2023 BMW M3

The M3 is offered in 3 trims namely the M3 sedan, M3 competition sedan, and the M3 Competition xDrive sedan. The base MSRP for M3 starts from $ 72,800 and goes up to $ 80,800 for the Competition xDrive. All trims come equipped with a 3.0L BMW M Twin Power Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine. What mainly differentiates the trims are the power outputs which are the lowest for the base trim at 473 horsepower whereas the other two trims churn out 503 horsepower. The base trim gets 6-speed manual transmission whereas the other two get an 8-speed STEPTRONIC Automatic transmission. Top-end trim M3 xDrive gets an all-wheel drivetrain. Apart from this most of the features comes as standard for each model excluding some exterior features which are exclusive to each trim which have been listed in the table below

The M3 is offered in 14 exterior colors and additionally the wheel size, interior theme, upholstery, safety, convenience, exterior, and perform options can be chosen based on your liking. BMW also provides additional packages to enhance the M3, some of which include:

• Parking Assistance package
• Executive package
• M driver’s Package

We Recommend

We would recommend the M3 competition xDrive trim, which offers the best-in-class performance since most of our readers who have decided to purchase in this segment require a raw performance sedan, which can also don the role of a family car as well. The AWD setup helps in accomplishing the same even though at a high price.

Release Date

We expect the M3 to be available for booking towards the end of 2022. Details have been published about the specs and features on the brand’s website and according to availability in certain areas, the 2023 M3 is also available for test drives.

The fuel economy shouldn’t be a decisive factor when considering to purchase in this segment. A good fuel economy acts like the cherry on top of the cake here. The more performance-oriented car we seek, the more it will get hit on the fuel efficiency part. The same is the case with the M3. The M3’s fuel efficiency figures are not something to be talked about, but one thing to consider is that it offers the least fuel efficiency in the segment with it managing only 16 MPG in the city, and 23 o the highway, giving it a combined MPG of 19. It sure doesn’t stand out as a fuel-efficient option.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the competition fairs better than the M3. The other cars in the segment have a similar combined MPG of 20 miles while the M3 has only 19. The MPG on city drive is more for the Audi RS5 at 18 miles followed by the AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo. In terms of the MPG on the highway, the AMG C63 does well with an MPG figure of 26, followed by a similar figure of 25 miles for the Audi and Alfa Romeo whereas the M3 has the lowest at 23 miles on the highway. The Mercedes AMG C63 has the biggest fuel tank at 17.4 gallons followed by the M3 at 15.6 gallons, The Alfa Romeo, and RS5 share a similar fuel tank capacity. With good fuel efficiency and a bigger fuel tank, the Mercedes AMG C63 has the best range.

The M3 racing seat has perforated leather materials with a 4-way power-adjustable with lumbar support which offers excellent comfort in high-speed driving. The seat design grabs the person tight while taking sharp turns ensuring minor side movements. The rear row seats are also comfortable and offer adequate space. The M3 uses high-quality interior materials and Merino leather upholstery comes as standard. The only drawback we found is the interior cabin noise isolation is not so great.

All cars offers almost identical space on the front rows with M3 offering the most headroom and shoulder room. The Mercedes AMG C63 has the most legroom in the front row. Even in terms of the back seat, the M3 provides the most space followed by the Alfa Romeo, the RS5, and the C63. The cargo space on offer also is the most on the BMW M3 and Alfa Romeo at 13 cubic feet followed by an 11.6 cubic feet trunk on the RS5, and 10.5 cubic feet on the Mercedes C63.

The key interior features include:

• Extended Merino Leather
• Anthracite Headliner
• M door-sill finishers, M footrest, M gear shift lever, and M specific design elements
• Aluminum Rhombicle Anthracite Interior Trim
• 3-zone Climate Control including micro-filter and automatic air recirculation
• Comfort Access keyless entry
• Multi-color, adjustable ambient lighting
• Adjustable seat width

How intuitive is the 2023 BMW M3 infotainment system?

The M3 offers a state-of-the-art infotainment system that offers a host of real-time information like real-time traffic information and on-street parking information, Hazard Preview, etc. The infotainment system can be controlled via voice command and can be integrated into your phone through the My BMW application to allow a seamless connection between the M3 and your phone. It also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System with a 464-watt amplifier and 16 speakers also offers an immersive driving experience.

Some of the most notable infotainment features available are 

• Audi connect CARE assistance and security services
• Audi smartphone interface
• Audi pre sense basic and rear
• Bluetooth wireless technology
• Audi sound system
• Audi virtual cockpit plus

In terms of the exterior design of the M3 the two kidney grills gives it a distinct look and many people have reported not liking it much. We feel this gives it a distinguishable look compared to the competition. The Shadowline exterior trim also adds beauty to its look. Overall, we feel the design elements on the M3 give it an aggressive race car road presence. The M3 is the longest and the widest in the segment with a length of 189.1 inches and 74.3 inches. It has a height of 56.4 inches and a ground clearance of 4.7 inches.

In terms of the length the BMW M3 is the longest at 189.1 inches, followed by C63 at 187.1 inches, the Audi RS5 at third with a total length of 185.9. Lastly, the Afla Romeo is at 185.9 inches. The M3 is also the widest and the tallest with a dimension of 74.3 and 56.4 respectively. The Audi RS5 has a more compact size with a few inches shorter in terms of width and height with a dimension of 73.5 and 73.5 inches respectively.

Some standout exterior features include:

• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Shadowline exterior trim
• Aluminum hood
• Kidney grille with twin slats and model designation badge
• Aerodynamically optimized double-arm side mirrors
• Lightweight trunk lid with integrated lip spoiler

The BMW M3 gets a host of safety features. The car is equipped with several airbags frontal airbags and dual side impact airbags. Additionally, it has overhead airbags that totally envelop the occupants in the event of a crash, protecting their heads. The lower limbs and feet are both protected by knee airbags. The seatbelt pretensioners, which help place the occupant in the best position following an accident, further improve the interior safety features. Anti-lock brakes are among the outside safety measures, along with an excellent stability control system. The NHTSA has not rated the 2022 BMW in the crash test also previous year models have also not been crash tested. We feel that since the car is a high-performance sedan the company would also not compromise on the structural strength.

Other standout safety features for the standard package include:

• Active Knee Protection
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• Front-seat side-impact airbags
• Adaptive LED Headlights with Cornering Lights
• Active Driving Assistant
• BMW Assist eCall
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery

2023 BMW M3 vs Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

The 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio offers better performance than the base model BMW M3. It also scores well in terms of fuel efficiency but lacks in the interior space and comfort segment, making it a less viable option as a family car. Whereas the BMW M3 offers a better-finished interior and has the best interior space on offer. In terms of affordability too, the BMW sedan is cheaper by a few dollars. So, if you are looking for a performance car that can also act as a family car BMW M3 is the better choice.

2023 BMW M3 vs Audi RS5

Between the M3 and its german counterpart, the Audi RS5 has better 0- 60 figures and quarter mile mark but lags behind the power outputs numbers. In terms of fuel efficiency, RS5 is more economical. However, the BMW M3 scores in terms of interior space, reliability, and affordability. At the end of the day, it all boils down to brand loyalty when it comes to choosing between these two sports sedans.

2023 BMW M3 vs Mercedes AMG C63

The Mercedes AMG C63 will be launching after a break of two years. The Mercedes AMG C63 has a more potent 4.0L V8 engine which has an impressive torque figure, 0-60, and quarter-mile mark timing. Yet, it is not as refined as the M3. The BMW sedan, thanks to its lesser curb weight, is a better performer in terms of handling. The interior space on offer in the M3 is also better than in the C63. Talking about affordability, the Mercedes is the costliest in the segment hence we would suggest the BMW M3.

The 2023 BMW M3 is a fully packed performance sedan and it has been one for many years. It offers good power and punchier accelerations with race car-like handling and doesn’t compromise on the interior and ride quality. The car perfectly fits as a family sedan too, soaking up all that is thrown at it. The M3 would be an ideal option for much younger and more enthusiastic buyers. The car faces stiff competition from the 2022 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio which offers a bit more performance than the base M3. In terms of affordability, the BMW M3 is more affordable and is the better value for money proposition.