If you’re a fan of the 2024 BMW M3 sedan then you will have similar feelings about the 2025 model’s exterior which is little changed but has seen mild restyling along with an upgraded interior.
The sixth-generation German sports car debuted in 2020 and retains its twin turbo six-cylinder engine with variable valve control and high-precision, direct-injection. It’s quick even with its base engine producing 473 horsepower.
Our six-speed manual tester is only available in the base model while a Competition xDrive trim has an eight-speed automatic transmission and a bump to 523 ponies starting at $86,000 and change. A mid-level Competition sedan is $5,000 less before options.
We continue to like its newer big front grille while some critics favor the twin-kidney shape over the brain-sized newbie.
The largest exterior change is its 19/20-inch dual-spoked silver alloys — exciting to look at but more difficult to clean. Restyled LED headlights add low and high beams in a single element and LED beams for running lights and turn signals.
When you shop for M3 trims know that its six-speed manual is only available in the base model with the least power, well – sort of.
Our test runs with the smaller engine consistently recorded 4.0 seconds from a dead stop to 60 miles per hour. The pricier M3 Competition with automatic reached 60 in 3.8 ticks while the xDrive all-wheel-drive does so in 3.4 seconds.
Some exciting rivals include the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 and Audi RS 5 Sportback.
We continued to be impressed with its driving dynamics. On the road, the Bimmer hugged the pavement with its adaptive suspension, M Sport differential and sport brakes. Precision steering is mostly a point and shoot drill although we would have liked more feedback during powered maneuvers.
Overall, the ride is compliant and will satisfy all but track enthusiasts. The M3 warranty compares with rivals and its 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan exceeds the competition.
For the enthusiast, the M3 sports a new three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and red center line marker. Our racer was decked out in Laguna Seca Blue – a $4,500 option with Marina Blue/Black leather seating — yellow striped for an additional $2,550. It’s worth the extra coin.
In case you are wondering, the M series in BMW speak stands for Motorsports — originally created to signify its racing program and continues to support the car’s racing pursuits. It impacts the car’s suspension, sport differential, drive and driving dynamics, brake control and cornering, sport seats and belts – in short, all the items that make BMW standout as a high performing sedan.
Interior touches are abundant with a curved 14.9 -inch infotainment display for navigation – one of the best systems we’ve encountered with accurate voice activation and a 12.3-inch digital gauge display for engine vitals.
We found drilling down is required to accomplish basic navigation and climate controls while taking eyes off the road. We’d prefer more physical buttons and switches instead of this distraction. An optional heads-up display is helpful.