That’s right, one of the most popular BMWs we’ve ever had has been sorely missed, but thankfully we now have a new M3 in the competition – in fact, it’s called the M3 Competition!

We’ll get to the looks later, as some of the most interesting changes actually come under the bodywork – to start with, there’s a new 3.0 litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine which puts out an incredible 523bhp and 650Nm of torque – which now goes to all four wheels via the xDrive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

All that extra power and AWD means the new M3 Competition hits 62mph in just 3.5 seconds and, as always, tops out at 155mph unless you buy the Drivers Package, which ups it to 180mph.

So onto those looks – well, that grille is the first thing you’ll notice, but just look at how aggressive the whole front end looks – we think the grille will grow on you, but imagine it coming up behind you in your rearview mirror – you’ll certainly move out of the way!

Elsewhere there are seriously swollen wheel arches to accommodate the wider track, deeper side skirts and a rear diffuser housing four 100mm exhaust tips.

Inside, the excellent new 3-Series is further boosted by some very tasty seats and a few more buttons for the various M/// modes and driving configuration options.

This is one seriously fast, seriously aggressive four-door saloon that is likely to be the best driver’s saloon you can buy.

Or you could win one this week with BOTB!