BMW launched the present technology of BMW M3 automobiles as 2021 mannequin yr autos. However because of slight adjustments for the mannequin’s mid-lifecycle refresh and an already kind of complicated lineup, it’s not all the time straightforward to inform precisely which one you’re getting. At present, there are nonetheless three distinctly completely different BMW M3 automobiles you possibly can decide up – and every one could or might not be what you anticipated. Right here’s a breakdown of the BMW M3 variants yow will discover on sale at present.
BMW M3 Sedan – MSRP $76,700
Typically known as the “base” automotive (and initially known as the “Pure” configuration), the usual, entry-level BMW M3 is just known as such. Like all present BMW M3 automobiles, it makes use of a twin-turbo S58 inline-six engine. Right here, it makes 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Being the entry-level automotive, it begins at $76,700 earlier than supply charges and choices.
The bottom BMW M3 sedan differs from the opposite BMW M3 automobiles in a number of methods. First off, it’s the one automotive that will get staggered 18- and 19-inch entrance/rear wheels. Secondly, it’s solely out there with a handbook transmission. There’s no choice in any respect for an automated. Much less necessary – however nonetheless noteworthy – it’s the one present technology M3 that ships with chrome/silver badging, moderately than the blacked-out badges you’ll see on different fashions.
BMW M3 Competitors Sedan – MSRP $80,900
The BMW M3 Competitors begins at $80,900 earlier than supply charges and depends on the identical S58 engine. Right here, the twin-turbo six makes 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, a big improve in each areas over the bottom, manual-transmission automotive. Talking of which, the M3 Competitors solely comes with an eight-speed automated transmission with paddle shifters.
BMW estimates the M3 Competitors will speed up from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. That’s a 0.3-second enchancment over the bottom automotive, and locations it mid-pack among the many present BMW M3 automobiles. Not like the bottom automotive, it options black badging with further “Competitors” script.
BMW M3 Competitors xDrive – MSRP $86,000
The quickest from zero to 60 mph of the BMW M3 automobiles is the M3 Competitors xDrive. It makes essentially the most energy – 523 horsepower – and torque equal to the M3 Competitors, 479 pound-feet. As its identify suggests, it’s solely out there with xDrive all-wheel drive and an automated transmission. This brings the BMW projected zero-to-60 time to only 3.4 seconds, though impartial testing has gotten that point a lot nearer to three.0 seconds flat.
These BMW M3 automobiles are virtually an identical to the non-xDrive variants. Nevertheless, not less than within the US market, these automobiles get xDrive badging on the again of the automotive. Aside from that, choices and normal gear are an identical. The Competitors xDrive mannequin begins at $86,000.
Particular BMW M3 Vehicles
There are two different variants of the BMW M3 to the touch on. The primary is the M3 Touring, which isn’t out there within the US. The M3 Touring solely comes within the Competitors xDrive variant and is mechanically an identical to the sedan.
The M3 CS is a particular model of the BMW M3 with even greater efficiency capabilities. It shares its powertrain with the Competitors xDrive mannequin. Right here, the engine makes 543 horsepower, and the automotive will get distinctive yellow daytime operating lights, a particular grille, and pink accents. A particular middle console design (sans armrest), pink stitching, and different weight-saving measures trim out 39 kilos, making it the lightest of the BMW M3 automobiles within the G80 technology. All M3 CS fashions had been bought as mannequin yr 2024 automobiles, aside from the 2025 M3 CS Touring, which – you guessed it – by no means made it to America.
BMW M3 Vehicles and Their Choices
M3 pricing is additional aside than it’s ever been from the underside to the highest, with almost $10,000 separating the xDrive mannequin from the bottom one. That mentioned, choices throughout new BMW M3 automobiles are largely comparable. All of them share the identical normal gear. The handbook M3 Sedan, nevertheless, can’t be geared up with Driving Help Skilled, for the reason that transmission requires shifting. It additionally misses out on Distant Engine Begin.
The present BMW M3 automobiles are extra customizable and configurable than any technology previous. With that flexibility comes numerous room for confusion; even when you’re a weathered, grizzled fanatic. On the finish of the day, we’ll all the time advocate that the easiest way to remove that confusion is ignoring the spec sheets and taking a bunch of check drives to see which feels the very best. You’ll be able to see all of the BMW M3 fashions on the bmwusa.com web site.
