Like most of the cars we have in Singapore, we hear, see (in pictures) and read a lot about them before we even see them in the flesh. Naturally, there are some cars that we can't wait to lay our fingers on.
The new BMW M3 is one of them.
BMW has promised that its new performance sedan is much better (of course). But raising the brows of car nuts across the globe is a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit under the hood, which replaces the previous 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8.
We wouldn't bore you with the bolts and nuts of the new engine. The mill may seem suspiciously similar to that in the 335i, but it gets entirely new ancilliaries and a new setup. The result is better performance (five more horses and 150Nm more torque than the predecessor) despite being down in capacity.
The new BMW M3 is one of them.
BMW has promised that its new performance sedan is much better (of course). But raising the brows of car nuts across the globe is a new 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit under the hood, which replaces the previous 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V8.
We wouldn't bore you with the bolts and nuts of the new engine. The mill may seem suspiciously similar to that in the 335i, but it gets entirely new ancilliaries and a new setup. The result is better performance (five more horses and 150Nm more torque than the predecessor) despite being down in capacity.
Exterior
As we picked up the M3 from the dealership, the new car stood there - as if it owned the place. Even when parked next to similarly-fast and equally-flamboyant counterparts, the M3's muscular stance is, at the same time, eye-catching and mouth-watering.
We still have vivid memories of the BMW M4 - the M3's two-door coupe twin, which we tested a couple of months ago. But there are subtle differences. The sedan is 7mm wider than the coupe (although we couldn't spot where the extra inches went to), and 47mm taller.
Interior
Under wraps of dark-coloured trims and leather, the M3's cabin is, clearly, less vibrant than its exterior. Passengers, however, will soon pick up tiny bits of 'evidence', such as carbon fibre dressings on the dashboard and a short and snub 'M' gear knob, to tell that this is not the usual compact saloon.
Like the driver, the front passenger will find himself cocooned in the torso-hugging sports seat. Although those at the rear can only go eye-watery and envious of the 'special treatment', they get to enjoy sufficient head and legroom.
Under wraps of dark-coloured trims and leather, the M3's cabin is, clearly, less vibrant than its exterior. Passengers, however, will soon pick up tiny bits of 'evidence', such as carbon fibre dressings on the dashboard and a short and snub 'M' gear knob, to tell that this is not the usual compact saloon.
Like the driver, the front passenger will find himself cocooned in the torso-hugging sports seat. Although those at the rear can only go eye-watery and envious of the 'special treatment', they get to enjoy sufficient head and legroom.
The Drive
Despite riding close to 50mm taller than its coupe sibling (which means centre of gravity is also higher), the M3 sedan handles with minimal difference.
Even with two more doors at the rear, the M3 feels no less taut than the M4. This has credits to the sport-tuned chassis and hardly-sprung springs, which make the M3 feel every bit a sports car as the two-door coupe.
Passengers, though, must be prepared to take bits of 'beatings' - especially over tattooed tarmac.
But if they know what the M3 has in store for them, they would be more amused than annoyed.
Greeting them is 431 horses and 550Nm of twisting force from the M3's power unit, which is capable of launching it from standstill to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds - roughly two blinks of their eyelids.
With any spirited runs, the accompanying soundtrack is a manly, deep bellow that turns into a sharp, yet 'ear-delicious' roar before the gear upshifts. Under hard throttling, each gear shift will also send a jolt into the cabin, which feels as if someone had thrown a hard punch over. This makes the entire experience more engaging.
And if the driver wants it, he can opt for even more drama - in the form of some tyre smoking action. With all its power going through the rear wheels, the M3 can light up its rear tyres at will.
However, do not be led into thinking that the M3 is as scary as a roller coaster's ride. At highway speeds the sports sedan is extremely planted. The car can also play the part of a grand tourer once it is set to its most benign 'Comfort' mode.
Greeting them is 431 horses and 550Nm of twisting force from the M3's power unit, which is capable of launching it from standstill to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds - roughly two blinks of their eyelids.
With any spirited runs, the accompanying soundtrack is a manly, deep bellow that turns into a sharp, yet 'ear-delicious' roar before the gear upshifts. Under hard throttling, each gear shift will also send a jolt into the cabin, which feels as if someone had thrown a hard punch over. This makes the entire experience more engaging.
And if the driver wants it, he can opt for even more drama - in the form of some tyre smoking action. With all its power going through the rear wheels, the M3 can light up its rear tyres at will.
However, do not be led into thinking that the M3 is as scary as a roller coaster's ride. At highway speeds the sports sedan is extremely planted. The car can also play the part of a grand tourer once it is set to its most benign 'Comfort' mode.
For the driver, the M3's sublime handling is utterly rewarding. The agility of the sports sedan makes the driver feel as though the car has shrunk around him, making him as comfortable and confident as being wrapped in a suit.
Conclusion
We like how BMW's performance sedan has evolved in terms of looks. Besides that, the M3 is also more functional now, with an array of modern electronics on board that allows you to tune its level of 'hooligan-ism' - from a simple family commute to a road terror capable of going sideways on a straight road (we are not encouraging this, of course).
If we have it our way, we'll have the exhaust tuned up for a more audible note. But as always, not everyone will prefer it our way.
But one thing is for sure - the M3 is a good all-rounder that is more accomplished than before.
Conclusion
We like how BMW's performance sedan has evolved in terms of looks. Besides that, the M3 is also more functional now, with an array of modern electronics on board that allows you to tune its level of 'hooligan-ism' - from a simple family commute to a road terror capable of going sideways on a straight road (we are not encouraging this, of course).
If we have it our way, we'll have the exhaust tuned up for a more audible note. But as always, not everyone will prefer it our way.
But one thing is for sure - the M3 is a good all-rounder that is more accomplished than before.
