You'd be hard-pressed to find a man who thinks that BMW's latest M3 is not the ultimate "guy machine". And chances are, he'd be correct in saying this. Or would he?

The most refined baby M yet

See, while this is the most powerful M3 yet, and the first bearing this famous moniker to be blessed with V8 power (with 309 kW on tap from a dizzying 8 300 r/min and a peak torque figure of 400 Nm at 3 900 r/min), it also happens to be the most refined baby M yet.

It remains a rear-wheel drive beast, but doesn't try to scare you stupid at every turn. When oversteer does set in, lifting off the throttle should be enough to resettle the car's demeanour. Should that fail, we'd suggest closing your eyes and hoping for the best…

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Simply unflappable

Essentially though, new M3 is simply unflappable. In fact, it almost seems to invite hooliganism to show its driver how far things have progressed since the time when devastating straight-line speed was everything.

New M3 is now the ultimate package. Infinitely drivable on the daily suburban run, the steady burble of its thrumming V8 and imposing looks are the only clues that could allude to its awesome power. 

Looks the part too

But based on the good looking 3 Series Coupe, this M3 looks the part too. A menacing "power bulge" on the bonnet is visible from inside the cabin, while from the outside, new aerodynamic side mirrors and M skirts with extra-large airdams are the most telling features. The carbon fibre roof is mainly to keep the car's total weight down, but that grey-black finish does look really good too, particularly on the lighter shades.

However, don't be fooled by this car's charm and good looks. Punch the Power button (or the optional M Dynamic button on the steering wheel), mash the accelerator, and that attractiveness is instantly overshadowed by the M3's "angry eyes"…

Be sure to show it the respect it deserves

Disregard the M3's sheer power and you will come of second best. However, try to ignore the finicky iDrive and point it in the desired direction to be infinitely rewarded.

With its multiple personalities, this car is a schizophrenic's dream. It's gentle and easy-going when you need it to be, but is not afraid to stir things up with fistfuls of power and razor-sharp handling when required.

The ultimate in luxury coupes

And good news is that even more derivatives are destined for South Africa. While the initial model is a coupe with drive to the rear wheels via a slick short-throw six-speed gearbox, a new sequential gearbox is in the works. And for those who value a bit more luggage space, a sedan makes its appearance in April next year. For now, the M3 coupe costs R650 000.