BMW M3 saloon Test date Sunday, February 03, 2008
Price when new £49,210
Interior plastics make the saloon's cabin feel cheap compared to the coupe
What is it?
A saloon version of the fourth-generation BMW M3 costing £1415 less than the exiting coupé model at £49,210. With four doors and added luggage space, it seeks to broaden the already haughty appeal of Munich's enduring performance hero by endowing it with added dash of everyday practicality.
It’s not the first time the M3 has been given the saloon treatment, though. That distinction goes to the second-generation M3, which was produced in four-door guise from 1996 through to 1998. For some reason, however, the move was not repeated with the third-generation model, making this one the first in over a decade to reach the UK.
You’ll recognise the M3 saloon by its sleek front end. Rather than simply apply the usual styling addenda to the familiar 3-series saloon, BMW’s M division has gone out of their way to ensure it stands out from the crowd, giving the saloon the very same treatment as the M3 coupé up front, including its headlamps, grille, fenders, bonnet and door mirrors.
It is much the same story underneath. The new saloon receives the same brilliant 414bhp 4.0-litre V8 engine, six speed manual gearbox and aluminium intensive chassis components as its critically acclaimed coupé sibling, although the kinematic properties within the MacPherson strut (front) and multi-link (rear) suspension have been altered slightly to suit its slightly more compact dimensions and weight.
What’s it like?
Along with the improved level of practicality that comes through the adoption of two extra doors and greater leg room for those seated up back, there is also an added 20-litres of boot capacity over the coupé at 450-litres.
On the surface, this makes the M3 saloon a more agreeable choice for those with family concerns or those simply seeking the sort of space offered by your average executive class contender. But while the ease of entry and added space undoubtedly helps to extend the M3’s every day appeal, the four-door layout also increases kerb weight.
Despite being 35mm shorter overall, the new saloon tips the scales some 25kg above the coupé at 1605kg. Owing to the retention of a standard steel roof and an extra 29mm in height, the centre of gravity is also a touch higher.
BMW says it looked at providing the new car with a lightweight carbonfibre roof structure like that used on the coupé, but given the low volumes involved, it ultimately could not justify the cost. As a result, it uses the same structure as the standard 3-series saloon.
Not that it makes much difference at all. BMW’s official figures reveal the saloon matches the coupé for pure straight line speed with the same 0-62mph time of 4.9sec. Dynamically, there’s not much separating them, either.
Our test car wore winter tyres – 235/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Alpines all round – making direct comparisons impossible, but in terms of balance and overall poise there’s very little between them. Backing up this impression is BMW’s claim that the M3 saloon matches the coupé’s times around the Nurburgring.
It’s just a pity that the saloon’s cabin isn’t a bit more inviting. The hard black plastic adorning the dashboard spoils an otherwise flawless driving environment, making it appear somewhat low rent by comparison with the coupé. You also sit slightly higher in a less sporting position.
Should I buy one?
No doubt about it, the M3 saloon is a stirring car to drive – a supercar-destroying four door, packing one of the world’s most electrifying production engines and a wonderfully responsive rear-wheel drive chassis to match. From high speed grand touring to challenging back road flings, there are few cars on sale today capable of matching its mesmerising depth of performance.
But despite the added practicality it brings to the experience, the saloon lacks the singularity of purpose exhibited by the M3 coupé, which for now remains our favourite. Next up? The M3 cabriolet. But with a folding roof and the promise of a new six-speed double clutch gearbox that’s likely to be a whole new ball game once again.
Greg Kable First drive data How much?- Price when new £49,210
- Price as tested £49,210
How fast?- 0-62 mph 4.9 sec
- Max speed 155 mph
How big?How thirsty?- Combined 22.8 mpg
- CO2 emissions 295 g/km
Engine- Layout V8 , 3999 cc
- Max power 414 bhp at 8300 rpm
- Max torque 295 lb ft at 3900 rpm