With six cogs available to maximize the engine's output, acceleration from any speed is stunning. Highway passing can be accomplished in a blink, and as the tach climbs past 5,000-rpm on its way to 8,000-plus, the M3 pulls more and more vigorously. Like a psychopathic delinquent, this engine knows no bounds.

Imagine pulling the stick from first to second gear in a heartbeat followed third gear in another couple of ticks. Within seconds the M3 has scorched its way into illegality. BMW assigns a 0-100Km/h time of 4.7 seconds to this rocket.

The beautifully refined 3-Series sedan is bitten by the devil and infused with unearthly power and performance.

But the M3's not all about straight-line performance. This car is widely considered the benchmark when it comes to sedan handling ability. The various electronic settings sharpen the M3's reflexes while searing it to the roadway. My testing never pushed this car to its faraway limits but I can attest to this: nothing I could do or fail to do upset the perfect handling dynamics and balance inherent in this car.

Is there a price to pay for honing in on the ultimate street handling title, well "yes" there is small sum and it's payable in a currency known as "ride comfort." But don't run-off frightened. On its 'comfort' setting, the M3's sophisticated suspension treats occupants far more gently than older 'M' products ever did.

Better the devil that you know
The M3 is a small sedan that supplies an adult-friendly rear seat. It's also a car of extreme performance capabilities combined with real-world functionality and driveablity. It provides occupants with some of the best seating to find its way into an automobile along with a multitude of cutting-edge safety and occupant protection features.

Yes. This car is possessed by the devil; fortunately it's the devil we know and love. And are willing to pay a hefty sum for. The M3 starts at $69,900. My tester totaled-out somewhere north of $80-large.


Photo Credit : Rob Rothwell