BMW 440i or similar, advice sought.

[MarkJS]

I'd advise against a Giulia Veloce. I have one and whilst it's good to drive, quality is seriously lacking, the engine has very little 'top end' and thirsty for a 4 pot turbo. You'll be disappionted coming from your M3.

A 440i is high on my list as a replacement next year - but as mentioned, there is a new one on the way. It's a tough one though and the list changes daily!

I drove an S3 recently. Quick but relatively dull.

[china]

I'm going to test drive the Mercedes C43 AMG next week, I think that should fit your requirements as well.