What is the M3?
The BMW M3 is at risk of being outshone by a bonkers variant on the model for 2024, the M3 CS, but make no mistake — it remains a beast. Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, the M3 can be configured in two distinctive trims, with varying drive types and outputs. Both competent and hypercapable, the M3 manages to produce 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via its six-speed manual transmission. The M3 Competition ups the power to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft and uses an eight-speed automatic and is available with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive.
Driving enthusiasts may be wooed by the even higher-performance M3 CS, which is a lighter, quicker version of the M3 putting out 543 hp and which we review separately.