2025 BMW M3 Review

2025 BMW M3 – Overview

If you’re a fan of the BMW 3 Series, the 2025 BMW M3 will likely steal your heart. This high-performance variant has long been celebrated for its thrilling acceleration and sharp, neck-straining handling—and the 2025 model continues that tradition. Its twin-turbo inline-six engine delivers up to 523 horsepower, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. In its sportiest settings, the M3 can tackle winding canyon roads with ease, though the driver will definitely feel the intensity.

A six-speed manual with rear-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available—but paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic. Both configurations promise exhilarating driving, so there’s really no “wrong” way to spec an M3. The same could be said for competitors like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Mercedes-AMG C63, which are equally impressive. With machines like these, choosing your next high-performance sedan is a win no matter which you pick.

When Is the 2025 BMW M3 Coming Out?

The 2025 M3 is expected to hit dealerships in late 2024, with pre-orders opening a few months prior. BMW typically releases M models in the fall, and early reports suggest no delays for the 2025 iteration.

What’s New for 2025 BMW M3?

For 2025, the BMW M3 gets the upgraded iDrive 8.5 infotainment system, bringing a sleeker, more intuitive interface to the cabin. The update also includes an optional head-up display capable of projecting augmented reality navigation directly onto the windshield.

The lineup sees a few changes: the M3 CS has been discontinued, while the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive receives a 20-horsepower bump, now producing 523 horsepower. On the outside, refreshed headlamps, a new wheel design, and optional M Shadowline accents give the sedan a modernized look. Inside, a redesigned steering wheel and updated dashboard trim help elevate the cabin’s style and feel.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 BMW M3 starts at $77,175, with fully optioned models reaching $86,475, depending on trim and features.

While the more powerful M3 Competition is limited to an automatic transmission, the six-speed manual in the base model remains a thrill to drive. The Competition’s extra horsepower and optional all-wheel drive are appealing, but for pure driving enjoyment, we’d opt for the manual-equipped M3, which also delivers the smoothest ride in the lineup.

Beyond personal preferences for exterior and interior styling, we recommend adding the M Drive Professional package, which includes a drift analyzer and lap timer, and the M Driver’s package, which unlocks a higher top speed and offers a high-performance driving class. These options maximize the M3’s track-ready capabilities while enhancing everyday fun.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every 2025 BMW M3 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The standard model—so capable it hardly feels like a “base” car—produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission.

The M3 Competition ramps things up, generating 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft, but comes only with an eight-speed automatic. Competition models are rear-wheel drive by default, with an optional all-wheel-drive system (xDrive) that adds 20 horsepower for a total of 523 hp and includes a selectable rear-drive mode.

All M3 variants feature adaptive dampers and adjustable brake-pedal feel, with an option for high-performance carbon-ceramic brakes, complete with eye-catching gold calipers. In our first drives of both the standard and Competition models, we found they could execute aggressive drifts with ease, especially when using the optional M Drift Analyzer from the M Drive Professional package.

The manual gearbox offers satisfyingly precise shifts, and the engine delivers relentless acceleration. That said, compared with the raucous Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the M3 feels slightly less immersive, with steering feedback that’s sharp but not quite as vivid.

0–60-MPH Times

On our test track, the long-term M3 equipped with a six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Meanwhile, an all-wheel-drive M3 Competition with the eight-speed automatic achieved an impressive 2.8-second sprint to 60 mph, showcasing its blistering performance.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 2025 BMW M3 sedan carries an EPA rating of up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, though models with all-wheel drive see the highway figure drop slightly to 22 mpg. In real-world testing, the M3 impressed by surpassing expectations, achieving 32 mpg on our highway loop as part of our comprehensive evaluation. For full fuel-economy details, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 BMW M3 interior builds on the familiar 3 Series cabin, with unique “M” badging and distinct trim details that set it apart. Passenger space, outward visibility, and overall design closely mirror the standard 3 Series, but M3 models elevate materials and craftsmanship to match—or exceed—the highest 3 Series trims. Carbon fiber and microsuede accents add a sportier, racetrack-ready aesthetic.

The driver is greeted by a large curved digital gauge cluster that switches to M View in sportier drive modes, activated via prominent red buttons on the M3’s chunky steering wheel. M View replaces the standard tachometer with a more readable version and adds a shift indicator for track-focused driving.

Heavily bolstered, lightweight front seats—standard on the Competition—offer excellent support while maintaining reasonable comfort, though extended road trips may reveal their firmer, track-oriented nature.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 BMW M3 features a long, curved touchscreen that stretches from behind the steering wheel across much of the dashboard. The updated iDrive 8.5 interface can also be controlled via a rotary knob and physical buttons on the center console for those who prefer tactile inputs.

Multiple phone-charging ports are included, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with no subscription required. The M3 also comes with a Harman/Kardon sound system and a one-year SiriusXM satellite radio subscription. Optional upgrades include gesture controls, a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless charging pad, giving the cabin a fully connected, modern feel.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Although the BMW M3 prioritizes driver engagement, it comes equipped with a solid suite of standard and available safety technologies. Key features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

• Available adaptive cruise control

For official crash-test ratings, refer to the (NHTSA) and (IIHS) websites. These features help ensure that even a high-performance M3 can offer peace of mind in everyday driving.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The 2025 BMW M3 comes with warranties that are competitive with rivals like Audi and Mercedes-AMG, along with a longer complimentary maintenance plan than most, though still shorter than Jaguar’s offerings. Coverage includes:

• Limited warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: 3 years or 36,000 miles

This package helps keep ownership straightforward and provides peace of mind for drivers who want both performance and reliability.

2025 BMW M3 Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 BMW M3 remains a benchmark for high-performance sports sedans. It delivers exhilarating driving dynamics, a premium interior, and modern technology, though fuel economy and rear-seat space are modest. Enthusiasts will appreciate the precise steering and engine response, making it a top choice in its class.

2025 BMW M3 Video