If you like the BMW 3-series, you'll likely love the M3. The hot-rodded 3er has a long history of providing pulse-pounding performance and strain-your-neck-muscles handling-and the 2025 model is no different. A brilliant twin-turbo inline-six pounds out as much as 523 horsepower and can snap off a 2.8-second 60 mph time. With its sportiest drive mode settings activated, the M3 can carve up canyon roads for hours without breaking a sweat-although its driver is sure to feel the burn. A sweet six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is optional but locks you into an eight-speed automatic. Either setup provides endless excitement so there's no wrong way to spec an M3. The same can also be said of rivals such as the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Mercedes-AMG C63, though, which is what makes all of these elite driving machines winners-and why choosing one for yourself a no-lose proposition.
BMW's iDrive 8.5 infotainment interface makes its way to the M3 for 2025. This updated software extends to an optional head-up display that can project augmented reality navigation directions onto the windshield. The M3 CS has been dropped from the lineup this year, but the all-wheel drive M3 Competition xDrive model gets a 20-hp boost to 523 ponies. Updated headlamps, a new wheel design, and optional M Shadowline exterior accents freshen up the sedan's exterior. Inside, a redesigned steering wheel and updated dashboard trim have a similar effect on the cabin.
The price of the 2025 BMW M3 starts at $77,175 and goes up to $86,475 depending on the trim and options.
It's a pity that the more powerful M3 Competition is only offered with an automatic transmission because the six-speed manual on the base version is hugely satisfying. We understand why some folks will be drawn to the M3 Comp-its extra power and available all-wheel drive for starters, but we prefer the one with the manual-which also rides the best in the lineup. Aside from the subjective exterior and interior styling choices, we'd recommend selecting the M Drive Professional package (with its onboard drift analyzer and lap timer) and the M Driver's package (unlocks a higher top speed and includes a high-performance driving class).
All M3 models are powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The standard version-it's far too good to be called a base model-sends 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered in this version. The M3 Competition is even more powerful, generating 503 horses and 479 pound-feet, but it's only offered with the eight-speed automatic. The M3 Comp comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but it's also available with an all-wheel-drive system (xDrive) that includes a rear-drive mode and 20 more ponies for a total of 523 horsepower. Every M3 also features adaptive dampers and adjustable brake-pedal feel. The sedan can be outfitted with even stronger carbon-ceramic brakes, too, which include cool gold-painted calipers. Our first drive of the regular M3 and the Competition variant showcased their ability to pull off lurid drifts, which were encouraged by the optional M Drift Analyzer (part of the M Drive professional package). We also fell in love with the satisfying shifts of the manual gearbox, and we were just as pleased with the engine's tenacious acceleration. However, when compared to the raucous Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio the M3 doesn't immerse the driver quite as much, and suffers from less-vivid steering feel.
Besides unique "M" badging and distinct trim details, the M3 interior is basically the same as in the regular 3-series. That means the M3 has the same design, passenger space, and outward visibility as its more pedestrian 3-series counterpart. While M cars are known for their heartier performance, they also meet or exceed the top-of-the-line 3-series trim in terms of interior materials and build quality. Not surprisingly, the M3 has more carbon fiber and microsuede accents for a racier aesthetic. The driver faces a large curved digital gauge cluster that will switch to M View in the sportier drive modes; they are activated via prominent red buttons on the M3's chunky steering wheel. Switching to M View adds a shift indicator and replaces the regular tachometer with one that's easier to read. A set of heavily bolstered, lightweight front seats are available (standard on the Competition) and provide incredible support without sacrificing much comfort, although that might not ring true on long road trips.