The Evolution of Performance: From V8 Titans to the Neue Klasse

Take a sensible saloon, endow it with a formidable engine, overhaul the dynamics, and you essentially have a recipe for success. Yet, the question remains: which super-saloons truly dominate the current market? It is a segment that remains relatively small but fiercely competitive. While the German ‘Big Three’ maintain a significant presence, their historical dominance is perhaps not as absolute as it once was. Changing emissions legislation has gradually shaved away the core of certain performance model ranges, inadvertently opening the door for other marques to step in.

In recent years, we have witnessed a spirited return from Alfa Romeo. The Italian marque’s Giulia Quadrifoglio is nothing short of epic, recently bolstered by the even more hardcore GTA and GTAm variants. Conversely, BMW’s decision to withdraw the standard M5 from sale in the UK temporarily removed it from the top spot, allowing the challenging-looking yet brilliantly handling M3 Competition to usurp it. Power figures are becoming increasingly astronomical, with some entrants now producing in excess of 600bhp. However, raw output alone is no longer sufficient to secure the crown. Thankfully, a degree of sense is returning to the segment, with a renewed focus on balancing proportions and performance against real-world usability.

The benchmark: BMW M3 Competition

We have now arrived at the sixth generation of the M Division’s icon. For some, the M3 may not hold the singular attraction it once did, largely because the two-door coupé body style has been siphoned off to the M4. Nevertheless, few performance cars carry such weight for their manufacturers, and a new iteration is always a significant event. Like all ‘G80’ 3 Series models, the M3 has gained a little size and mass relative to its predecessor, but the changes under the skin are profound.

Crucially, this is the first M3 available with four-wheel drive and a torque-converter automatic gearbox. While a six-speed manual exists in other markets, BMW UK limits the choice to rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, both mated to the automatic transmission. Under the bonnet lies the new ‘S58’ twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six, delivering over 500bhp and significantly more torque than the previous unit. While the styling is undeniably divisive, the driving experience is a soothing balm for any reservations. It offers superbly taut, poised handling allied to one of the finest steering racks available in any saloon. The M3 xDrive system is particularly clever, offering ultimate traction while knowing exactly when to behave like a rear-driven car. It sets a new benchmark for driver engagement blended with everyday usability.

Italian flair and the return of Alfa Romeo

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio misses out on class leadership by the finest of margins. It serves up excellent handling, a composed ride, and gorgeous aesthetics—all essential traits for a serious contender. Its Ferrari-derived turbocharged V6 is enthralling; perhaps not as flexible as the BMW’s straight-six, it possesses a distinct, soulful appeal. The handling is as lithe and direct as one could hope to find in a four-door vehicle. It marks a stellar return to form for the brand, with the only real shortfall being an interior that feels somewhat lower-rent compared to its German rivals.

The heavyweight champion: BMW M5 CS

At the top of the range, the addition of the CS badge has transformed the M5 from a very good car into one that touches greatness. This is no stripped-out track special, but rather a refined enhancement of the M5 Competition. Engineers have trimmed 70kg from the kerb weight—partly thanks to a carbon fibre bonnet—and massaged the familiar 4.4-litre V8 to deliver a thumping 626bhp.

The driving experience effortlessly melds ‘super’ and ‘saloon’. The performance is bombastic, with the V8 pulling with a deep-chested elasticity that makes overtaking effortless. Despite its size, the CS is a truly engaging driver’s car that remains poised where the standard Competition might betray its mass. It manages to combine breathtaking back-road ability with surprising everyday usability, riding with remarkable suppleness at speed. At nearly £140,000, the price tag is substantial, though largely academic as the UK allocation has already sold out.

The connoisseur’s choice: Alpina

For those who find the M Division’s approach too aggressive, Alpina offers a compelling alternative. The B3 Touring, in particular, is arguably one of the greatest all-rounders of all time. While the saloon version’s four-wheel-drive chassis may not grab you quite as viscerally as the Alfa, it is devastatingly fast. Using a retuned version of the S58 engine, the B3 offers 488bhp and a swell of torque that provides a supercar-like turn of pace, hitting 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Similarly, the B5 Biturbo takes a more laid-back approach than the M5. With a 600bhp V8 and four-wheel drive, it is certainly no slouch, yet it prioritises comfort and refinement. The reserved styling contrasts nicely with the aggressive designs of its rivals, making for a typically appealing package. Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG E63 S remains a thunderous presence in this sector, deserving attention for its sheer character, though the industry is undeniably pivoting toward a new era.

The electric future: BMW iX3 and the Neue Klasse

While the roar of V8s and straight-sixes still dominates the enthusiast’s heart, the future is arriving in near silence. BMW is set to launch the first model of its “Neue Klasse” next spring with the iX3. This mid-sized SUV utilises a fresh electronic architecture and battery technology designed to significantly increase the brand’s electric share. Initially, the nearly 4.80-metre-long five-seater will be available exclusively as the ’50 xDrive’ with all-wheel drive, carrying a starting price in Germany of €68,900.

Technically, the iX3 positions itself firmly in the new premier league of electric vehicles. The electric all-wheel-drive system produces 345 kW (469hp) and 645 Nm of torque. BMW claims a sprint time of 4.9 seconds from 0-100 km/h, with a capped top speed of 210 km/h. Power is supplied by a battery with a usable capacity of 108.7 kWh, offering a consumption rate between 15.1 and 17.9 kWh per 100 kilometres.

Charging and the Heart of Joy

The new platform operates on an 800-volt system, allowing for charging speeds of up to 400 kW at DC fast chargers. Under ideal conditions, charging from ten to 80 per cent can be achieved in just 21 minutes. For home charging, the iX3 accepts up to 11 kW AC, taking approximately eleven hours for a full charge.

BMW is clearly targeting long-distance drivers, citing a range of between 679 and 805 kilometres depending on equipment and tyres. A significant amount of development has gone into the software, centered around a new central computer dubbed the “Heart of Joy”. This system networks the drive, energy management, and infotainment to provide a dynamic driving feel. This is complemented by a new “Panoramic Vision” display that projects across the entire width of the windscreen.

Options and pricing structure

For the entry price of nearly €70,000, the standard equipment is relatively extensive. However, sensible extras quickly add up: a tow bar costs €1,450, a highway assistant is €1,450, and the Head-up Display—bundled with a Hi-Fi system and three-zone climate control—adds €1,900. Even a heated steering wheel commands an extra €320, although some digital functions can be booked and downloaded post-delivery. Should one opt for the M Sport Pro package at €6,500 or the panoramic sunroof at €1,420, the final price can easily exceed €80,000. Thus, whether petrol-powered or electric, the tradition of premium performance commanding a premium price remains very much alive.