2012 BMW M3

2012 BMW M3 Front View

As the heaviest, costliest, and most powerful--and only V-eight-powered--version of the BMW M3, the most recent generation is very totally different from its predecessors, but still manages to capture BMW's best performance traits. 

Technologically advanced, with in depth electronic control systems for traction and dynamics, however still focused and track-bred, the 2012 BMW M3 straddles the grand touring and sports automobile genres. Despite the high-tech equipment, the 2012 M3 carries forward the E92 and E93 Coupe and Convertible, while the next-generation F30 three-Series is accessible in non-M kind. No M3 sedan is offered this year.

The M3 Coupe and Convertible are among the best-trying mainstream sports cars available. Flared fenders, sleek profiles, bulging hoods, and every one of the newest BMW styling cues combine to create a fashionable, elegant sports car that is clearly more than your average 3-Series. 

Beneath the power-bulged hood sits a 414-horsepower four.0-liter V-eight. Paired with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels, it is a recipe for excellent acceleration, reaching sixty mph in simply four.8 seconds (Coupe) or simply beneath six seconds (Convertible). Handling is great--the best within the section, though the latest Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe has shortened the distance between them.

Quality, fit, and finish are all up to BMW standards, which is to say, very nice. Priced at $sixty,100 to $68,750 for coupe and Convertible, respectively, however, you'd expect them to be well created. A range of choices, upgrades, and look tweaks inside and out offer a degree of customizability to the M3.

Though it hasn't been crash-tested by the key agencies--as is common with expensive high-performance cars--the 3-Series the M3 is based on has done well in those tests. The M3's handling and braking can additionally enable the motive force to avoid some accidents altogether.

As for features and technology, the 2012 BMW M3 is well-outfitted in base kind, and can be was a terribly luxurious ride, indeed. Navigation, entertainment, driver-configurable performance controls, and upgraded interior finishes put the finishing touch on an impressive sports car. 

2012 BMW M3

 2012 BMW M3 Engine

 2012 BMW M3 Interior

 2012 BMW M3 Black

 2012 BMW M3