WITH BMW, M IS FOR MAGIC WHEN IT COMES TO THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE SEDANS
BMW likes to hype its cars as the “ultimate driving machines,” which seems like they are kind of taking a poke at its Teutonic colleagues Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even — or especially — Porsche.
All are finely engineered products and are recognized as among the finest luxury vehicles on the market today.
But BMW has a pretty strong case for its bold bragging when it comes to its M Series of sport coupes and sedans.
The 2025 BMW M3 sedan offers a sporty, powerful driving experience while still maintaining the road manners of a typical family sedan. Now it its seventh generation, you can take it to the track in the afternoon and the country club in the evening, though I would advise checking the mileage before turning it over to the valet. The temptation may just be too great for them.
It comes in two trims with turbocharged 6-cylinder engines tuned to different power numbers. The engine for the base 2025 BMW M3, which this review is based on, is rated at 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It is rear-wheel drive.
The 2025 BMW M3 Competition trim gets an upgrade to 523 hp and 479 lb.-ft., and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. No manual is available. It also is available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel system which features a RWD mode.
BMW reports zero-to-60 mph times as 4.1 seconds for the base M3 and 3.8 for the Competition trim.
Fuel mileage figures for my test 2025 BMW M3 were 16 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway and 19 combined, which, according to the government, are the same numbers for models with the automatic transmission.
Inside, the 2025 BMW M3 features leather upholstery, heated sport front seats with the M logo, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, an Anthracite headliner, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, a 14.9 inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included in the $76,000 starting MSRP.
Fortunately, BMW has come a long way in simplifying operation of infotainment systems after the disastrous introduction of its iDrive system a couple of decades ago. You no longer need tech support to get to the radio, though manually adjusting the A/C blower is kind of funky.
Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure and blind-spot warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The rearview camera also provides a wide view of cross traffic.
Optional features on my test 2025 BMW M3 included carbon fiber trim, multi-spoke silver wheels, and an M Driver’s Package (increases top speed) that ran the final total to $92,225 including the $1,175 destination charge.
The 2025 BMW M Competition with RWD starts at $81,375 including the freight charge. AWD tacks on another $5,100.
For my buck, I’d go with the 2025 BMW M3 base with the manual transmission.
What I liked about the 2025 BMW M3: It was fun driving a car with such power matched with a manual transmission. The interior is roomy and comfortable and offers good rear storage space. Tech features are generally user-friendly.
What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW M3: I’d like the steering wheel to rise automatically and the driver’s seat to slide back when the engine is turned off to make it easier to get out. Auto hold would be a nice feature to include as well. Road noise is on the excessive side. There is quite a jump with manual operation of the A/C. The blower goes from calm before the storm (very low) to storm level in just one setting.
Would I buy the 2025 BMW M3? Sure would. The M3 can serve as an everyday driver as well a capable on-track performer even if you never take it racing.