Overview

What's New for 2023

The 2023 BMW M3 comes in two trim levels: Standard and Competition. The Competition is the most popular model and the one we recommend. We'll explain why.

Standard

The BMW M3 starts at $73,795 (including a $995 destination fee). It comes with a 473-horsepower twin-turbo six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The M3 gets an adaptive suspension and selectable drive modes. The cabin features Merino leather upholstery, heated sport seats, and a Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo. This year the interior has a new behind-the-wheel 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen that merge into a massive, fully digital, high-resolution unit. Standard safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

Options include carbon fiber front seats for an additional $3,800 and carbon ceramic brakes for $8,150. For $4,700, the M Carbon Exterior package outfits the M3 with carbon fiber pieces for the mirrors, spoiler, and other components.

Competition

The M3 Competition starts at $77,695. Rated at 503 hp, its twin-turbo is slightly more powerful than the standard model's engine. All-wheel drive is available. All Competition models also get M seatbelts, sportier wheels, and distinctive exterior trim. One notable feature missing on the Competition model is a manual transmission. The standard eight-speed M-tuned automatic is the only transmission available.

The M3 Competition is our recommended trim, given its extra power, optional all-wheel drive, and the ease of its automatic transmission for daily driving.

The standard BMW M3 features a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission. According to independent testers, it can rocket from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The M3 Competition gets a 503-hp version of the same twin-turbo six, although it only comes paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It zips from 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds. Those are strong numbers for its class.

The M3 comes with several drive modes – Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus – that tune the damper settings to the terrain. Sport and Sport Plus stiffen the suspension, making the BMW more agile through corners. Regardless of which mode the car is in, the M3 delivers exceptional performance. Its engine feels powerful at nearly any speed and the brakes are more than capable of abruptly bringing it to a stop. Responsive steering and a well-sorted suspension round out the M3's impressive résumé as it remains one of the best sport sedans on the market today.

There are no crash-test ratings for the 2023 BMW M3, but the 3 Series on which it's based has been tested. The 2022 BMW 3 Series received a top five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) issued it a Good rating in all six crash tests, and named it a Top Safety Pick.

The BMW M3 comes with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Available safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, low-speed automatic steering assist, lane-keeping assist, automatic lane changing, front cross-traffic alert, evasion assist, emergency stop assist, head-up display, surround-view parking camera system, automatic parking assist, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive headlights, and automatic high-beam headlights.

The BMW M3 remains one of the top sport sedans on the road, thanks to its combination of smooth power, refined suspension, and track-worthy brakes. Buyers who want serious performance along with the convenience of four doors will find a lot to like in the M3. Noteworthy competitors include the Audi RS 5 Sportback, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, all of which also feature a twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.

BMW M3 vs. Alfa Romeo Giulia

BMW M3 vs. Audi RS 5

BMW M3 vs. Cadillac CT4-V