THIS totally formidable performance icon is so skin-tingling you couldn’t possibly drive it without the biggest smile on your face.

The new car is slightly softer than the old straight-six variant, but all the better for it.

It is easier to get to grips with and therefore faster for most people. Both saloon and coupe are very comfortable long distance cars - just like any other BMW 3-Series.

You can play with the damper control to soften off the ride if you’re just tootling around, so it will never loosen teeth.

It is louder and more aggressive driving round in low revs and it gives you a soothing growl, however if you get in the mood to let loose – albeit sticking to the speed limit – the sound is simply breathtaking and unforgettable.

Startling is a good way to describe the M3.

That’s a lightweight V8 under the bonnet that weighs less than the previous straight six and it produces 414bhp and 295lb ft of torque. That’s enough to launch the coupe to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds and on to a limited 155mph. The saloon is slightly slower but you won’t be able to tell.

Go for the four-door if you have kids or carry passengers a lot – it may not have the coupe’s carbon roof, but it realistically provides everything the coupe does with a touch more street-sleeper.

Inside, BMW has maintained its simplistic and practical design with the hand stitched steering wheel, heated leather seats and touches of carbon fibre.

You haven’t got buttons and dials splashed all over the place, almost everything can be controlled by the idrive.

Outside The M3 has clean lines, chrome and not forgetting that carbon roof that stands out a lot and with a muscular bulge on the bonnet, pumped-up wheel arches, 18-inch alloy wheels and those quad rear exhausts, the M3 certainly looks like it means business The M3 is really just a faster BMW 3 Series, so it's got just as much safety kit as the rest of the range, including front, side and curtain airbags, as well as a sophisticated traction and stability control system. Practicality is the same as the standard BMW 3 Series Coupe, so there’s room for four adults and a decent-sized boot that can swallow some big suitcases.

The driving position is superb thanks to electric leather sports seats which adjust in every way, the steering wheel also adjusts for reach and rake. The M3 truly is a magnificent car yes it’s not cheap but that’s not what this car is about, it’s about raw power stylish good looks and all round driving pleasure.