The sixth-generation M3 debuted as a 2021 model, and it’s a bit of a departure from the previous generations in terms of performance and styling. It marks the first generation of the M3 with available all-wheel drive, the first to receive a true automatic transmission (instead of a dual-clutch unit or sequential manual gearbox), and offers some seriously cool performance options, like high-bolstered carbon fiber bucket seats. For the 2023 BMW M3 models, a manual transmission is offered only in rear-wheel drive configurations and receives less power than its all-wheel drive brethren, but we suspect that won’t matter to die-hard manual enthusiasts.
The standard M3 has a six-speed manual transmission and a twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, internally designated as the S58. It generates 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and can pull off a zero to 60 mph time of about four seconds. The Competition trim bumps power up to 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, a noticeable increase from the driver’s seat. Add xDrive all-wheel drive to drop that zero-to-sixty time to three and a half seconds or less. All xDrive-equipped M3 sedans are Competition cars, and there’s no manual available for any Competition trim vehicles. As expected, there are tons of performance options available for the BMW M3 – like carbon ceramic brakes and M Drive Professional, which features ten-stage traction control.
The 2023 BMW M3 is currently rated at 16 city and 23 highway MPG, for a combined figure of 19 MPG. That’s probably a fair representation of what you’ll achieve, but driving the M3 hard is where it shines and will quickly shrink those numbers. Its 15.6-gallon tank will allow for around 300 miles of range, more if it’s highway-heavy.
The cabin of the M3 is classic BMW – minimalist and practical, with premium materials. Extended Merino leather upholstery comes standard, and you can add a Full leather package that adds leather on the lower half of the dashboard, door panels, and parts of the center console. A very pretty carbon fiber roof comes standard, but you can…
