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2008 BMW M3 - Comfort

BMW creates the M3 for hard-core driving enthusiasts – performance is paramount while concerns over comfort are dealt with secondarily. As such, the stiffly sprung and immensely capable suspension takes a bite out of ride quality, though there a number of compensatory interior features. The driver and front passenger are treated to multi-adjustable seats with substantial lateral support for spirited cornering, extendable thigh support, and firm padding that proves supportive over the long haul. The majority of buyers will likely offer praise for these buckets, but individuals with a bit more girth may complain about narrow seatbacks. A padded, sliding center armrest adds to the comfort factor, as do touches including padded door sills and armrests, not to mention the tilt and telescoping leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. If BMW had made this power adjustable rather than manual, we’d have almost nothing to complain about.

Moving to the rear, we find a seating area that provides plenty of leg, foot, and head room for our five-foot-eight-inch tall editor, even in sloped-roof coupe form. The two-door M3 features power buttons that move the front seats for easier rear-seat access. A padded center armrest is provided, yet we weren’t terribly impressed to find that it essentially flops out from the seatback. Couple that with the absence of any rear cupholders (that we could find), and it becomes clear that the M3 could use a little interior work.