BMW M3 Review, Specs & Performance

BMW M3 in a nutshell

ENGINES AND PERFORMANCE FOR THE BMW M3

The BMW M3 retains a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. This new offering comes with two turbochargers and rear-wheel drive - BMW says an all-wheel drive M3 will be available in 2021.

The power is delivered using an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. But it's for the incredible performance that the BMW M3 Competition stands out.

The engine produces 510hp and has an impressive 0 to 62 mph sprint time of 3.9 seconds. The top speed is 155mph which can be increased to 180mph. There's torque of 650Nm which is dealt with by a range of new track-inspired technologies and the Active M Differential.

BMW M3 EQUIPMENT AND HANDLING

The new BMW M3 saloon joins the carmaker's family of high-performance models and it certainly impresses. This is a rear-wheel drive sports saloon that delivers incredible levels of power. BMW has added a new powertrain, chassis and a bold new look that may divide opinion.

For those wanting to lease the M3 in the UK, it is only available in the Competition trim.

And, as mentioned, there will be an all-wheel drive system available as an option from mid-2021 for the first time. The M department has altered the standard BMW 3 Series chassis with wider track widths to give the car its aggressive stance. There's a new bonnet, bumpers and front wings and the chassis is stiffer than the standard car.

Adaptive dampers are fitted as standard, and the suspension delivers a more responsive sporty drive.

The new BMW M3 is a sound contract hire choice and is up against the likes of the Audi RS5 and the Mercedes-AMG C63.

There are also new alloy wheel designs, they are 19-inches at the front of the M3, and 20-inches at the rear. There's also a quartet of exhaust pipes and a black rear diffuser.

The interior has also been heavily redesigned with an M Sport steering wheel and coloured stitching around the cabin. There are also driving mode buttons that offer programmable opportunities.

Standard features include BMW's iDrive technology with two large display screens, a clever voice command system and a head-up display. There's also smartphone connectivity. Along with the adaptive suspension, the M3 features bigger brakes than the 3 Series and there's a pricey upgrade pack that will add carbon-ceramic brake discs instead. If you fancy bumping the speed up to 180mph, then you will be needing these brakes.

Other optional packs include choices for the exterior, including a carbon rear spoiler and carbon door mirrors.

There's also the M Performance package with a titanium exhaust and the option of having a lower suspension.

Essentially, the BMW M3 Competition is an impressive and stylish creation with lots of power and, as a car leasing choice, the M3 is an easy car to live with every day but it's also a sound track day choice as well.

More Information About the BMW M3

Why not have a look at the M3 on the official BMW UK company website? Or why not look at some of these similar car lease deals from First Vehicle Leasing: Audi RS5 and the Mercedes-AMG C63.