THIS is only the second time that BMW has created an M3 saloon, and the results are very impressive. It loses none of the appeal of the coupé version – if anything, the saloon is even more desirable, offering a subtler yet still aggressive muscle car look, and more practicality.

There aren't many family four-doors that can offer the thrills and performance of the latest BMW M3 saloon. It boasts the same 414bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine as the coupé version and the straight-line speed to worry a Porsche 911.

With a practical four-door body, it adds even more desirability to one of the most famous performance badges around. As well as the storming V8, the M3 has a huge bonnet power bulge, side skirts, flared wheel-arches, 18-inch alloys and a chromed quad exhaust.

Thankfully, the saloon does without the coupé’s tacky carbon fibre roof, and looks better for it. Bar leather sports seats, a chunky steering wheel and M badges, there’s little difference inside from a standard 3-Series. But with a great driving position, plus the practicality of four doors, decent rear space and a 450-litre boot (up 20 litres on the coupé), there’s much to like.

That goes for the driving experience, too. The big V8 dominates, emitting a throbbing rumble at idle and a roar at high revs. Performance is incredible. The 0-60mph dash takes less than five seconds, there’s mighty urge in all six gears and a savage kick towards the 8,400rpm red line. A Power button sharpens response even more. It’s disappointing, then, that the gearbox has a notchy action. Buyers might want to wait for the seven-speed twin-clutch paddleshift unit due in summer.

Our test car had optional electronic dampers, and even with them at their stiffest Sport setting, the saloon rides comfortably. It corners just like the coupé, with little body roll, plenty of agility and huge grip. Purists will moan that its steering should offer more feel, but the result is a fabulously capable grand tourer that can also cover twisty roads at an enormous rate.

At nearly £50,000, the M3 saloon is pricey and has huge running costs, but there’s no denying its epic appeal.