In just over thirty-five years, the BMW M3 has seen it all.
Born with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, it converted to a naturally aspirated 3-liter in-line 6-cylinder, then offered itself a V8 before switching, in 2014, to the supercharging world with its signature engine, the 6 online.
Since the beginning, the power has more than doubled.
The latest evolution, which propels the sixth generation, provides 510 hp of power, offsetting an abysmal weight gain linked to standards and to increased comfort and active and passive safety.
To discover
What responsibility at the wheel of an “autonomous car”?
During all this time, the M3 has lived up to its promise: to match the performance of the best sports in a sedan silhouette of general distribution.
Since the second generation in 1992, families have even been entitled to a more versatile 4-door version.
The news cannot deceive its world: widened tracks, oversized wheels, vertical grille devoid of entourage, aerodynamic lips, scalloped shields, Naca air intakes in the engine cover, carbon roof.
Adrien Cortesi
A sacred repertoire
Behind a sound that wakes up an entire neighborhood at each start, the M3 exhibits a fiery temperament that asks only to be expressed.
The performances are breathtaking: 3.9 s to reach 100 km / h;
12.5 s to pass the 200 mark. Supported by highly flexible mechanics (650 Nm constant from 2,750 to 5,500 rpm), a very responsive 8-speed automatic gearbox (a first), a multitude of of adjustment modes and a chassis of diabolical efficiency, the M3 is capable of dragging you into frantic dances, including on the track, but also of bending to a senator's train with the same enthusiasm.
For those who don't consider it versatile enough, BMW is launching a four-wheel-drive Touring station wagon in a year.
Adrien Cortesi
Technical sheet
Engine: 6-cylinder in-line biturbo, 2,993 cm3, 510 hp, 650 Nm
Transmission: Propulsion, auto.
8 reports
Dimensions: L. 4.79, l.
1.90, h.
1.43 m
Consumption: 10 l / 100 km
CO2 emissions: 228 g / km
Speed: 250 km / h
Price: 102,000 €
