New BMW M3
Latest Updates on BMW M3
BMW Reveals Special Edition M3, M4 Edition 50 Jahre; India launch soon
Next-Gen BMW M3 Spotted Testing For The First Time
BMW M3 Used in Mission Impossible 5 Put Up For Display
What's New on BMW M3?
Upcoming electric M3 appears to be smaller in dimensions to the current model. The silhouette of the vehicle is also vastly different from the already-on-sale M3, sporting shorter overhangs, flared fenders, a more uniformly flowing roofline and a longer, more upright boot deck. The fascia borrows a few elements from the Neue Klasse concept, unveiled in September, last year, such as the revised version of the kidney grille. The front end also gets sleek horizontal headlamps. Another visual detail that can be observed are the flush door handles.
While BMW hasn’t given us a glimpse at the interior, it is safe to expect that it will come with a minimalistic interior layout much like the Neue Klasse concept. Expect very few physical controls to be present, with most of the functions, including the iDrive controller to be integrated into the large central touchscreen.The electric M3 will reportedly feature a quad-motor setup, with one motor driving each wheel. It was stated during the Neue Klasse concept’s unveiling that the models will have 4695- and 46120-format cylindrical cells with increased nickel content and reduced cobalt content. These cells are said to offer 20 per cent higher energy density than current BMW EVs. Additionally, Neue Klasse EVs will also have 30 per cent quicker charge times.
Expert Review on BMW M3
- Expert Rating
8.6/10 - Safety9Comfort9.75Styling8.5Merit / USP9Significance9Value for Money6.5
car&bike Expert Take
“An absolute powerhouse for performance enthusiasts, the BMW M3’s four-door practicality and acute xDrive system ensure that the car is not just about raw speed. It’s a complete package with sharp driving feedback that few rivals can still go head-to-head against in today’s market.”
Performance saloons were not quite headline-worthy in the Indian market at one point. The BMW M3’s arrival in 2014 changed that perception by setting a new gold standard in this segment, after it landed on India’s showroom floors via the CBU (Completely Built-Up) route.
The latest 2024-25 update has done well to keep the car’s rich heritage alive, packing some serious power into its four-door body profile once again. It clearly avoids the design of the standard 3 Series by adopting a wider stance, and has also grown heavier over time. But at the same time, the driving experience of this car has never dropped quality-wise, thanks to the clever all-wheel-drive system powering its capabilities.
Siddharth Vinayak Patankar observed how the BMW M3 fared against the BMW M4 some time back, and he had interesting things to say about the German siblings. We have taken some of his insights, particularly about the M3, and put them in this review as well.
Under the bonnet, the M3 hides a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. The Competition xDrive model pushes out 510-530 bhp and 650 Nm, figures that make it unstoppable on long stretches. As for the driving setup, the car has a four-wheel-drive system powered by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The way this motor builds speed is something else; it pulls cleanly from low speeds and also refuses to sacrifice performance at triple-digit speeds. The xDrive system supervises all twists and turns, keeping the tyres planted onto the road. Yet, if you want some old-school fun, there’s also an option for a pure rear-wheel-drive mode in this car.
According to Siddharth,
"The M3 is a beast, and it will go where you want it to, with the poise and manic energy to make you smile ear to ear."
Engine Specifications
Engine | Power | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain |
| 3.0-Litre Twin-Turbo Petrol | 510-530 bhp | 650 Nm | Eight-speed automatic | All-wheel drive (xDrive) |
Driving Experience: Real World
Taking the M3 out of the showroom and onto actual roads shows its dual personality. It handles the daily grind surprisingly well before transforming into a proper cornering machine when required.
City Driving
Around town, the M3 is quite easy to live with. Keep the settings in Comfort, and the engine feels relaxed rather than highly strung. The eight-speed automatic shifts smoothly in stop-start traffic, rarely feeling jerky. However, you can definitely feel the firm suspension setup. While it did not crash through potholes for us, sharp bumps certainly made their presence felt in the cabin. The heavy steering weighs up nicely, though navigating tight lanes requires significant driver focus due to the car's widened track.
Highway Driving
Find an open stretch of tarmac, and the M3’s engine delivers its true punch. The immense mid-range torque means overtaking slow-moving trucks happens in the blink of an eye. The chassis feels incredibly planted at triple-digit speeds, inspiring serious confidence. It stays dead flat through sweeping bends, holding its line with a stubborn grip. Road and wind noise are kept well in check, though the wide performance tyres do kick up a bit of a roar on coarse concrete surfaces.
The design of the current BMW M3 remains as bold as ever. The massive vertical kidney grilles dominate the front, giving it an unapologetic face that commands attention. Unlike the subtle M saloons of the past, this generation wants you to know exactly what it is capable of. Meanwhile, the flared wheel arches and muscular bonnet lines scream high performance.
For the latest model, BMW has introduced slightly reshaped LED headlamp signatures and fresh alloy wheel designs. The carbon-fibre roof comes standard, shedding precious weight from the top to lower the centre of gravity.
Dimensions Comparison
Dimension | BMW M3 | Audi RS5 Sportback | Mercedes-AMG C63 |
Length | 4,794-4,801 mm | 4,783 mm | 4,842 mm |
Width | 1,903-2,068 mm | 1,866 mm | 1,900 mm |
Height | 1,437-1,446 mm | 1,409 mm | 1,458-1,474 mm |
Wheelbase | 2,857 mm | 2,832 mm | 2,875 mm |
Buyers will often notice different dimensions for the BMW M3 depending on the variant available. Still, without a doubt, the overall footprint of this car is anyway larger than that of a standard 3 Series. And compared to the Audi RS5 Sportback and the Mercedes-AMG C63, it’s also a relatively wider vehicle.
Walking around the BMW M3, you quickly realise it shares very few body panels with the regular saloon. The bodywork is stretched and pulled in this one to accommodate the wider stance and massive wheels.
Front Profile
- The vertical kidney grille is more than just styling; it’s a functional unit feeding vast amounts of air to the cooling systems.
- Sharp LED headlamps feature a distinct daytime running light pattern, adding aggressive visual signature to its fascia.
- Heavily sculpted front bumpers house additional intakes and aero winglets to reduce front-axle lift.
Side Profile
- Deep side skirts and prominently flared wheel arches make the M3 look beefy.
- The staggered alloy wheels, 19-inch up front and 20-inch at the rear, fill the arches perfectly.
- A sharp shoulder line also runs along the doors, drawing the eye towards the muscular rear quarter.
Rear Profile
- A subtle carbon-fibre boot lip spoiler helps keep the rear end stable at high speeds.
- The lower diffuser has four massive exhaust tailpipes; they are booming and aggressive.
- Darkened LED tail lamps wrap neatly around the corners, finishing off the wide, flat rear aesthetic.
Step inside the M3, and you’ll see both luxury and motorsport intentions coming together under the same cabin. The layout is heavily focused on the driver, putting every crucial control easily within reach.
Cabin Layout and Quality
BMW's massive curved display takes over the dashboard, putting the driver's dials and the infotainment screen into one slick panel. High-quality leather, genuine carbon-fibre trim, and soft-touch plastics cover almost every visible surface. The build quality is rock solid, with no cheap squeaks or rattles to speak of. The M-specific thick-rimmed steering wheel feels great in the hands and houses two bright red M toggle buttons for your custom driving modes.
Siddharth observes,
"Inside, the car is well appointed, with the latest connectivity, interface, and safety features you can expect; all more or less standard."
Seating Comfort
The seats in this saloon are built in such a way that they keep you locked in place during hard cornering.
Front Row
The M Sport seats offer fantastic support and plenty of adjustment. They feature firm bolstering that hugs you tightly, which is perfect when the road gets twisty. You can also opt for the hardcore carbon-fibre bucket seats, though getting in and out of them requires a bit of effort. Forward visibility is generally quite good, but the chunky rear pillars do create a minor blind spot.
Second Row
Since it retains the standard 3 Series shell, the rear bench is surprisingly practical. Two adults can sit back here in decent comfort, with adequate knee room and headroom. However, the transmission tunnel is quite bulky, making it a tight squeeze for a middle passenger on longer journeys.
Features That Improve Daily Use
- 14.9-inch curved infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with M-specific graphics and shift lights
- The latest iDrive 8.5 operating system that’s powering the user interface
- Three-zone automatic climate control to keep all passengers comfortable
- A high-end surround sound system for when you tire of the exhaust note
- A clear and vibrant Head-Up Display that projects speed and revs onto the windscreen
Buying a full-blooded M car is never a cheap endeavour, and the M3 sits right at the premium end of the segment. BMW India brings the M3 Competition xDrive in as a completely built unit (CBU), which attracts hefty import taxes.
Ex-Showroom Prices (India)
Variant | Engine & Transmission | Ex-Showroom Price |
M3 Sedan | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Six-speed Manual | Rs. 1.30 Crore |
M3 Competition | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Eight-speed automatic | Rs. 1.30 Crore |
M3 Competition xDrive | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Eight-speed Automatic, 4x4 | Rs. 1.47 Crore |
Interestingly, these three variants are not listed as actively selling cars on BMW India’s website. The manufacturer is mostly advertising other alternatives from their fleet, like the M340i xDrive and the M4 Competition coupe.
Nobody buys a 530 bhp super saloon by keeping fuel efficiency as their top priority. However, the M3 is surprisingly not terrible if driven with a light foot. The 3.0-litre engine can cruise on the motorway, returning somewhat reasonable figures, but the moment you start exploring how fast it can go, the fuel gauge drops quickly.
Overall, the large 59-litre fuel tank provides a decent touring range, but a spirited Sunday morning drive will, of course, necessitate an early petrol station visit.
Observed Fuel Efficiency During Testing
Driving Condition | Observed Mileage (Real-World) |
| ARAI Certified Mileage | 10.1 – 10.75 kmpl |
Real-world City Traffic | 6 – 8 kmpl |
Real-world Highway Cruising | 10 – 12 kmpl |
Real-world Spirited Driving | 4 – 5 kmpl |
High performance means uncompromised high safety standards, and the M3 satisfies in that regard. It takes the solid foundation of the standard 3 Series and adds some extra electronics here, mostly to keep the car stable and solid during extreme speeds.
Passive Safety and Crash Protection
The core structure is incredibly rigid, featuring reinforced mounting points and aluminium bulkheads. Inside the cabin, occupants are protected by multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain units. ISOFIX child seat mounts are standard in the rear, making it genuinely usable for the school run. While the M3 itself has not been separately crash-tested by Euro NCAP, the standard 3 Series upon which it is based holds a solid five-star rating.
Active Safety and Stability Systems
BMW has also loaded the M3 with intelligent active safety gear. The M Traction Control system lets the driver dial in the exact amount of slip they want. Along with Level 2 ADAS, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring are very helpful during daily commutes. At the same time, the massive brake discs resist fade even after repeated hard stops.
Safety Verdict
The BMW M3 proves that a hardcore sports saloon can still be deeply safe and secure. It offers a protective environment when you are just cruising, alongside clever stability nets that save the day when the tyres lose their grip.
Siddharth aptly puts it,
“This car epitomises everything we know and love about BMW's M Division.”
The latest tech inside this car focuses on giving the driver clear control. You get a big curved screen that mixes both the driver display and the central stereo system into one wide unit. It is easy to use, highly visible under direct sunlight, and responds quickly to touch inputs.
Infotainment and Interface
- The curved display holds a 12.3-inch driver screen and a 14.9-inch central touch unit.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work smoothly without dropping connections.
- The head-up display projects speed, gear position, and navigation right onto the windshield.
- The custom graphics change depending on the chosen driving mode.
Cabin Convenience and Practical Features
- You can adjust the climate control directly through the screen.
- The carbon bucket seats wrap around you to hold you firmly in tight turns.
- A high-end Harman Kardon sound system delivers loud and clear audio.
- Physical shortcut buttons on the steering wheel let you instantly access your custom M modes.
Performance cars usually compromise on luggage capacity, but this one remains highly usable. The boot space measures 480 litres, which easily accommodates two large suitcases and a couple of soft bags for a weekend trip.
The boot opening is wide, so sliding heavy items in is relatively simple. There is no spare tyre, just a puncture repair kit, which frees up a bit of extra room. If you need to haul longer items, the rear seats fold down in a 40:20:40 split. This setup makes the car ideal for a small family trying to enjoy their daily commutes while keeping track of their grocery runs.
The M3 is set up to handle heavy power, so do not expect a soft ride at all. It will suffer from deep potholes if you do not slow down, but the car eats up normal bumps with surprising ease. The suspension also adapts quickly based on the mode you select.
City Driving
In heavy traffic, the car is well-behaved and easy to manage. The steering feels light enough for tight parking spots, while the engine stays quiet at lower speeds. You have to watch out for the low front bumper over large speed breakers, but it rarely scrapes if you tackle them at a certain angle.
Highway Driving
On the highway, the car feels deeply stable at high speeds. The steering responds quickly, and the body stays completely flat throughout fast corners. Expect some comfortable long trips inside this car, while during moments of overtaking, it will also show how exceptionally fast it really is. Thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, this vehicle has pretty good traction.
BMW offers a few different ways to spec this fast sedan. The base model sticks to a manual gearbox, while the higher trims bring in an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Variant | Engine & Gearbox | Best Suited For | Ex-Showroom Price |
| M3 Sedan | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Six-speed Manual | Buyers wanting a raw driving feel | Rs. 1.30 Crore |
| M3 Competition | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Eight-speed Automatic | Buyers looking for maximum rear-wheel power | Rs. 1.30 Crore |
| M3 Competition xDrive | 3.0-Litre Petrol, Eight-speed Automatic, 4x4 | Buyers needing all-weather grip and top acceleration | Rs. 1.47 Crore |
As mentioned before, even though there’s some discrepancy regarding whether BMW still produces these cars or not, you may still pick up one or two if the models are still hanging around showroom floors. Having said that, there are also rumours that this nameplate will be returning soon to the Indian market with newer, better updates.
The Essentials That You Don’t Get
Even with its high price tag, the car misses out on a few things:
- A physical climate control panel
- A full-size spare wheel
- Standard ventilated seats (often an expensive extra)
The base M3 variant honestly has enough to satiate that peculiar driving feel. But, if raw performance is a must, and you can't live without your car being able to blast through extreme speeds, stepping up the variant ladder is obviously better.
Best for Casual Drivers: Standard M3
If you want to shift gears yourself, the standard manual version is the only way to go. It offers less power than the others, but the raw connection between the clutch, stick, and engine makes it a joy on empty back roads.
Best for Daily Performance: M3 Competition
This version ditches the clutch pedal for a quick-shifting automatic. It is much easier to drive in busy city traffic, yet it brings a big power boost that makes highway overtaking safe and fast.
Best for All-Weather Dominance: M3 Competition xDrive
If you live in a place with heavy rain or want the fastest acceleration off the line, the 4x4 system is worth the extra cash. It pulls hard without spinning the rear tyres unnecessarily.
This performance space is packed with tough rivals, and you also have hybrids aiming for high power numbers in this segment, while the petrol cars are sticking to lighter weights. The choice usually comes down to brand loyalty and whether you want an electric boost.
The AMG C 63 S E from Mercedes-Benz offers some invaluable efficiency with its hybrid powertrain, even though it’s more costly than the BMW M3. At the same time, the Audi RS5 Sportback starts at a much lower price tag, but it compromises engine power figures as well.
Model | Engine | Power | Ex-Showroom Price Range |
| BMW M3 Competition xDrive | 3.0-Litre Petrol | 510–530 bhp | Rs. 1.47 Crore |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S E Performance | 2.0-Litre Petrol Hybrid | 680 bhp | Rs. 1.91–1.95 Crore |
| Audi RS5 Sportback | 2.9-Litre Petrol | 443 bhp | Rs. 1.07 Crore |
Which Sports Sedan Should You Choose?
- Choose the BMW M3 if you want the best steering feel and a tightly controlled chassis.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 if you want big hybrid power and do not mind the extra weight.
- Choose the Audi RS5 Sportback if you prefer a softer, quieter ride for long family trips.
Pros
- Strong engine power
- Great grip from the 4x4 system
- Big 480-litre boot space
- Clear and bright curved screen
- Practical rear seats for adults
Cons
- Low ground clearance
- No physical AC buttons
- Polarising front grille design
- Very expensive add-on options
- Firm ride over bad roads
Verdict
The BMW M3 is an absolute beast on the road. While it keeps its family credentials alive and kicking, a true track car’s raw speed also lies resting within its DNA, letting you pull hard all the way to the redline. To keep you out of trouble when you’re feeling adventurous, the BMW M3’s brake bite is tremendous as well, letting you enjoy empty stretches without any second thoughts. Besides, there’s also an EV variant that could hit Indian shores by 2027, while you also need to check whether the previous models are still on retail or not.
Sure, the original's firm suspension may not be up to the mark when going through broken city streets, or the styling might not appeal to all. But those complaints lose ground when you feel how direct the sedan’s steering is, and how the car’s four-door practicality is actually non-negotiable if you're a family man. If you have the budget and want a car that can comfortably handle the daily office commute before hitting a weekend trip, there’s no point in hesitating to bring the BMW M3 home.
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BMW M3 Latest News & Reviews
car&bike Team | May 24, 2022BMW Reveals Special Edition M3, M4 Edition 50 Jahre; India launch soonThe limited production models are offered with hisotrical-inspired BMW M colour options.1 min read
car&bike Team | Dec 9, 2017Next-Gen BMW M3 Spotted Testing For The First TimeThe next-gen BMW M3 was recently spotted testing with some noticeable changes. The car will make its debut only in 2019 after the current-gen model reaches the end of it's production.1 min read
Kritika Sethi | Jul 15, 2015BMW M3 Used in Mission Impossible 5 Put Up For DisplayA BMW, out of the many, many cars, used during the filming of the latest installment of the Mission Impossible franchise has been put up for display at the BMW M facility in Garching, Bavaria.1 min read
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