BMW M3

Priced at an MSRP of $69,900, we do recommend getting the base M3 as it is the best possible version on offer, unless you do not know how to drive a manual transmission. We do recommend getting the optional M carbon fiber seats, and 19-inch wheels, M carbon brakes, and M Driver's package for the increased top speed. While we do leave the colors to you we would recommend the Brooklyn Gray metallic paint.

The BMW M3 saw the start of a new generation in the 2021 model year. Usually, companies would add very minor features but, BMW has released a new version of the M3 - the M3 Competition xDrive which comes with an AWD system on the Competition trim which allows for better traction and driving dynamics. The 2022 model year will continue with the two trims of M3 and M3 Competition, prices will start at an MSRP of $69,900 will go up to $76,900 for the M3 Competition xDrive. The Competition xDrive comes with all the features as the standard M3 competition except it sees the addition of new xDrive focused drive modes.

Standard safety and driver-assist features on the 2022 BMW M3 include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. As for optional extras and packages, the BMW M3 offers an Executive package that bundles in the power boot lid, head-up display, wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel, Wi-Fi hotspot, and adaptive LED headlights. Standalone options include ventilated front seats, sunroof, carbon-ceramic brakes, carbon-fiber bucket front seats, and M Drive Professional package (this includes performance display and settings along with Track mode).

While optional features on M3 Competition trim include the Driving Assistance Professional package that bundles in front and rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist.

As there are no new changes from the 2021 model year, the 2022 BMW M3 offers the same mpg figures. The 2022 M3 will give 16 MPG in the city, 23 MPG on the highway, and a combined 19 MPG. These are the same numbers for the M3 Competition model. However, the M3 Competition xDrive will give 16 MPG in the city, 22 MPG on the highway, and 18 MPG combined. That said, based on the average fuel price if you drive the 2022 BMW M3 for 15,000 miles per year then in 5 years the price you would have paid for fuel would be around $14,000.

All BMW M3 models come with a 15.6-gallon fuel tank which gives it a combined range of 296 miles. However, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, Audi RS5, and Mercedes-AMG C 63 all offer a better range due to better fuel economy and in the case of the AMG C 63 which has the most combined driving range of 365 miles courtesy of a larger fuel tank.

Besides unique "M" badging and distinct trim details, the M3 interior is basically the same as the regular 3-series - Car And Driver

The Interior of a 2022 BMW M3 can seat 5 occupants comfortably. The cabin features no changes from the 2021 model and will see the addition of new colors of Ivory white, Tartufo, Fiona Red, and Fjord Blue Merino Leather upholstery also found in the BMW 3-Series. The interior features 12-way power-adjustable heated front row M Sport seats. These can be upgraded to M Carbon bucket seats for $3,800 more.

Ventilation is an option for the M Sport seat. Aluminum Tetragon interior trim is standard with carbon fiber and piano black finish trims are optional extras. Other interior features include M seat belts, ambient interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control along with separate rear vents. All M3 models come with 13.0 cubic feet of trunk space. 

The BMW M3 comes with adequate space in the front row and back row, which is similar to the competitor's offerings. While the BMW M3 and the Alfa Romeo Guilia offer the most cargo capacity of 13.0 cubic feet. In terms of infotainment, all 2022 BMW M3 models come with a 10.25-inch infotainment system running the latest iDrive 7.0 system. The system can be controlled with the help of the iDrive controller or voice commands.

The system features navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB ports, OTA maps updates. As an option with the Executive package adds gesture controls for the system and a heads-up display. There is also a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that changes themes according to drive modes.

Interior Features:

• Merino leather upholstery
• Automatic climate control
• Heated front sports seats
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror
• Anthracite headliner

There have been countless arguments about the styling of the M3's front end - CarBuzz

There are no changes to the design of the 2022 BMW M3 from the 2021 model year. The highly controversial large kidney grille continues which is also seen on the new BMW M4 dominates the front fascia. Although aesthetics aside the bigger grille aids in improving airflow and cooling. There are also dedicated vents for cooling the brakes, which can be opted to have gold brake calipers and carbon-ceramic rotors.

The headlights and taillights are LEDs while adaptive LED LaserLights as optional. Other prominent exterior features are M rearview mirrors, carbon fiber roof, a lip spoiler, and an M spec diffuser which houses M spec quad-exhaust. 18-inch front wheels are standard on the base with 19-inch on the Competition models. A choice of 14-color options is available for the 2022 BMW M3.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the BMW M3 measures 189.1-inches in length which makes it the longest sedan followed by Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63. Again the BMW M3 is the tallest as well as the widest sedan here. While the longer bumper-to-bumper length ensures that the M3 also has the longest wheelbase measuring 112.5-inches. The second-longest wheelbase is seen on the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 which comes with a 111.8-inch wheelbase.

Exterior Features:

• 18-inch front and 19-inch rear alloy wheels
• Carbon fiber roof
• LED headlights and taillights
• Sports exhaust system w/ quad tailpipes
• Power folding and heated side mirrors

The 2022 BMW M3 has not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or the IIHS but shares its platform with the current 3-Series which has been tested. The NHTSA has given the 2022 BMW 3-Series an overall 5-star safety rating and the IIHS has given the 2021 BMW 3-Series the "Top Safety Pick" award.

Since the BMW M3 is the top of the range for the 3-Series, it is equipped with everything in terms of safety including driver-assist features which include features like frontal collision warning, active blind-spot detection, lane departure warning, speed limit info, and automatic high beams.

Safety Features:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Automatic emergency braking
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver-Assistance Professional package (optional on M3 Competition) 

2022 BMW M3 vs 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is more powerful and better sounding than the BMW M3 due to the Ferrari-sourced V6 engine under the hood but when it comes to putting down the power efficiently, the BMW does so with zero difficulties.

Apart from that, the BMW M3 has a more polished interior, along with an impressive fit and finish quality. But for driving purists the Guilia Quadrifoglio will appeal more courtesy of its driving characteristics thus giving it an edge over the M3.

2022 BMW M3 vs 2021 Audi RS5

A fellow German, the Audi RS5 takes on the BMW M3 with its twin-turbo V6 coupled to the Quattro AWD system which is even more efficient in putting the power down but since the power advantage with the M3 is high, the car is faster and also a better handler on the track.

The M3 comes mated to a 6-speed manual thus it provides higher driver engagement and is comfier inside in terms of the space on offer. As for the looks both the cars look sporty and equally good looking. thus deciding one over the other will mostly boil down to the brand preference.

2022 BMW M3 vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63

Armed with the biggest engine on the block, making the most power, the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 gives a very tough competition to the BMW M3. To counter this the BMW M3 provides better handling and a sleeker silhouette.

Also, the M3’s lower weight provides better stability in cornering and overall control. That said, if you are looking for a fast and luxurious ride then the AMG C 63 is the one to put your money at.

The 2022 BMW M3 provides everything a purist driver could ever dream of. It comes with a powerful engine, manual transmission, and RWD. Along with this, it offers enough space to take the family around and do recreational track days as well. However, when compared to the competition, it does offer lesser fuel economy figures and the base engine isn't the fastest or the most powerful of the lot. But then the 2022 BMW M3 also comes in the Competition and Competition xDrive trims which solves the power issue and does perform a lot better as well.