BMW M3 (2007) review

As is often the case with BMW’s M cars, the engine is at the core of the latest M3’s appeal. And what an engine it is – the astonishing V8 has racer-like reactions, a screaming soundtrack and stunning speed. This is backed by hi-tech systems that let you alter the throttle and steering response, suspension stiffness and more. But in concentrating so much on the engineering and technology, the M3 only really comes alive when driven close to its limits, and so feels less approachable and accessible in everyday situations than some rivals.

The latest model is powered by a V8 engine that generates 414bhp, giving the fourth-generation sports coupé the ability to blast from 0-60mph in under five seconds.

On sale in the UK next month, previous M3s helped seal BMW’s reputation as a maker of some of the very best drivers’ cars. No pressure, then!

Packed with cutting-edge technology and engineering, the newcomer features lightweight aluminium suspension, plastic front wings and a carbon fibre roof. Even the new 4.0-litre engine is 15kg lighter than the old 3.2-litre straight-six unit, even though it has two more cylinders.

Despite all this weight saving, at 1,655kg the M3 isn’t particularly feather-like. Not that this seems to dent performance. The V8 is stunning – every bit as impressive as the M5’s V10 unit, with which it has much in common. It revs to beyond 8,200rpm, yet 85 per cent of its torque is available from only 2,000rpm, so it’s tractable low down, too.

The car sounds brilliant and is as fast as a Porsche 911, but not all of its technology is designed to make it move more quickly. The M3 also includes elements of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and uses brake-energy regeneration to lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Still, in reality, you’ll find it hard to match the claimed 22.8mpg figure.

A Power button next to the gear- lever sharpens the throttle’s lightning response yet further, while our test car also had £1,295 EDC adjustable dampers. With no run-flat tyres, the motorway ride is civilised, and on smooth roads the BMW is peerless, with minimal body movement and stunning turn-in, grip, brakes and chassis balance. However, its stiff settings don’t cope so well with rough surfaces, where it proves edgy, with slightly numb steering.

The M3’s engineering excellence should mean it’s a highly involving car to drive – but it doesn’t have the same ability to entertain at all speeds as Audi’s RS4, for instance. While technically brilliant, the BMW is less supple and engaging.

Bar the overly thick-rimmed steering wheel, it also has a very plain cabin for a £50,000 car. Yet it does at least look purposeful, with the doors, lights and bootlid being the only body parts that it has in common with a standard 3-Series Coupé.

RIVAL: Mercedes C63 AMG
WITH the Audi RS4 discontinued, Merc’s forthcoming super-saloon
is set to steal the M3’s thunder, not least due to its 6.2-litre 467bhp V8.