From a driver's perspective, the M is a powerful, sure-footed vehicle that injects some fun into driving, regardless of which engine is propelling the driver down the road. The 280 horses from the V6 are plenty for quick acceleration, and it remains composed even at full throttle. In fact, drivers won't have any desire for the M45's additional power…until they drive it. The V8 definitely offers some additional giddy-up, and sings the low notes through its stainless steel exhaust.

On the open highway, each model easily reaches speeds that would upset law enforcement officers, but given the quiet cabin and smooth ride, the speedometer and those flashing blue lights are the only indicators of the vehicle's actual velocity. Thankfully, the well-modulated brakes do a great job of slowing things down. For the twisty section of our 200-mile route, we were seated in an M45 Sport, a car that offered a reassuring mix of adhesion and speed in the corners, though the firm suspension and larger tires resulted is a louder, harsher ride. Body roll was minimal, the Bridgestones offered excellent grip, and the steering provided the proper amount of feedback. Inside, the thick seat bolsters kept all passengers secure, regardless of how the car was being driven.

Those 200 miles also allowed us time to develop some first impressions of the M's interior. The information screen in the center of the dash and some of the controls were occasionally washed out by sun glare, and shorter drivers might have some difficulty reaching the rightmost instrument panel controls. Between the front seats is an armrest with lots of storage, though the optional DVD player takes up a lot of space. The firm, comfortable rear seats are easy to get into thanks to doors that open nearly 90 degrees; however, with significant bolstering, beefy headrests and a large fold-down center armrest, the larger rear seat area still feels tight.