BMW launched the present technology of BMW M3 automobiles as 2021 mannequin 12 months automobiles. However due to slight adjustments for the mannequin’s mid-lifecycle refresh and an already form of complicated lineup, it’s not at all times simple to inform precisely which one you’re getting. As we speak, there are nonetheless three distinctly totally different BMW M3 automobiles you may choose 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 this time.
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 solely 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 accessible with a guide transmission. There’s no choice in any respect for an automated. Much less vital – however nonetheless noteworthy – it’s the one present technology M3 that ships with chrome/silver badging, fairly 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. In contrast to 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 accessible with xDrive all-wheel drive and an automated transmission. This brings the BMW projected zero-to-60 time to only 3.4 seconds, though unbiased testing has gotten that point a lot nearer to three.0 seconds flat.
These BMW M3 automobiles are nearly equivalent to the non-xDrive variants. Nonetheless, a minimum of within the US market, these automobiles get xDrive badging on the again of the automotive. Aside from that, choices and customary gear are equivalent. The Competitors xDrive mannequin begins at $86,000.
Particular BMW M3 Automobiles
There are two different variants of the BMW M3 to the touch on. The primary is the M3 Touring, which isn’t accessible within the US. The M3 Touring solely comes within the Competitors xDrive variant and is mechanically equivalent 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 working lights, a particular grille, and purple accents. A particular heart console design (sans armrest), purple 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 have been offered as mannequin 12 months 2024 automobiles, aside from the 2025 M3 CS Touring, which – you guessed it – by no means made it to America.
BMW M3 Automobiles and Their Choices
M3 pricing is additional aside than it’s ever been from the underside to the highest, with practically $10,000 separating the xDrive mannequin from the bottom one. That stated, choices throughout new BMW M3 automobiles are largely comparable. All of them share the identical customary gear. The guide M3 Sedan, nevertheless, can’t be outfitted 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 a number of room for confusion; even should you’re a weathered, grizzled fanatic. On the finish of the day, we’ll at all times advocate that one of the best ways to get rid of that confusion is ignoring the spec sheets and taking a bunch of check drives to see which feels the most effective. You’ll be able to see all of the BMW M3 fashions on the bmwusa.com web site.
