BMW M3 Review: 2014 DCT Automatic
August 16, 2014
Vehicle Style: High performance sedan
Price: $156,430 (plus on-roads), $165,990 as-tested.
Engine/trans: 317kW/550Nm 3.0 turbo petrol 6cyl | 7sp twin-clutch auto
Fuel Economy claimed: 8.3 l/100km | tested: 12.1 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The BMW M3 is one of those ‘must-drives’, a box that every car enthusiast should tick at some point in their lives.
And it doesn’t really matter which one, they’re all legendary in their own special way.
From the perfectly balanced handling and light weight of the original four-cylinder E30 M3, to the wailing straight-six of the E46 M3 and the deliciously high-revving V8 of the last-gen E90 M3... every generation of M3 has had its own particular charm.
But what of the newcomer? The F80?
For starters, it’s the first M3 available exclusively as a sedan. If you want a two-seater, the newly-minted M4 is your steed.
Secondly, it’s the first M3 to be turbocharged. The old 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V8 is gone, replaced by a twin-turbo 3.0 litre inline six.
Purists may regret the passing of the V8, but this is a superb engine with massive power and stupendous torque.
Thirdly, it’s lighter than its predecessor, and packed with even more technology - much of it borrowed from the heavy-hitting M5.
So things have certainly changed, but does that automatically make it better?
Does the new M3 continue to deliver visceral thrills and poised handling, or has all the new technology - both inside the engine bay and inside the cabin - changed the nature of this beast?
THE INTERIOR | RATING: 4.5/5
- Carbon-fibre trim with black chrome highlights.
- Merino leather upholstery, sports steering wheel with M contrast stitching.
- Heated and electrically-adjustable front seats. Memory function for driver
- Standard equipment includes: keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, speed limiter, front and rear parking sensors, around-view cameras, bi-xenon headlamps, retractable rear window blinds.
- Infotainment: 8.8-inch LCD display, iDrive controller, sat-nav, digital radio tuner, Bluetooth phone and audio integration, USB audio inputs.
While the design is recognisably 3 Series, the M3’s carbon-fibre trim, Merino leather upholstery and wonderfully supportive front seats give it an unmistakeable performance-car flavour.
There’s also the M Sport steering wheel - one of the best we’ve ever gripped - and a different shifter console to accommodate the numerous buttons and switchgear that’s unique to the M3.
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