The 2017 BMW M3 is a four-door, five-passenger high-performance sedan that's based on the 3 Series. Only one trim level is offered. It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, an active locking rear differential, M3-specific exterior body panels (including a "powerdome" hood and wider rear fenders), power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors, automatic wipers, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery with cloth accents, heated 10-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), driver memory settings, carbon-fiber interior accents, fold-down rear seatbacks, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The heart and soul of any M-badged BMW is its engine, and the 2017 M3's twin-turbo inline-six is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Acceleration comes on like a tidal wave at about 2,500 rpm and delivers a thrilling ride all the way to its peak at 7,500 rpm. Both transmissions match revs enthusiastically on downshifts, and the M-DCT's launch control is a consistent and effortless way of pinning your awestruck passengers into their seats. If we could change one thing, it would be BMW's decision to pump synthetic engine noise through the speakers — particularly shrill notes that appear when you're hard on the throttle. Otherwise, though, you know the M3 is doing a lot right if that's the strongest powertrain criticism we can muster.

Another small shortcoming is the M3 lacks BMW's traditional steering feel. Those used to the hypercommunicative hydraulic-assisted racks in previous M cars might notice this more, but we do find the steering in the new cars to be responsive and precise in our handling tests. Thankfully, the company's controversial variable-ratio steering system isn't even an option, as precision and consistency have always been a hallmark of the M3. In spirited driving, the M3's advanced active differential reacts to changing conditions in milliseconds by shifting power between the rear wheels, delivering mid-corner composure and predictability that's as good as anything with four doors — and better than many with two. As for the daily grind, the suspension turns out to be admirably civilized on rutted roads, particularly given the athletic handling capabilities that come with it.

The 2017 BMW M3 has the same sleek, understated cabin design of the 3 Series but adds tasteful sport-themed enhancements. The M logo appears frequently (perhaps too often), and carbon-fiber trim adorns the dash and center console.

Just about every feature comes standard on the M3, including the 8.8-inch central display screen with navigation. The latest iDrive 5.0 infotainment system takes a bit of time to learn, as expected, but its logical menu structure and wealth of customization possibilities make it one of the best systems available. From the driver's vantage point, the classic analog tachometer and speedometer provide a historical link with BMWs of previous decades.

The front seats are well-bolstered and as comfortable on long drives trips as they are supportive in aggressive driving. There's plenty of front headroom and legroom, and the backseat is decently sized for this class of car, with appropriate accommodations for two average-size adults. Trunk space is about average at 12.0 cubic feet.