2018 BMW M3

For years, the BMW M3 has represented the best balance of power and handling performance in the German manufacturer's lineup, and while some would say the newer, smaller M2 is closer in spirit to early M3 models, this car remains a formidable force in the compact sport sedan class.

For 2018, the M3 sets a new benchmark with a CS trim that adds 10 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque compared to the standard M3 with its optional performance package for totals of 460 hp and 442 lb-ft.

Other M3 CS enhancements include a hood, roof, front splitter and rear diffuser made of lightweight carbon fibre, which cuts the car's curb weight by 10 kg. That, along with the extra power, allows the CS to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 280 km/h. That latter figure is electronically limited, however, so in theory this car is good for even more than that.

BMW says the CS's interior is "dominated" by Alcantara and two-tone leather.

Otherwise, the M3 is unchanged from last year. All versions use a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that makes 425 hp and 406 lb-ft in base trim and gets another 25 hp with the competition package. Transmission choices remain a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and unlike most BMWs these days, the M3 is strictly a rear-drive affair.

Despite the M3's reputation as a driver-focused sports car, it still gets the active safety features being incorporated into most BMW models as this company moves toward the age of autonomy. In this case, those include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot detection and automatic high beams.

Other high-tech items offered here are a smartphone connectivity package with wireless smartphone charging and an on-board Wi-Fi hotspot.

And a pricey Ultimate Package combines some of the M3's best performance and luxury options, like a performance exhaust system and full carbon fibre aero kit along with heated rear seats, head-up display and a slew of paint colours not offered in the standard M3.

The M3 may remain a symbol of German sport sedan performance, but even with the new CS designation it will remain far from the most powerful car in its class as long as the Mercedes-AMG C 63 keeps tops the 500-hp mark.

M3 fuel consumption estimates are 13.7/9.1 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission and 14.0/9.7 with the automatic.