BMW’s fifth-generation M3 holds a heavy weight on its shoulders – the need to be even better than its already-impressive predecessor.

The four-door performance saloon (with the three-door coupe iteration now taking the M4 moniker) has everything to live up to, especially following the decision to use a turbocharged engine for the first time in its history.

Performance

Following four generations of naturally-aspirated engines ranging from a 2.3-litre to 4.0-litre V8, the move to downsize to a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged powertrain is a big and brave one. M3 fans need not worry though, as performance hasn’t been compromised in the least, with an extra 9bhp bringing the total to 425bhp.

There’s also 550Nm of torque, which kicks in from around 1,850rpm, and then goes on, for what seems like, forever, consistently feeding you more power to enjoy the sheer speed of this car. In reality, that spread is up to 5,500rpm but BMW reckons the rev range available at peak torque is up about 40 per cent over the outgoing model, and it certainly feels that way.

The common turbo-lag created by turbocharged units can hardly be felt here either, and a total weight reduction of 80kg only helps the car’s impressive pace.

The benchmark sprint from 0-62mph is achieved in a sprightly 4.3 seconds with the six-speed manual or 4.1 seconds with the more-popular dual-clutch transmission, as tested, while the electronically limited top speed is an autobahn-friendly 155mph. That means it’s both quicker than the Mercedes C63 AMG saloon at 4.6 seconds and the Audi RS5 coupe at 4.5 seconds.

Ride and Handling

The option to tweak the suspension, steering and powertrain individually between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus means there are plenty of temperaments. Everything in Sport mode was our favourite, with Sport Plus veering on the lairy side.

The M3 wouldn’t be the M3 without cracking handling, and this new model doesn’t disappoint. The option to tweak the suspension, steering and powertrain individually between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus means there are plenty of temperaments. For example, you could have super-sharp steering with a soft suspension. Everything in Sport mode was our favourite, with Sport Plus veering on the lairy side. Driven into hairpin bend after hairpin bend, this car’s keenness to fly into, then out of, a corner with aplomb is spine-tingling. Front-end grip is almost unsettlingly faultless, with little chance of understeer. And if you’re wondering where its limitations are, then the shrewd traction control set-up will show you quite how skilful the M3 is. So when you return back to a civilised motorway after that fun, it all seems a bit, well, dull. But that’s the point – you can have all the thrills you want, but the M3 is also capable of cruising along quietly in everyday everyman situations, with ride comfort not far off the standard 3-Series and refinement to match.

Interior and Equipment

The M3 badge was first introduced to markets back in 1986 and was based on the second-generation 3 Series.

BMW interiors are well-finished and comfortable, creating a smart and useable space for driver and passengers. In true performance-car tradition, there are plenty of M touches which include that Adaptive M Suspension, 19-inch M lightweight alloy wheels, heated and electric M seats. There’s also the BMW Professional Media package, in other words, an all-encompassing infotainment system. BMW has also wised up to the popularity of personalisation and will offer some customisation under its BMW Individual banner, including paint finishes, Merino leather and interior trim elements. The beauty of the M3 is its family-friendly space, matching its incredibly popular and far more sensible 3-Series sibling for rear space and luggage room with 480 litres available in the boot.

Cost

In official figures, fuel economy is 32.1mpg and 204g/km CO2 (34mpg and 194g for DCT) which also puts the enemy’s figures to shame.

The M3 saloon costs £56,590, which trumps the C63 AMG at £59,795 and the RS5 at £59,870. That aforementioned weight saving has not only helped performance but also efficiency too, with BMW reckoning that the engine offers reduced fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent over the fourth-gen model. In official figures, that means fuel economy of 32.1mpg and 204g/km CO2 (34mpg and 194g for DCT) which also puts the enemy’s figures to shame. In comparison the Mercedes C63 AMG records 23.2mpg and 285g/km, while the Audi RS5 returns 26.9mpg and 246g/km.

Our Verdict

The M3 lives up to every expectation its predecessors have set, offering a brilliantly dynamic, yet comfortable, executive saloon, which outplays its challengers at almost every turn. While it’s far more expensive than any other model in the 3 Series range, the M3 is cheaper than its direct rivals and offers quicker performance and better efficiency. It also manages to be a lot of fun to drive, without compromising on practicality or the luxury feel. It will be far less popular than its sexier M4 coupe sibling but this practical, understated model is worth every penny.