BMW 3-Series M3 (07 on) - Review

The M3 is certainly a civilised and refined high performance machine but some may feel that it's lost some of the raucousness of its predecessor. The good news is that it's surprisingly comfortable and the standard suspension copes well in most conditions although can get unsettled by uneven and rough roads - the optional EDC system has a comfort setting which softens things somewhat. Leather seats are standard on all M3 models as is automatic climate control and sat nav.

Buyers who value looks over practicality will opt for the saloon, rather than the Coupe or Convertible. It's the cheapest of the three and has the largest boot with 450 litres, although the Coupe is close behind with 430 litres of luggage space. The saloon is the only option to have five seats however. As for the Convertible - it makes do with a 350-litre boot which reduces to 210 litres when the roof is down. The rear seats split and fold on all models while buyers can choose an optional ski hatch - an opening in the centre of the back seats which also features a cover for your skis. Rear parking sensors are standard.

While there's nothing wrong with the interior of the M3, it doesn't feel particularly special compared the standard 3-Series. The trim on the dashboard and doors is a titanium effect plastic, although customers can choose other finishes, including aluminium and new for the M3 is a 'carbon-structure leather' which is leather woven to look like carbon fibre. There is a bespoke M3 steering wheel and sat nav is standard but there are few sporty cues and it lacks the feelgood factor you'd expect of a truly high performance saloon.