enough against rivals to be considered totally class-leading, but be in no doubt that the M3 is mind-bendingly fast, capable and massively entertaining. We can't wait for the next CSL.

Tiscali verdict: Engaging and exciting 8/10

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