BMW M3 Part 2: Interior & User Experience

The focus of every BMW wearing the letter M on its trunk has always been performance, and the newest version of the company's M3 is no different. With 414 horsepower from its V8 arriving at a Mt. Everest-like 8300 rpm - just 100 rpm shy of its redline - the M3 has performance to spare. But with each successive generation, some have suggested that BMW's in-house Skunk Works division has gotten a bit lax about its products, perhaps trading a bit of performance for luxury.

With consumers demanding more premium packages, navigation systems and what have you, has the focus shifted somewhat? While there's no denying the M3 is packed with every amenity imaginable, it is still a serious performance car.

One of the few drawbacks to this newest M3 involves the glorious V8 that lurks under its aluminum hood. You see, all that high-revving magic makes the engine seriously thirsty. While the last generation M3's inline-6 wasn't exactly Toyota Prius-thrifty, if you kept your boot out of it, it could return decent mileage numbers.

But this new M3 has a relentless appetite for the premium unleaded. Granted, I passed up no occasion to spank her like the naughty girl she so clearly is, but even when just cruising up and down the freeway to work and back, the needle on the gas gauge moved from one side to the other at an alarming rate. Gas mileage aside, there really isn't much else to complain about inside the M3. Even iDrive, that source of endless journalistic drivel, is now much more user friendly. As with anything, you need to live with it a bit, but once you do, it's easy-breezy... if not totally necessary.

Beyond the improved iDrive, everything else in the M3's interior is very user-friendly. The layout is functional and attractive in its simplicity, with the optional aluminum trim of our test car brightening up the otherwise dark interior. Space is plentiful for front passengers and completely acceptable for rear passengers. If you plan on putting people in the back with any consistency, however, you might want to consider the four-door M3 with its extra practicality and easier access.

For all its comfort and convenience features, the M3 remains a performance car first and foremost. Evidenced by one of the best steering wheels in the business, the perfect placement of its pedals and the crisp - if slightly long - throws of its shifter. If it's missing anything it might be a slightly louder voice, as the exhaust note inside the car is muted a bit too much for a car wearing an M badge.

Overall, the BMW M3 is an impressively capable car that can at once pamper its passengers with its perfectly comfortable ride while laying in wait for the opportunity to unleash its considerable performance. Yes, it is more refined than past efforts from BMW's M-Division, but coupled with its incredible performance, maybe the 2009 BMW M3 proves that you can have it all.

Watch the video
Read Part 1: Design
Read Part 3: Performance

BMW M3 Coupe

Performance
- Acceleration: High revving nature of the 4-liter V8 means that it doesn't feel quite as quick as it actually is... more bottom end would help
- Handling: Perfect balance means you can dance like Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Braking: Perfectly potent brakes... until you really tax 'em on a track - why can't we get four or six piston calipers BMW? - the single weak point of the M3

Design
- Exterior: Not as aesthetically pleasing as its E46 predecessor, but still the best looking current BMW - especially in coupe form
- Interior: Minimalist design works best with aluminum interior accents - not the best interior design in its class however

Utility
- Comfort: Very comfortable for front passengers, and completely acceptable for those in the back seat as well
- Space: Completely adequate given its coupe layout -- Front seat headroom is compromised by tall seat height though

Safety
- Dynamics: Athletic moves and excellent agility means evasive maneuvers are a cinch
- Technology: Everything you'd expect, plus M Dynamic Mode for fun with safety

Value
- Price: Base price is not sky-high, but by the time you get the must-have options you're looking at the far end of $60K or even $70k
- Mileage: Not as good as the 6-cylinder E46 M3, even when you stay off the throttle - then again, that's the price of V8 power

Emotional Appeal
- Heart thumpin' factor: The M badge alone will get your heart racing... and when you fire up the V8 your pulse rate will jump again
- Fun to spank: Ah... yeah, you could say that. Or you can watch our Director's Cut video for a visual demonstration...

SPECIFICATIONS

Layout: Front engine / Rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.0 liter, V8
Power (SAE): 414 hp @ 8300 rpm
Torque: 295 lb-ft @ 3900 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Curb Weight: 3650 lbs.
0-60 mph: 4.3 sec.
1/4 mile: 12.7 @ 112 mph
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
Mileage: 14 city / 20 highway
Base Price: $56,500
Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Cadillac CTS-V, Lexus IS-F