BMW M3 Edition

It’s not quite the hardcore alternative fans of the previous M3 CSL were looking for, but that doesn’t make the M3 Edition a bad car. The lowered suspension is a useful addition if you intend to use your M3 on track, otherwise the difference is barely perceptible. But the visual changes have real impact – especially if you opt for the white paintwork and black wheels on our test car. The fact that it can claim to be the ultimate incarnation of the current M3 should be enough to tempt plenty of buyers to part with their cash. 

BMW has turned up the heat with a white-hot special edition of the M3. Unfortunately the current model has missed out on the hardcore CSL makeover that its predecessor received, but in a bid to keep M3 aficionados happy, the M3 Edition is the next-best thing.

While the majority of special editions deal exclusively in cosmetic changes, BMW have delved a little deeper here and added a lower suspension setup, helping the car corner flatter and faster than the standard model. However, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any difference in the car’s behaviour unless you were flat-out on a track.

Distinguishing features include a choice of three colour combinations – Alpine White, Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue. Stripes matching the exterior colour are added to the leather sports seats, as well as coordinated contrast stitching throughout the interior. A chequered flag motif decorates a plaque on the door sill, while 19-inch wheels – available in black gloss as an option – and a dark chrome finish to the grille, side vents and four exhausts finish off the changes.

The only problem with this car is that anywhere other than a track it's performance is barely useable. There's a sense that it's constantly straining at the leash to show you what it can do.  But if you can resist the urge long enough to keep your license, you’ll discover the steering is sublime – light but brimming with feedback, and the rev-hungry V8 is an event every time you fire it up.

Our test car was fitted with the seven-speed double-clutch M DCT transmission, which is undoubtedly great technical achievement, sliding through the ratios smoothly in auto mode, and swapping cogs in the blink of an eye when you take control of the paddles. But we’d still recommend the manual box which gives a better sense of connection to the M3’s raw and intense driving experience.

Rival: Lexus IS-F
The most outrageous car Lexus has ever built follows the M3's example with a thumping V8 up front, and power sent to the rear wheels. If you're not put off by the lack of heritage in the badge, the IS-F makes a compelling alternative to the German performance saloons from Germany.