BMW 3 Series Saloon review

Driving
The M3 Convertible boasts a folding hard-top roof. With it in place, the chassis is 30 per cent stiffer than the old M3 drop-top, making it nearly as agile as the Coupe. It turns into corners keenly, suffers from minimal body roll and even has a supple ride. Only larger bumps will cause the body to shake and flex, although we were disappointed to find the drop-top’s steering is slightly lifeless compared to its stablemate. The 4.0-litre V8 engine is vocal and revs to an incredible 8,300rpm, providing searing pace. Also available alongside the six-speed manual is BMW’s M DCT twin-clutch semi-auto. The seven-speed self-shifter is quick and engaging – and actually provides more performance than for the manual. The changes can, however, be jerky at times.

Marketplace
The fourth-generation 3-Series cabrio is, in M3 guise, the fastest ever. Its folding hard-top makes it the most practical model yet, too, with all-weather usability and coupe levels of refinement and chassis stiffness. Saying that, there’s no mistaking this for a standard 3-Series Convertible. The deep front bumper, vented bonnet with power bulge, chunky wheelarches and chrome grilles in the front wings all show off the sporting M3’s credentials. It is up against rivals such as the Audi RS4, Mercedes CLK AMG – and even the Porsche 911 Cabriolet, such is the motor’s searing 420bhp pace.

Owning
Inside, the cabin is lifted straight out of the Coupe, and if it wasn’t for the thick-rimmed steering wheel and M-badged instruments, you could be in any 3-Series. We also still find the seats are positioned too high. It is a full four-seater, though, with two comfortable pews in the rear. With the hood up, refinement is impressive – even at motorway speeds, the cockpit is well insulated from road and wind noise. The roof is fully-electric too, and lowers in 22 seconds. Once stowed, you can enjoy the full aural delights of the amazing engine. A flexible boot does reduce in size with the roof down, but it’s still a decent capacity, and prices for the BMW, despite being the most expensive 3-Series you can buy, look competitive alongside prestigious rivals. Good retained values are another plus, although fuel economy is an issue, despite the M DCT actually being more economical than the manual.