particularly in M340i or performance M3 form, the BMW 3 Series should be on your list. The 3 Series also offers good ride quality, and its interior boasts high-quality materials and upgraded tech.

The interior ... the 2023 model year-onwards pick up the all-new dashboard layout that replaces the integrated screens for the floating curved unit that's now proliferated across the BMW range.

On the plus side, the M3 is well equipped. It has 19in alloy wheels up front and 20in ones at the back (what BMW calls a staggered set-up), a leather interior, dual-zone climate control ...