Model tested: BMW M3 Coupe
Price: £50,625
Date tested: April 2008
Road tester: Stuart Milne

Overall rating: 87%
The original M3 was a road-going race car, but two decades on drivers demand more comfort and power, so the latest BMW M3 is the first to pack a V8 with a staggering 414bhp.

1. Looks
The standard 3-Series is handsome, but the M3 is pumped up in every way. It sports bulging wheelarches, scoops and an enormous power dome in the bonnet but overall it's still restrained. The real party piece is reserved a carbon fibre roof, to lower the centre of gravity for improved handling.
10/10

2. Looks inside
The M3's cabin is remarkably sober. The dash is constructed from tactile plastics with orange illuminations, and there are few buttons to distract the driver. Most of the controls are housed within BMW's iDrive system.
9/10

3. Practicality
There's plenty of room for both driver and passenger and the rear is surprisingly roomy too. The 430-litre boot is large and a useful shape, but a small bootlid hampers access.
8/10

4. Ride and Handling
The steering offers enough feedback to exploit the car's chassis, which gives an excellent compromise between handling and ride quality. The optional Electronic Damper Control has three settings; the weight of the steering can also be adjusted.
10/10

5. Performance
The M3 can cover 0-62mph in just 4.8 seconds before hitting a limited top speed of 155mph. Peak pulling power comes at 3,900rpm, and the throttle response is adjustable too.
10/10

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6. Running Costs
Day-to-day running costs are considerable: low-twenties fuel consumption and group 20 insurance while the top tax band will add another £400 a year onto the cost of ownership. And don't forget to budget for regular tyre changes.
6/10

7. Reliability
The standard 3-Series coupe has a good reputation for reliability. The M3 feels very well built, and crash damage should be the only real area of concern for the used buyer.
8/10

8. Safety
The 3-Series carries a five-star EuroNCAP rating and comes with six airbags and a full complement of traction and stability control systems, plus two-stage brake lights, which vary intensity depending on braking severity.
9/10

9. Equipment
The M3 comes with reasonable equipment, but a digital radio, Electronic Damper Control and 19-inch alloys are costly options. Standard equipment includes climate control, cruise control, iDrive, electrically-operated leather M sports seats and a six-speaker hi-fi.
8/10

10. X-Factor
The fourth-generation M3 is the best yet. With a potent V8 engine in a balanced chassis, it's one of the finest ways to spend £50,000.
9/10