2024 BMW M3 Sedan 3.0L 6MT RWD (480 HP)

Vehicle Overview

BMW refreshed the M3 lineup for the 2025 model year in the summer of 2024, with production scheduled to start in July of the same year for both sides of the Atlantic.

The M3 badge was introduced in 1986 on the famous E30 M3, the most successful touring car in racing history. That model was offered only as a two-door affair, either as a coupe or as a convertible. In the following generation, the E46, the automaker installed a straight-six powerplant under the car’s hood and sold it in three shapes: Coupe, Convertible, and sedan. Almost all the other M3s that followed were fitted with six-cylinder engines, besides the mighty M3 GTR, which was powered by a V8. Later on, the automaker went back to the inline-six architecture, albeit with turbocharging technology. Then, in 2013, BMW split the 3 Series lineup into two: the 4 Series for the Coupe, the convertible, and the Gran Coupe versions, and the 3 Series for Sedan and Touring. As a result, the M3 was available only as a four-door or station wagon vehicle. In 2020, BMW introduced the M3 as the M-powered version of the seventh generation of the 3 Series, and by 2024, it was already time for a change. The refreshed sedan, or the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) model, was introduced in two flavors: the M3 and the M3 Competition.

Up front, the most striking difference was noticed in the new LED headlights, which were available with adaptive and Matrix-LED technology. They flanked the vertical kidney grille, which many hoped would be deleted and reversed to a horizontal styling, like on the rest of the 3 Series range. Above them, the automaker installed a sculptured hood featuring two longitudinal power domes. The angular-shaped air intakes on the lower side of the bumper were a continuation of the upper ones, making it look like nostrils. These were flanked by a pair of side scoops that helped to cool the brakes and created an air curtain around the bodywork to lower drag resistance. At the bottom, the automaker installed a lip spoiler.

From its profile, the aggressive-looking M3 Sedan sported a set of vents that released the air trapped inside the wheel wells. Furthermore, BMW added a set of black side sills that extended towards the back and connected with the flared wheel arches from the rear quarter panels. The automaker also installed new door mirrors sporting an M-specific design with aerodynamic struts. Finally, at the back, the 2025 M3 featured a lip spoiler on the deck, while the LED taillights were split between the quarter panels and the trunk lid. Lower, under the bumper, the German car manufacturer installed a large diffuser that integrated the four exhausts, grouped by two, on each side.

Inside, there were significant technological upgrades. First and foremost, there was a new set of high-bolstered front seats with slim carbon fiber options. On the dashboard, BMW installed a curved panel that covered two screens: one in front of the driver for the main dials and the other for the new 8.5 BMW Operating System. Between the front occupants, the automaker placed a generously sized center console that housed the selector for the automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Furthermore, the automaker placed there some buttons for the adaptive dampers. In the back, there was enough room for two occupants, separated by a tall transmission tunnel.

Under the hood, BMW used the same straight-six powerplant as many of its predecessors. Thanks to the turbocharging technology, it developed 480 P0S (473 hp) for the six-speed manual with a rear-wheel drive system, while the Competition package added all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, plus some extra oomph.