2011 BMW M3 Sedan

The BMW M3 impresses critics as one of the sportiest of sports sedans, although it isn't recommended as often as the 2011 Audi S4 (Base MSRP $46,600). The 2011 BMW M3 sedan is offered with a new Competition package, which includes different electronic stability and damping programming, a lower suspension, wider track and 19-inch wheels. Otherwise, the M3 has seen only minor feature additions since 2009. See our report on the 2009 BMW M3 sedan (Base MSRP: $54,850) for more on this car.

Fuel economy remains unchanged at a government-estimated 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway/16 mpg combined, regardless of whether you opt for the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automated manual. The rear-wheel-drive M3 runs on a 414-horsepower, 4-liter, V8 engine.

Crash ratings are based on tests of the 2011 BMW 3 Series (Base MSRP: $34,600 to $44,150) on which the M3 is based. This car earns the highest rating of Good in front-, side- and rear-crash tests at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, with no rollover roof-strength test when we checked. In government tests, it earns a perfect 5 stars for side-crash protection and 4 stars for frontal-crash protection and rollover avoidance. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, and front, front-side and curtain airbags.