Ignore the grill, enjoy the thrill

The BMW M3 is a well-known name across the world – but how can this latest car build on a longstanding reputation? Jack Evans finds out.

For decades, the BMW M3 has stood as the firm’s performance backbone – evolving and morphing throughout the years, but always retaining an ability to provide spacious and practical motoring. Now, there’s a new version – the latest G80generation car promises even more than before, and arrives with all manner of new features and enhancements. So, can it bring something new to the table, while delivering all of the aspects expected from an M3?

WHAT’S NEW?

As one of its key go-faster models, BMW has given the works to its latest M3. We’ve got a new engine, a longer, wider body and a fresh face. There’s also the option of all-wheel-drive for the first time, though our test car, being one of the first in the UK, came in the classic rear-wheel-drive configuration. But most importantly for an M3, we’ve still got four doors and a decent boot, meaning that BMW hasn’t done away with practicality for this latest model.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

Looks are, of course, very individual – but boy has the M3’s design got tongues wagging. It’s all down to those front vents, which have been lessened in visual impact due to the fitting of the number plate ahead of them. It’s very spec-dependant, mind, with brighter colours emphasising the new kidney grilles and darker shades playing them down. The M3 is, in our opinion, the looker of the pair between it and the coupe M4.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

It’s actually inside where things are the least revolutionary. It’s standard BMW fit-and-finish here, with an excellent driving position helped no end by the carbon-backed bucket seats. They may be part of a £6,750 Carbon Pack extra – no small amount of money on top of a £73,100 car, we’ll admit – but the level of support they provide is superb. They’re also heated and electrically adjustable.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

As said, the M3 costs over £70,000 as standard. You do get plenty of standard equipment for that amount, mind you, with features such as a Harman/Kardon stereo, onboard wifi hotspot and wireless phone charging included from the off. Crucially, you still get M Adaptive Suspension – which is a necessity for making the car more pliable over rough surfaces – and an M Sport differential included as standard, which means you don’t have to pay more in order to make the M3 the best it can be dynamically. Our car had some choice options added including the aforementioned seats, a heated steering wheel and electric boot lid (£990) and high-performance Laserlights which, though steep at £1,500, are well worth adding for cutting through the UK’s murky weather.

THE VERDICT

This latest M3 feels like a different animal to the car it replaces. It’s no less exciting, visceral nor focused; it’s still a car with one steely eye firmly fixed on crossing ground extremely quickly, yet can still offer all of the space and comfort you need on a daily basis. Say what you like about the looks, but this M3 is easily one of the best-driving performance cars on sale.