It is a pity that the extra highly effective M3 Competitors is just provided with an automated transmission as a result of the six-speed guide on the bottom model is vastly satisfying. We perceive why some of us can be drawn to the M3 Comp–its additional energy and obtainable all-wheel drive ($4100 additional) for starters–however we favor the one with the guide—which additionally rides higher. Except for the subjective exterior and inside styling selections, we would advocate deciding on the M Drive Skilled package deal (with its onboard drift analyzer and lap timer) and the M Driver’s package deal (unlocks the next high velocity and features a high-performance driving class).

Engine, Transmission, and Efficiency

As with the brand new M4 coupe, the M3 sedan incorporates a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The conventional model sends 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed guide is the one transmission provided. The M3 Competitors’s engine is much more highly effective, producing 503 horses and 479 pound-feet, nevertheless it’s solely provided with the eight-speed automated. The M3 Comp comes commonplace with rear-wheel drive, nevertheless it’s additionally obtainable with an all-wheel-drive system that features a rear-drive mode. The baddest of asses on this hyper-3-series guise is the 543-hp M3 CS. The CS is all-wheel drive and geared up completely with the eight-speed auto. Constructed with many carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic bits, the CS weighs 39 kilos lower than the M3 Competitors xDrive, however 310 kilos greater than the M4 CSL coupe. Throughout testing, the M3 CS accomplished its journey to 60 mph in simply 2.7 seconds. Each M3 additionally options adaptive dampers and an adjustable brake-pedal really feel. The sedan may be outfitted with even stronger carbon-ceramic brakes, too, which function cool gold-painted calipers. Our first drive of the common M3 and the Competitors variant showcased their capability to drag off lurid drifts, which have been inspired by the elective M Drift Analyzer (a part of the M Drive skilled package deal). We additionally fell in love with the satisfying shifts of the guide gearbox, and we have been simply as happy with the engine’s tenacious acceleration. Nevertheless, when in comparison with the raucous Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the M3 does not immerse the driving force fairly as a lot. At our take a look at monitor, our long-term M3 with the guide transmission and rear-wheel drive hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Should you’re in search of most acceleration, nevertheless, go along with the M3 Competitors with the eight-speed automated, which pulled off a heroic 2.8-second zero-to-60-mph time in our fingers.

Gasoline Economic system and Actual-World MPG

The M3 sedan is rated at as much as 16 mpg within the metropolis and 23 mpg on the freeway. Including all-wheel drive lowers its freeway estimate to 22 mpg. Its real-world freeway gasoline financial system proved bragworthy, beating its EPA estimate by incomes 32 mpg on our freeway take a look at loop—which is a part of our in depth testing routine. The 543-hp M3 CS accomplished our freeway take a look at with a 30 mpg ranking. For extra details about the M3’s gasoline financial system, go to the EPA’s web site.

Inside, Consolation, and Cargo

Apart from distinctive “M” badging and distinct trim particulars, the M3 inside is mainly the identical as within the common 3-series. Which means the M3 has the identical design, passenger house, and outward visibility as its extra pedestrian counterpart. Whereas M vehicles are recognized for his or her heartier efficiency, in addition they meet or exceed the top-of-the-line 3-series when it comes to inside supplies and construct high quality. Not surprisingly, the M3 has extra carbon fiber and microsuede accents for a racier aesthetic. The motive force faces a big curved digital gauge cluster that may change to M View within the sportier drive modes; they’re activated by way of distinguished purple buttons on the M3’s chunky steering wheel. Switching to M View provides a shift indicator and replaces the common tachometer with one which’s simpler to learn. A set of closely bolstered, light-weight entrance seats can be found (commonplace on the Competitors) and supply unbelievable help with out sacrificing a lot consolation, though which may not ring true on lengthy street journeys.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The M3’s infotainment system runs by means of a protracted, curved touchscreen show that begins behind the steering wheel and extends throughout a lot of the remainder of the dashboard. The iDrive 8 infotainment interface additionally incorporates a rotary knob and buttons on the middle console in case you’re touchscreen-averse. The M3 presents a number of charging ports in addition to a number of commonplace and elective options. Fortunately, BMW now not requires a paid subscription for Apple CarPlay and has additionally adopted Android Auto. Each are commonplace together with a Harman/Kardon sound system and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio. The system may be optioned with gesture controls, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wi-fi charging pad.

Security and Driver-Help Options

Whereas driver engagement is BMW’s major precedence with its M vehicles, the sedan has a roster of normal and elective driver-assistance expertise. For extra details about the M3’s crash take a look at outcomes, go to the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security (IIHS) web sites. Key security options embrace:

• Commonplace blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Commonplace lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help
• Obtainable adaptive cruise management

Guarantee and Upkeep Protection

BMW features a restricted and powertrain guarantee that aligns with rivals akin to Audi and Mercedes-AMG. It additionally gives longer complimentary scheduled upkeep than these alternate options, nevertheless, it is nonetheless shorter than what Jaguar gives.

• Restricted guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain guarantee covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary upkeep is roofed for 3 years or 36,000 miles

Extra Options and Specs