Say what you will about the BMW M3's challenging front-end design, this is still one of the best sport sedans money can buy. With exceptional handling, gobs of power and a world-class interior, the M3 is an absolute stunner from behind the wheel. That should be especially true of the 2025 model, which updates the infotainment software to the newest iDrive 8.5 operating system and adds more power for the all-wheel-drive Competition xDrive version — essentially mirroring the enhancements made to the mechanically identical 2025 BMW M4 coupe and convertible.
2025 BMW M3
Price Range: $76,700 - $86,000 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2025 BMW M3


360°



+214
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 BMW M3 is a sport sedan that comes so close to being perfect. The all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence in poor weather, plus heaps of grip for explosive acceleration. You can even divert all power to the rear wheels for some tail-happy antics if you wish. Yet the highs are so high that the car's numb steering and unpleasant exhaust note really stick out.Read full review
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Base - $77,875 MSRP
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$76,9262025 BMW M3 Review


byChristian Wardlaw
Correspondent
Christian Wardlaw has worked in the automotive industry since 1994. He has written nearly 10,000 car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 2,000 vehicles over the course of his career. Chris is a correspondent at Edmunds and was the first editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com in the 1990s. He has also contributed to Autotrader, CarGurus, J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, NADAguides, New York Daily News Autos and WardsAuto. His mom claims that his first word was “car,” and Chris believes that Miata is always the answer.
rating written byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Explosive acceleration
- Athletic handling, with lots of available driver-set adjustments
- Respectably sized back seat and trunk
Cons
- Mediocre steering feel saps some fun from the driving experience
- Excessive wind noise
- Front-end styling is hard to love
What's new
- More power for Competition xDrive models
- Next-generation iDrive 8.5 infotainment system
- Light refresh of exterior and interior details
- Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019
Overview
When it comes to performance with a pedigree, few four-door sedans can match the 2025 BMW M3. With an origin story rooted in mid-1980s racing lore, the M3 has always represented the sweet spot within the BMW lineup where power, practicality and possibility intersect. Effortless acceleration, astonishing dynamics, daily drivability, and a relatively attainable price make the BMW M3 a car that can check nearly all of an enthusiast's requirements. And make no mistake: This is a car for driving enthusiasts. Luxury seekers should consider a more mainstream version of the 3 Series on which BMW bases the M3.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
Not EPA tested for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$162/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Edmunds spotlight: Should you get the M3 or M3 Competition?
The answer to this question is easy: Do you want a manual or an automatic transmission? Before your head and heart immediately hand-raise for the stick, you should know a few things. First, the silky-smooth six-speed manual comes only in the base M3, which has the least power and the slowest claimed acceleration in the lineup, at 4.1 seconds to 60 mph. Second, the automatic comes only in the M3 Competition, which costs a few grand more but has 503 horsepower and screams to 60 in 3.8 seconds. Third, if you want BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, you can only get that with the M3 Competition. Notably, the M3 Competition xDrive whips up 20 more ponies this year, for a total of 523 hp, and zooms to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.
Competitors to consider
If you're shopping in the BMW M3's neighborhood, you have alternatives to consider. One of our favorites is gone for 2025, but if you can find a leftover Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, it's a terrific car to drive. Over at Audi, the 2025 RS 5 Sportback enters its final year in its current form, matching the BMW's performance while adding utility. Then there is the new Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance, a plug-in hybrid boasting heroic acceleration numbers. Before deciding, be sure to read our Edmunds Expert Rating to learn more about the BMW M3.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 BMW M3 is a sport sedan that comes so close to being perfect. The all-wheel-drive system gives you confidence in poor weather, plus heaps of grip for explosive acceleration. You can even divert all power to the rear wheels for some tail-happy antics if you wish. Yet the highs are so high that the car's numb steering and unpleasant exhaust note really stick out.
Rated for you by America's best test team.Performance
8/10
How does the M3 drive? We tested the BMW M3 Competition xDrive. It's ferociously fast. The 0-60 mph sprint took just 3.2 seconds in our testing, handily beating the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Audi RS 5 Sportback. However, the transmission can be reluctant to downshift, even in Sport mode. So if you're about to tackle a set of serpentine mountain roads, we suggest you keep the transmission in its manual shift mode.
Handling is superb. The M3 Competition is a true sport sedan, with lots of grip and very little roll in corners. All-wheel drive is newly available for this M3 generation. Not only does it cut down acceleration times, but it also improves traction when it starts to snow outside. You can disable the all-wheel-drive system and send all of its power to the rear wheels for tail-out antics if that's still your thing.
Unfortunately, BMW's modern steering calibration continues to be fine but not great. The car reacts quickly to driver inputs, but in Comfort mode, the steering doesn't increase in effort as you move away from dead center. This lack of effort buildup makes it difficult to intuitively know where the wheels are pointed, which is especially evident in back-to-back cornering. Switching to Sport mode for its heftier weight is needed for spirited driving.
Handling is superb. The M3 Competition is a true sport sedan, with lots of grip and very little roll in corners. All-wheel drive is newly available for this M3 generation. Not only does it cut down acceleration times, but it also improves traction when it starts to snow outside. You can disable the all-wheel-drive system and send all of its power to the rear wheels for tail-out antics if that's still your thing.
Unfortunately, BMW's modern steering calibration continues to be fine but not great. The car reacts quickly to driver inputs, but in Comfort mode, the steering doesn't increase in effort as you move away from dead center. This lack of effort buildup makes it difficult to intuitively know where the wheels are pointed, which is especially evident in back-to-back cornering. Switching to Sport mode for its heftier weight is needed for spirited driving.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the M3? You aren't getting the plush, pillowy ride that you'd find in a similarly priced 7 Series, but the M3 Competition is surprisingly comfortable given its capabilities. In Comfort mode, the adaptive dampers help prevent the sport-tuned suspension and narrow tire sidewalls from making the M3's ride too harsh. Even though the optional carbon-fiber bucket seats, which is what our test car had, don't have many adjustments, it's pretty easy to dial in a setup that you find comfortable. However, the carbon-fiber insert in the middle of the seat might also force some drivers to splay their legs while behind the wheel.
Wind and road noise is acceptable for this kind of sport sedan, but our editors are mixed on the engine's exhaust note. Some think it sounds like a symphony of strained blenders at full whack, while others think it absolutely rips, especially from the outside.
Wind and road noise is acceptable for this kind of sport sedan, but our editors are mixed on the engine's exhaust note. Some think it sounds like a symphony of strained blenders at full whack, while others think it absolutely rips, especially from the outside.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? There are small touches everywhere — from the center stack and touchscreen, both canted toward the driver, to the excellent seat positioning — to let you know that BMW thinks of the driver as the most important person in the M3's cabin. We didn't find many usability problems, though the charging pad is located just ahead of the cupholders, so if you're bringing a pair of venti cups home, you can't reach your phone.
Interior space is pretty good for a compact sedan, and there's a touch more legroom than in competitors. The M3 has thick windshield pillars, which slightly hamper forward visibility, but that's not uncommon for the segment.
Our test M3 came with one option that we advise against unless you plan to treat the M3 Competition as a real track car: the carbon-fiber sport bucket seats. They have comfortable padding, but actually entering and exiting the vehicle is difficult due to their high-profile thigh bolsters.
Interior space is pretty good for a compact sedan, and there's a touch more legroom than in competitors. The M3 has thick windshield pillars, which slightly hamper forward visibility, but that's not uncommon for the segment.
Our test M3 came with one option that we advise against unless you plan to treat the M3 Competition as a real track car: the carbon-fiber sport bucket seats. They have comfortable padding, but actually entering and exiting the vehicle is difficult due to their high-profile thigh bolsters.
Save as much as $988 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $988 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Competition xDrive trim.
2025 BMW M3 pricing in Ashburn, VA
Edmunds suggests you pay
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? The M3 features the latest in-car tech BMW has to offer. The standard navigation system is one of the better systems on the market, though its constant traffic updates get annoying. If you prefer to run things from your phone, the M3 offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (both with wireless connectivity). You can also use a decent list of voice commands to do things like change the radio or input an address into the navigation system. Sound quality from the Harman Kardon audio system is impressive.
The M3 comes with a mix of standard and optional driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and parking sensors. Overall, BMW does a nice job of tuning these features to be helpful without being overly sensitive.
The M3 comes with a mix of standard and optional driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and parking sensors. Overall, BMW does a nice job of tuning these features to be helpful without being overly sensitive.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? In addition to the rear seat, a useful cargo area is why you buy an M3 over, say, a Shelby GT500 or Chevrolet Corvette. This BMW sport sedan offers 13.0 cubic feet of space, which is a bit larger than the CT4-V Blackwing's 10.7-cubic-foot trunk. However, the Audi RS 5 Sportback is a hatch, and it offers roughly 50% more cargo room than the M3. In the cabin, there are plenty of places to store items, from the sizable underarm storage bin to generous door pockets.
If you're carrying little ones, know that the M3's Isofix anchors are easy to access below flip-up lids, and there's enough room in the back to fit a rear-facing car seat.
If you're carrying little ones, know that the M3's Isofix anchors are easy to access below flip-up lids, and there's enough room in the back to fit a rear-facing car seat.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The M3 Competition xDrive is EPA-estimated to achieve fuel economy of 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway). This is slightly below EPA estimates for the CT4-V Blackwing and Audi RS 5. However, our test car got an impressive 23.7 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route. Results for the CT4-V Blackwing and Audi RS 5 were 20.4 mpg and 22.7 mpg, respectively.
Value
7.5/10
Is the M3 a good value? While the M3 itself starts just north of $70,000, our Competition xDrive test vehicle with matte gray paint and every performance box ticked rocketed the price tag above six figures. That's not a surprise for the luxury sport sedan category — a loaded Audi RS 5 Sportback will cost about the same — but the Cadillac CT4-V costs tens of thousands of dollars less. That said, the Caddy is slower and not quite as nice inside. Even though the M3 costs a lot of money, few four-doors can do what this BMW can do.
From a warranty perspective, BMW's four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage is typical for the segment. The three years of complimentary maintenance will carry you through to the end of your lease.
From a warranty perspective, BMW's four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage is typical for the segment. The three years of complimentary maintenance will carry you through to the end of your lease.
Wildcard
8/10
Styling is subjective, so we aren't going to significantly ding the M3's bucktoothed grille. The rest of this sport sedan looks pretty sharp, with flared wheel arches and a quad exhaust to visually distinguish it from the hoi polloi 3 Series. The interior is a bit spiffier too.
Then there's the M3 Comp's credentials — with more than 500 horsepower on tap, this thing rockets off the line and offers awesome grip in corners. Because the xDrive system allows you to shunt all power to the rear tires, opting for AWD doesn't necessarily mean totally handing the reins to microchips and processors.
However, the numb steering kept us from fully engaging with the M3 Comp. The exhaust note was a bummer for some of us too. It's extremely capable, just not completely "oh-my-gosh-go-out-and-buy-one-now." And skip the carbon bucket seats. Your hips, thighs and significant other will all thank you.
Then there's the M3 Comp's credentials — with more than 500 horsepower on tap, this thing rockets off the line and offers awesome grip in corners. Because the xDrive system allows you to shunt all power to the rear tires, opting for AWD doesn't necessarily mean totally handing the reins to microchips and processors.
However, the numb steering kept us from fully engaging with the M3 Comp. The exhaust note was a bummer for some of us too. It's extremely capable, just not completely "oh-my-gosh-go-out-and-buy-one-now." And skip the carbon bucket seats. Your hips, thighs and significant other will all thank you.
Which M3 does Edmunds recommend?
As much fun as it is to row the BMW M3's gears, we recommend the automatic-only Competition model. It's quicker, allows a driver to focus more on the task at hand, and is available with all-wheel drive for travel on slick roads. In addition, the automatic transmission paves a path to added safety features.
Compare 2025 BMW M3 trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
BMW M3 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(56%)
4(22%)
3(11%)
2(11%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Drive it and you'll love it
5 out of 5 starsLouNY, 02/13/2023
2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Compared to any other performance car and you will find the best value for money per dollar in the industry. Race track worthy performance with the reliability to match and every feature you could possibly need all inside of a luxury package with all the tech too. No other car is available with all-wheel drive and could run a crazy lap around vir like car and driver has shown. Amazing … package and amazing value with BMW service and professionalism as well.
This may be the Ultimate Driving Machine
5 out of 5 starsJustin V, 02/24/2024
2024 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
I've primarily driven Japanese brand vehicles, so this is my first German brand. And on top of that, I went with an M car. I can appreciate that looks are subjective, but I am impressed with the styling (even the front end). It has a menacing look/profile. The interior is definitely a step up and has that luxury feel. The tech in this car is much more advanced than my other car, so … there is a steep learning curve.
Since it is running on summer tires, the weather/temperature this time of year have limited my seat time with the car--I've only had the car for just under 3 months and have tacked on nearly 400 miles. But within those limited miles driven, I can certainly say lots smiles during those drives. This car PULLS with ease; you could easily find yourself in near triple digit speed, so beware!
UPDATE (09-Jul-2024): With the warmer temps, I have been enjoying taking the car out and tacking on miles--currently at 3,2xx miles. Now with 7 months of ownership, I'm starting to get familiar with the car and enjoyed a nice road trip to South Carolina with mostly highway miles along with some scenic routes. The car is an excellent cruiser--I was shocked to have achieved 28.1 mpg rating from a ~ 500 hp 6MT sedan!
My fastest but not my favorite M3
4 out of 5 starsMark, 06/08/2023
2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Got my M3 Competition XDrive a few months ago. Frozen Portimao Blue with Blue/Black interior. Beautiful car! Great ergonomics.
The G80 rips. 503 hp, and equally important, AWD. This car is a rocket-ship, although its straight six twin turbo doesn't sound anywhere as impressive as my V8 convertible did.
Problem? They made the car too big. It is considerably larger than the E93 or E46 I … have owned in the past.
Although no slouch in the handling department, the G80 doesn't handle quite as well as either of the other two I have had.
Criticisms aside, this has got to be one of most impressive cars on the road. It really throws you back in your seat!
doesn't feel like an M3
4 out of 5 starsMark, 06/07/2023
2023 BMW M3 Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Have had my G80 for about 6 months now. Had an E46 and an E93, so it is my 3rd M3.
No comparison for power, the twin turbo straight six rips. This is a very quick car.
Because it is a bigger car, the G80 doesn't "feel" as good as either the E46 or E93. It seems to me either one of these older cars turns better than the G80.
Great car, but I don't like the size increase.
Coming up on … a year now. Have had no issues with the car, but still feel the same. They should NOT have made this car bigger.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 BMW M3, so we've included reviews for other years of the M3 since its last redesign.
Helpful shopping links
2025 BMW M3 video
U-DRAG RACE: BMW M3 Competition vs. BMW M8 Competition! | Quarter Mile, Handling & More!
NOTE: This video is about the 2023 BMW M3, but since the 2025 BMW M3 is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
2025 BMW M3 Features & Specs
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $76,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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Safety
Key safety features on the M3 include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
2025 BMW M3 First Impressions
What's under the M3's hood?
The 2025 BMW M3 continues to be offered in three trim levels, each driven by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and primarily differentiated by the powertrain. The standard M3 produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The M3 Competition also employs rear-wheel drive, with an eight-speed transmission routing 503 hp and 479 lb-ft. Outputs for the M3 and M3 Competition are unchanged from last year.
BMW is adding a dash of spice to the range-topping all-wheel-drive Competition xDrive. It used to produce the same amount of power as the rear-drive Competition, but for 2025, it now generates 523 hp. That's probably not enough to move the acceleration needle much, but it does work to offset the extra weight of the AWD system. BMW says the Competition xDrive can zip from zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds, but we think that estimate is conservative. We previously tested a 2022 model that sprinted to 60 in 3.2 seconds, and the updated model might be a smidge quicker. As with the current M3 xDrive, disabling stability control allows the driver to send all the power to the rear axle, so you can drift around corners when the mood strikes.
How's the M3's interior?
Changes to the M3's cabin are light enough that only BMW diehards will spot the upgrades. The steering wheel now boasts a flat-bottom design, and there's a red marker at the 12 o'clock position so you can quickly identify which direction the wheels are pointed. This, plus the redesigned, arrow-shaped headlights on the outside, are the most obvious clues that you're looking at a 2025 model.
Press the ignition, and you'll also be greeted with a 14.9-inch touchscreen powered by the updated iDrive 8.5 operating system. This variation of the current iDrive 8 system primarily adds more voice commands and shuffles the way a few menus are presented.
How much will the new M3 cost?
Even given that the updates to the M3 are relatively minor, it's surprising to see prices not change much year over year. Here's what each trim will cost, with all prices including the $1,175 destination charge.
- M3: $77,175 (+$180)
- M3 Competition: $81,375 (+$180)
- M3 Competition xDrive: $86,475 (+$1,180)
Edmunds says
The BMW M3 gets a new lease on life courtesy of this generation's second refresh. Expect this M3 to stick around for a few more years.
FAQ
Is the BMW M3 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 M3 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 M3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 9 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the M3 has 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW M3. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 BMW M3?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 BMW M3:
- More power for Competition xDrive models
- Next-generation iDrive 8.5 infotainment system
- Light refresh of exterior and interior details
- Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019
Is the BMW M3 reliable?
To determine whether the BMW M3 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the M3. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the M3's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 BMW M3 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 BMW M3 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 M3 and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 M3 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 9 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 M3 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 BMW M3?
The least-expensive 2025 BMW M3 is the 2025 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $76,700.
Other versions include:
- 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) which starts at $76,700
- Competition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $80,900
- Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $86,000
What are the different models of BMW M3?
If you're interested in the BMW M3, the next question is, which M3 model is right for you? M3 variants include 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M), Competition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A), and Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A). For a full list of M3 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
Related 2025 BMW M3 info
Submodels of M3
- 2023 BMW 3 Series M340I
- 2023 BMW 3 Series M340I Xdrive
- 2024 BMW 3 Series M340I
- 2024 BMW 3 Series M340I Xdrive
- 2024 BMW X1 M35I
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