Performance

The previous model was powered by a 3.2 litre V6, the new one replaces that with a whopping 4-litre V8. This engine is made at the same factory where BMW produce their Formula 1 engines. M3 models have always produced more than 100bhp per litre and this one is no different giving a maximum output of 420bhp at a high revving 8300rpm. This impressive power core accelerates the saloon version from 0-62mph in a mere 4.9 seconds whilst the coupe will shave a little off of that to achieve it in 4.8 seconds. The heavier convertible is as expected a little slower at 5.3 seconds. The M3 comes with a manual gearbox as standard but the semi-automatic DCT version is available as an option at £2,500. Although the DCT box is quicker, the changes can be jerky and you still have to control the revs whilst changing gear due to the lack of a torque converter. If you are expecting to buy a fully automatic version of this car then you may be disappointed.

Handling

The M3 has one of the best chassis on the road. There is next to zero body roll when cornering and acceleration is instantaneous. As with all BMW’s the steering may feel heavy at first but it just adds to that solid feel, the steering is very responsive and feedback through the wheel is good. The best part is the sound, it sounds like a formula 1 car with a rampant lion trapped under the bonnet, if you buy the convertible version you will be looking forward to travelling through tunnels, it is that good. Despite the fact that this is a very powerful rear wheel drive car, the grip seems endless, giving you a lot of confidence in all driving conditions.

Comfort

The M3 may be a high performance machine but it still offers enough comfort to be able to use the car day to day. Leather seats are standard on all models as is satellite navigation and automatic climate control.

Practicality

The car is surprisingly practical, especially if you opt for the saloon version. All models have split and fold rear seats and added to the 450 litre boot of the saloon this adds up to a lot of luggage space. The coupe has a slightly smaller boot at 430 litres and as expected, the convertible has the smallest starting at 350 litres which is reduced to 210 litres when the roof is down.

Equipment

The level of standard equipment on the M3 is impressive but then again it should be on a car that costs in excess of £50,000. All models comes with 18-inch graphite coloured alloy wheels, Sports suspension, Dynamic Stability Control, rear parking sensors, xenon headlights, leather M sports seats, climate control, cruise control, electric windows and metallic paint. There are a lot of options available too such as 19-inch alloy wheels, the DCT semi-automatic gearbox, adaptive headlights, heated seats, folding mirrors and electronic damper control (DCT).

Safety

The M3 is yet to be separately crash tested but the current 3-Series salon gained the maximum 5 stars from Euro NCAP. The M3 is certainly well equipped safety-wise with front and side airbags for front seat passengers and head airbags for all passengers. DSC stability control is standard on all models and includes ABS, Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Engine Drag Control (MSR) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Overall

The new M3 carries on the tradition of each model becoming better than its predecessor. The engine is more powerful yet more economical and the list of safety features gets more and more advanced. The car is a lot of fun and sounds amazing yet manages to be practical at the same time. The only downside is the price, the M3 has always been expensive but then again you do get what you pay for. Compared to the offerings from BMW’s rivals, the BMW still has its nose out in front.

Driving

The sportback comes with an impressive range of engines. The cheapest is the 2.0 TFSI that boasts an impressive 180bhp. This take the car from 0-62mph in 8.1 seconds whilst keeping economy at a useful 44mpg. The same engine is also available in a 211bhp guise, this bring the 0-62mph time down to 6.6 seconds. The top of the line petrol engine is the 3.2 FSI that has 265bhp. The only improvement with this engine is the sound, it is no faster than the 211bhp TFSI engine and actually boasts worse performance figures.

All of these engines are available with Audi’s S-tronic automatic gearbox. This 7 speed dual-clutch box is punchy and responsive. It is a fine example of what modern automatic gearboxes are capable of. The diesel engines are proving to be more popular, the 2.0 TDI that offers 170bhp is currently the best seller with buyers being drawn towards its 54mpg economy figure. The 3.0 TDI is the top of the line diesel offering and it produces 240bhp which pulls it to 62mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds.

Handling

The ride is a little on the firm side but this means that the cornering is impressive. It is designed with a coupe in mind after all. On the whole the car drives very much like the standard A5, it has excellent control and the steering is responsive, it just lacks in feel a bit. There is an optional system available called Audi drive select, this allows the driver to alter the suspension, steering and throttle response. There are 2 different versions of this available and I suggest you test drive a car fitted with each to see if you can notice any difference.

Comfort

The A5 has a longer wheelbase than the A4 and also some extra width, this means that there is ample room in the back even for those taller passengers. The low slung coupe shape means that wind noise is at a minimum even when travelling at high speed. The standard seats are excellent and the S line versions come as sports seats as standard which offer extra support for those eager to test out the cornering abilities the car has to offer.

Practicality

This is what sets the A5 apart from others in this class. Instead of being a coupe it is actually a hatchback which means it can offer a generous 480 litres of boot space. The biggest advantage of this though is the large hatch opening meaning you can place larger objects into the boot.

Equipment

The Sportback boasts an impressive range of standard equipment. 17 inch alloy wheels, climate control, electronic stability control, halogen daytime lights, intelligent key, electronic parking brake, CD player and heated door mirrors all come as standard. Upgrade to the SE model and you get leather seats, driver information system, three-zone climate control and rear parking sensors. The top of the range S-line receives 18 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights with LED’s stiffer sports suspension, paddle shift gearbox (on the automatic versions), the S-line styling pack and sports seats.

Safety

The A5 is yet to be independently crash tested by NCAP as it so heavily based on the A4 which received the top rating of 5 stars. The car comes with six airbags as standard as well as electronic stability control and cleverly designed anti-whiplash head restraints. There is also a lane departure warning system that alerts the driver if they should drift out of their driving lane.

Overview

The A5 is impressive overall, its sleek coupe looks and hatchback functionality make it a good choice for a wide variety of motorists. Obviously, those with a large family will have to look elsewhere but you could easily cope with the 2.4 children and the school run. Long commutes would be a pleasure and the fuel economy is impressive for such purposes. It’s hats off to Audi yet again.

The Panamera may look strange at first but you soon learn to appreciate its faithfulness to the traditional Porsche design. Although 5 metres long, it still handles like a Porsche with great performance and minimal body roll.

Performance

There are  three versions of the V8 Panamera which starts with the S at 4.8 litres and a more than ample 400bhp. Equipped with a manual 6-speed gearbox as standard it will take you from 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds. 26mpg may seem low to some but then again who buys a Porsche for the economy? Next in line is the 4S which has the same engine but has 4 wheel drive giving improved traction. This model comes with the seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard which uses a 2 clutch system to improve acceleration from 0-62mph in just 5.0 seconds. The most impressive model in the range is the Turbo which used the same engine again but is equipped with 2 turbochargers which ramp the power up to 500bhp. This model also comes with the automatic box as standard and is blisteringly quick with a 0-62mph time of a mere 4.2 seconds.

Handling

The Panamera is marketed as a large sports car as opposed to an executive saloon, driving it supports this. It is far more agile than one would assume when taking into account its size and weight. The suspension is firm but forgiving and it corners well, staying flat throughout all but the tightest turns.

A ‘sport’ button mounted on the central console stiffens the suspension, and makes the throttle more aggressive giving it even more of a sports car feel. Porsche’s adaptive air suspension system comes as standard on the Turbo and is available as an option on the S and 4S allowing you to tailor the ride to your preference.

Comfort

Even though this is a 4-seater you will still be amazed at the amount of legroom available in the rear seats. Even with the front seats adjusted all the way back, there is ample legroom for 2 adults. Wind noise is minimal and dual zone climate control and front electric heated leather seats add to the overall package.

Practicality

This is a sports car and sports cars have a reputation for being unpractical, this is another area where Porsche have broken the mould. As well as offering a lot of room for rear passengers, there is also a 445-litre boot space. The boot space is wide and very easy to access, especially if you take the electric opening and closing function as an option. The rear seats split and fold which can help when carrying large objects in the boot.

Equipment

As a premium car the Panamera is well equipped but you may be surprised to find that basic items such as floor mats do not come as standard. All models come as standard with a full leather interior, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, electric windows and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), 18 inch alloy wheels, vehicle tracking and a 3d touch screen satellite navigation system. The Turbo comes equipped with 19 inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and a Bose surround sound system.

Safety

Euro NCAP have never crash tested a Porsche but the safety systems onboard the Panamera are impressive. An advanced stability control called PSM makes sure that the car stays on the road and there are front, curtain and side airbags as well as knee airbags for the front passengers.

Overall

The Panamera may look strange at first but it is a Porsche through and through. The design, handling and sheer presence of this vehicle may it stand out from the rest. With the added benefit of it being practical then Porsche are onto a winner.