Known globally as one of the most exciting and head-turning cars on the planet, BMW has finally released their all-new totally redesigned M3 in New Zealand. Matt Fistonich takes the all-new M3 for a spin to see if it can meet expectations and measure up to its pedigree predecessor!
First, let’s talk about the rather sexy elephant in the room that seems to have gotten everyone talking about the new M3 – the grill! Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s striking. And yes, some may even say it’s ‘too much,’ but not me. I fell in love with the distinctive nose, bulging bonnet, and almost sinister headlights and the sexy modern grill; all of which makes perfect sense when you finally get behind the wheel and hear that 510 Hp engine roar.
From the rear, the BMW M3 is less controversial, it’s what you expect from an ‘M’ BMW: big rear wheels, a wider stance, gorgeous and real (looking at you Mercedes) exhausts, all topped off with a cute little spoiler and a well-designed rear diffuser, that nods to what’s lying underneath its hood.
There’s no denying this new M3 is breathtakingly fast, but it’s not just its insane 0-100 time (3.9 seconds) that makes this car special, I can simply only describe the all-new M3’s performance as theatrical. The combination of rapid acceleration, its ability and eagerness to drift sideways, the symphony of sound from the popping quad exhaust to the aggressive roaring 6 cylinder twin-turbo engine. This car is the lead role, the chorus and the ensemble.
No matter the conditions, the M3 is made to deliver performance and speed. It has an incredible ability to stick to the road with ease when you want it to, and yet do the complete opposite if you don’t. There’s no wonder the All-New BMW M3 is fitted with fully adjustable racing bucket seats that keep you held in place and supported while the 650-newton metres of torque sends you into orbit.
Along with the aforementioned bucket seats, the M3’s interior is loaded with quality tech and a sporty and luxurious feel. The amount of carbon fibre is certainly not on the light side, and the all-new M3 doesn’t skimp when it comes to leather. Wireless android auto or apple car play, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, a digital key, and self-driving features, mean the M3 has more groundbreaking features than you would expect from a raw performance-focused sedan. Coupled with the impressive high-resolution 10.5″ control display that can be operated by touch and a fully digital 12.3″ instrument display, all its high-tech features are easier to operate and use than ever before!
Taking it for a spin you quickly realise that this vehicle is unique. Performance and looks aside, the all-new M3 has a presence on the road. A gravitational pull that draws the attention of motorists and pedestrians alike. Driving the M3 makes me feel like I’m driving a bit of history. Knowing that the models that have come before it have contributed to creating this mind-blowing car. The new M3 is the new benchmark for sports sedans – a benchmark that will be hard to beat.
Experience the new M3 for yourself at Auckland City and East Auckland BMW
