I can hear you now, "How in the heck (or some other explicative) can you justify $73,800 as a value proposition, Hofmann?" Fair enough, but in the automotive world, as in the rest of life I suppose if I were to pay any attention to anything else, not all cars are created equal. I've been known to verbally slam cars that don't measure up to their categories value proposition, something my readers have grown to appreciate and a few manufacturers have contrarily grown to abhor. C'est la vie, my allegiance is to you the reader, who might just go out and spend real money on something I recommend.
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| The M3 SMG's suspension is punishing, in a most satisfying way, turn-in beyond direct and throttle response instantaneous, with little regard for passenger comfort. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
With that in mind, I have little negative to say about the M3. All in all it's one of the best performance cars available, period. But due to its dedicated personality, if refinement and luxury is what you're after, opt for a standard 3, 5 or 7. The M is well appointed and about as nicely put together as anything this side of a Bentley or Rolls-Royce, but a plush ride and cushy seats? Not. Rather its suspension is punishing, in a most satisfying way, turn-in beyond direct and throttle response instantaneous, especially with the 'Sport' button engaged. With the SMG option it's difficult to drive smoothly, making passenger comfort less than optimal - especially third trimester pregnant passengers.
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| Thanks to the SMG transmission there is no need to worry about a clutch when you slam on the gas and get thrown back in your seat. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
But rewarding? Oh yes. Among BMWs only the M5 offers as much adrenaline inducing satisfaction per liter of premium fuel. Step on the throttle and the engine snaps to attention immediately, barking a race-tuned exhaust note that emulates a chainsaw ripping through steel. There's no need to let out the clutch, the SMG transmission takes care of that for you, jolting the coupe forward with the authority of a headmaster taming an impertinent schoolboy with a whack on the rump.