Should you buy one?

Oh yes. The BMW M3 is a staggering performance saloon. On the right road, it’s one of the most well balanced and fastest four-door cars money can buy and, aside from the harsher ride, it doesn’t make that many compromises over the standard 3 Series. That means you can still use it as an everyday family car.

The M3’s biggest problem is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Its Italian rival might not be as well-made or as well-equipped, but it’s dripping in so much character. The Alfa’s Ferrari-derived V6 engine is simply fabulous and it’s every bit as good as the M3 to drive. Buy the M3 if you value technical excellence. Buy the Alfa if you want a car with a personality.

What we like

The driving experience. Both the M3 and the M3 CS are surgical on the road and devastating on the track. They both go like they’ve been fired from cannons and they both stop like you’ve run them into a wall. Despite the supercar-baiting performance it’s also practical enough to carry four adults and it has a sensible boot.

What we don’t like

The M3 CS is perhaps a little too twitchy for all but the most serious drivers – so bear that in mind if the dealer is trying to upsell you from the standard M3. It’s also a heavy price to pay for the performance, in both comfort and pounds sterling.