BMW M3 Competition Review

Underneath the argument, the G80 is superb. The S58 straight-six makes 503 horsepower in Competition trim and pulls with a linearity that turbocharged sixes rarely manage, the chassis has more front end grip and better body control than the car it replaced, and the optional carbon bucket seats are among the best fitted to any road car. It is quick enough to be genuinely rapid and composed enough to be used every day, with a boot and back seat that work.

The grille is the problem, and pretending otherwise is dishonest, because it changed how people felt about the car and depressed used values in a way the engineering did not deserve. Beyond looks, the costs are the usual German ones. Fuel economy is poor when you use it, tyres are wide and expensive, and out of warranty an S58 with cooling and valvetrain work is not a cheap engine. Three year residuals are ordinary at best. Drive one before you judge it.