New suspension and upgraded brakes
The rear end now features a multilink suspension with five aluminum arms. The optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's chassis dynamics to his or her preference through one of three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort. Needless to say the latter is designed for track driving. Up to 11 setting combinations are possible for the engine and suspension. An available steering wheel-mounted "MDrive" button also allows you to memorize your preferences.

In the braking department, BMW has never been fond of compromises. The huge internally-vented, cross-drilled cast iron discs measure 14.2 inches in diameter at the front and 13.8 inches in the rear. They are connected to a floating aluminum calliper by cast-in stainless-steel pins. (Note that ceramic brakes are nowhere to be found due to the M3 Sedan's everyday functionality.) Equipped with excellent Michelin Pilot tires, the car takes less than 34 meters to stop from 100 to 0 kph on dry pavement.

The M3 lineup expands with the return of the sedan.

On the road... and the track
In city driving, the powertrain proves very smooth and docile. Using the clutch of the manual transmission is almost effortless and seamless. Actually, engine torque is so flexible that you can take off in second gear. The M3's size makes it easy to park and maneuver through traffic.

On highways, this BMW pocket rocket is so quiet and so smooth that you're constantly checking the digital speedometer to find out exactly how fast you're going. Too often, I wound up 20 or 30 kph above the legal speed limit. Damaged roads will emphasize the firmness of the suspension, especially on the passenger side; the driver's seat seems less affected by vibrations.

On byroads, the M3 is pure delight: instantaneous passing maneuvers, surefooted handling and confident braking. You can attack corners just about any way you like. Simply point to a certain direction and the M3 will get you there, even without EDC (as was the case with my own test model). You feel tremendously safe and confident behind the wheel of this machine. The rack-and-pinion steering is now further enhanced by hydraulic Servotronic power assistance controlling steering forces and comfort levels. There is also a choice of two different control maps activated through normal and sport modes with a console-mounted button. Need I say more?

On the track, well, the M3 is a total blast. With EDC and accordingly programmed engine management settings, the car hits the tarmac with ferocious yet civilized spirit. Handling is so great that inexperienced drivers can feel like champions. I had the pleasure to perform a 10-lap session on the Laguna Seca Raceway, in Monterey: what a treat! Despite being familiar neither with the track nor the car, I was able to push the M3 to the limit in just a few laps.

The multiple driving aids of the M3 allow the driver to feel confident in a hurry.