BMW's M3 Competition saloon carries an illustrious badge but that doesn't appear too big a burden for Bavaria's fastest four-door. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the updated version.

Ten Second Review

The revised version of this MK6 G80-series generation BMW M3 ups the ante in a number of regards. It's quicker, cleverer, better looking and offers more equipment. You now have to have AWD, but as before, if you don't want this Saloon, there's a Touring estate version. True, there's still not quite as much power as a rival Mercedes C 63, but this much lighter M3 is arguably a purer, more track-tamed thing. What's not to like?

Background

If you've an ounce of petrol flowing through your veins, you'll probably know quite a lot about BMW's M3. It's a name that evokes a rich history of competition, tyre smoke and unremitting motorsport development over thirty five years and six generations of the Munich maker's practical, power-packed performance car. Welcome to the MK6 model. You'll might still remember this car as a coupe, a body shape BMW's M division still makes but designates the 'M4'. When the fifth generation F80-series model was launched in 2014, the more familiar M3 badge was restricted to the four-door body style and that theme continued in 2020 with this G80-series car. That old F80 model swapped the previous E90 version's thirsty high-revving 4.0-litre V8 for a 3.0-litre twin turbo straight six, a format that also continued on here though, inevitably, with a little more power. In G80-series form, the M3 has evolved from hairy-chested racer to cultured street supercar and along the way, it's had a couple of significant product updates, the second of them in mid-2024 creating the car we're going to look at here. It's a matured, though still magnificent prospect. Does that make it fit to wear this famous badge? Let's find out.

Driving Experience

So here are the key things you need to know. Power from the current version of BMW's twin turbo 3.0-litre straight six (codenamed S58) is up 20hp to 530hp, which gets this Bavarian model a little closer to the gigantic 680hp output of its (much heavier) arch-rival, the Mercedes C 63 S E Performance. That's in M3 Competition form, which is the only mainstream M3 variant our country will get. The lesser standard M3 is limited to European markets, as now is rear-wheel drive. Going forward, the UK will only get the M xDrive versions - which is what most customers were previously choosing anyway. The transmission's unchanged, a paddleshift 8-speed torque converter automatic with M Drivelogic software; and if you're quick with it, you'll find that the 0-62mph time is 0.4s quicker than before (at 3.5s), though top speed is still limited to 155mph (unless you pay extra for a pricey optional 'M Driver's package' that raises it to 180mph for the Saloon,in combination with Z-rated tyres). The 0-125mph sprint is apparently completed 0.5s quicker than before (at 11.8s) and peak torque is sustained for longer in the rev range, maxing out at 5,730rpm (it was 5,500rpm before). As before, BMW's fully variable M xDrive system certainly makes this M3 more seasonably usable; it offers three driving modes - '4WD', '4WD Sport' and (with the Dynamic Stability Control system disabled) '2WD', in which form most of the torque goes to the rear. Rapid progress is accompanied by a glorious roar from the active sports exhaust, whose soundtrack is one of the things you can alter either via the centre console 'Setup' button or the centre stack display's selectable 'M Menu'. Either way, you get to a screen allowing you to tailor your preferred drive settings and store your two most favoured combinations behind little red 'M1' and 'M2' tabs on the steering wheel - one perhaps for commuting, the other maybe for your favourite backroad. You can alter parameters for engine, transmission and steering; plus there are three 'chassis' options for the suppleness of the Adaptive M suspension with its electronically controlled damping; and two pedal feel settings for the M Compound brakes. Plus there's the centre console 'M Mode' button, which offers 'Road', 'Sport' and 'Track' settings, each of which changes the instrument display and the level of drive assistance system intervention. Braver folks can use the 'M Menu' to deactivate the DSC traction system and play with the track-orientated 'M Drift Analyser'. BMW's standard 'M Drive Professional' package also includes an 'M Laptimer', plus the brand has also redesigned the cooling and oil supply systems specially for circuit use. Whether all of this is enough to create in this updated G80-series model the best ever track-ready M3 is another question of course.

Design and Build

Visually, this model update is subtle, though M3 enthusiasts will spot the new arrow-shaped LED headlight designs, the smarter coloured alloy wheels (19-inches front / 20-inches rear) and the redesigned M3 badging. As before, if you don't want this Saloon body shape, there's an alternative Touring estate version. This G80-series design was the first to give the M3 has a front-end look distinct from the 3 Series it's based upon - which ended a 35 year tradition with this model line. The large vertical grille that defines that distinct look continues, featuring seven double horizontal louvres and a front number plate mounting point. This appendage differs from that on the 4 Series by being two separate elements, rather than a single frame design. The classy carbon fibre-reinforced plastic roof is carried over, with two lengthwise 'rails' that optimise airflow back to the boot-mounted spoiler and the multi-channel rear diffuser, which incorporates a pair of chrome tailpipes on either side. The changes inside are as subtle as the exterior ones. There's a new flat-bottomed steering wheel which can now be trimmed in race-style alcantara (we'd tick that box); and various aluminium fascia trim pieces that were optional before are now standard. As before, the 12.3-inch instrument screen is accompanied by a 14.9-inch curved infotainment display, the latter considerably upgraded as part of this update. There's now 5G connectivity, a widget bar that can be customised with favourite driver functions, augmented reality tech for the navigation and a more streamlined system to connect the car with the provided MyBMW app. As before with this generation M3, there are grippy M Sport seats which can be cooled. Plus there are M-specific graphics for the bigger head-up display. If you're wanting this M3 Competition Saloon (or indeed the M3 Competition Touring estate model), then rear seat space is possibly quite important to you because otherwise you'd probably have chosen the alternative M4 Competition Coupe version of this car. In the back, there's certainly more room to stretch out than was the case with the previous pre-2020-era F80-generation M3 design, the distance between the front and rear seats having been extended by 11mm. There's slightly more headroom than you might expect too and BMW says that this cabin's wide enough to take three child seats side by side, though only the two outside positions come with Isofix attachment points. Out back, there's a 480 litre boot. The Touring version's load capacity is 500-litres.

Market and Model

The M3 Competition M xDrive Saloon retails at around £90,000, which is around £28,000 more than the (itself desirable) 374hp M340i xDrive model, but a chunk cheaper than its two-door M4 Competition stablemate. You'll need nearly £92,000 for the alternative M3 Competition M xDrive Touring estate. As the M3 and M4 models are mechanically identical, it's only fair to see them priced so similarly, although historically, that hasn't stopped BMW pitching cars that are broadly similar under the skin at vastly different prices. M5 and M8 anyone? Nevertheless, well over eighty grand might seem quite a whack for a fast BMW 3 Series and some will ask whether this M3 is really worth all the extra over the quite extravagantly talented M340i xDrive model. Of course, you get a lot for the asking figure, particularly inside where signature M details include red accents for the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel and the start/stop button on the centre console. The selector lever with-Drivelogic switch is leather surfaced with an embedded M logo and stitching in M colours. An anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre High-gloss are standard. Fine-grain Merino black leather trim is standard as are M sport seats, which are electrically adjustable and heated. These seats have pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and an illuminated model badge. A highlight of the options list are the M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, which include CFRP in their construction and save 9.6kg over the standard M sport seats. These can be specified on their own or within the optional M Carbon Package. Forged M light-alloy silver wheels in 19-inch and 20-inch formats have been added to the extensive optional equipment roster for all model variants. Other key options include a head-up display and ventilated seats. Available as alternatives to the standard Merino leather trim are Merino full-leather trim, BMW Individual Merino leather trim with extended features and BMW Individual Merino full-leather trim - each in a choice of four colours.

Cost of Ownership

BMW has made great strides in improving the M3's economy and emissions and to put those figures into perspective, let's wind the clock back a bit to the previous six-cylinder M3, the E46 generation. That car, which was only retired in 2006, emitted 287g/km and managed a combined fuel economy figure of 23.7mpg; this from an engine that developed 340hp. This current G80 generation M3 develops a massive 510hp yet can see 28.8mpg and 223g/km in rear driven saloon form. The xDrive variant manages up to 28.2mpg and up to 228g/km. The M3 Competition's BiK Benefit in Kind taxation rate is a lofty 37%. The rare M3 CS, by the way, manages 27.7mpg and 230g/km of CO2. Insurance is as expensive as you'd expect from a car with that sort of potency under the bonnet, so younger drivers ought to ensure they can get halfway sensibly priced cover first. Residual values should hold up well too. This isn't a tired old platform that's being rolled out for one last hurrah. Used demand for this generation M3 should prove very healthy indeed.

Summary

Without doubt, this M3 is the most accomplished member of its long, iconic model line. That doesn't mean it'll be the most sought-after or fondly remembered design in the M3 portfolio of course. Purists won't like the fact that, for our market at least, manual transmission is unavailable. These were the same people who dismissed the first full-M car to go all drive and all-auto, the current M5, which is arguably the best performance machine the Munich manufacturer now offers. But perhaps now this M3 is more deserving of that title. You can customise the drivetrain for tail-out antics on the track. But enjoy its outstanding xDrive traction in all weathers on the road. For decades, the M3 has only been a confection you could really fully enjoy on the public highway for a portion of the year. That's changed now, plus there's a fresh level of interior luxury to cosset you when the need for speed is absent. Which leaves us with what: quite simply this. The most complete M3 ever made.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Heated washer jets

Front electric windows with open and close fingertip control, anti trap facility and comfort closing

Heat protection, sun protection glazing

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution

Automatic Stability Control (ASC)

Cornering brake control (CBC)

Dynamic brake control

Electromechanical parking brake

Dynamic Traction Control - DTC

Hill start assist

Brake energy regeneration

Brake fade compensation

Dynamic stability control + (DSC+)

Dry braking

Compound structure brake discs

Electronic differential lock control (EDLC)

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats in velour

Chassis/Suspension

M Drive Professional including track mode, laptimer, traction control & Drift analyser

M Adaptive suspension

Double joint spring strut front axle

Driver Aids

Park distance control

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with Servotronic

Speed limiter

Variable sport steering

Cruise control with braking function

Active Guard

M drive buttons

Driver Convenience

Automatic start/stop system

Pull away assistant

Start/stop button in red

Driver Information

On board computer

Lights on warning

Service interval indicator

Oil temperature gauge

Door/boot open warning light

On board diagnostics

Outside temperature display

Run flat indicator

Brake pad wear indicator warning light

BMW Teleservices

Smartphone integration

Optimum shift indicator

BMW legal emergency call

Condition based service

Oil sensor for level and grade, warning by check control system

BMW ConnectedDrive online services

Language version English

Shifting point display

BMW Live Cockpit Pro with Head up display including 12.3" instrument display and 14.9" high resolution control display with navigation function

Driving Mirrors

Electric folding door mirrors

Auto dimming driver's door mirror

Door mirror integrated indicators

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Mirror glass aspheric on driver's side, convex on passenger side

Automatic parking function on front passenger's exterior mirror

Electrochromic interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Electrochromic exterior driver side mirror

Embellishment Trims

Galvanic embellisher for controls

Engine

Safety battery terminal clamp

Entertainment

Auxiliary point for auxiliary devices

Personal eSim

Harman kardon surround sound audio system

DAB radio with bluetooth music capability

Exterior Body Features

Body colour bumpers

Rear reflectors

Shark fin roof aerial

Black model designation badges

Visible VIN plate

Front and rear bumper system

Black chrome exhaust tailpipes

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof

Door sill finishers with aluminium inserts

M designation

BMW high gloss shadow line with extended contents

Rear side wing doors

Rear boot

High gloss black lower bumper edges, side sills and diffuser edge binding

Entry sills with aluminium inserts and model badge

Bonnet and tailgate badge

BMW radiator grille, frameless, with horizontal double blind slats, black high-gloss, with model badge

Strakes in front side panel, black matt/high-gloss black, with model badge

Roof fin and roof trim strips in Black high-gloss

Front and rear plastic apron in vehicle colour

Front door sill strips in aluminium inlays with M3 inscription

Exterior Lights

Reversing light

Day time running light

Third brake light

Follow me home headlights

Automatic headlights + automatic windscreen wipers

Welcome lighting

Dynamic brake lights

Rear fog lights

Headlight beam throw control

LED tail lights with 3D L-shaped LED light design

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual zone automatic air conditioning

Interior Features

Anthracite headlining

Front door storage bins with bottle holder

Rake/reach adjustable steering wheel

Lockable/illuminated glovebox

Front/rear door armrests

2 cupholders in front centre console

Toolkit located in luggage compartment

Storage compartment in rear doors

Multifunction steering wheel

Storage tray and compartment with cover in centre console

English handbook

Battery in luggage compartment

Through loading system

Centre console armrest with storage compartment

Wireless charging tray

2 cupholders in rear armrest

2 x 12 V Power sockets (luggage compartment and front centre console)

2 x USB Type C ports for charging and data transmission in front centre console

Driving experience mode switch

Illuminated bow-type door handles in vehicle colour, driver's side with door lock

Interior Lights

Luggage compartment lighting

Front reading light

Front interior light

Front and rear door exit lights

Ambient lighting front and rear

Ambient lighting for storage compartment

Front footwell ambient lighting

Dynamic ambient interior lighting

Interior mirror lighting

Ambient door handle light

Contour lighting for door trim

Waterfall lighting for central air vent

Packs

Connected package professional - M3

High gloss shadowline exterior trim pack - M3

Extended storage pack - M3/M4

Safety

Front seat side impact airbags

Side impact protection

Two tone horn

Seatbelt warning

3 point seatbelts on all seats

Tyre pressure sensor

Warning triangle and first aid kit

Rear child proof door locks

Front and rear head airbags

Curtain airbags

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Crash sensor

Seat occupancy detection for driver and passenger side

M Sport seat belts

Seats

Electric front seats + driver memory

Heated front seats

2 rear head restraints

Height adjustable front headrests

Isofix on 2nd row outer seats

Front isofix attachment + airbag deactivation

3 seat bench in 2nd row

40:20:40 split folding rear seat with loading system

Front seat backrest width adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Security

Remote central locking

Locking wheel bolts

Centre lock switch

Electronic immobiliser

Thatcham cat 1 remote alarm

Closing system with central locking

Vehicle Key with 4 buttons including the integrated key

Transmission

M Sport differential

Sport automatic transmission with gearshift paddles

Vanity Mirrors

Driver/passenger sunvisors with ticket holders + illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 228

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 230

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 228

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 214

HC+NOx: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 195

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 227

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 345

Engine and Drive Train

Catalytic Convertor: No

Gears: 8 SPEED

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Compression Ratio: 9.3:1

Engine Layout: NORTH SOUTH

Cylinders: 6

Fuel Delivery: TWIN TURBO

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 24

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Engine Code: S58B30T0

CC: 2993

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 90

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 84

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 27.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 28

WLTP - MPG - Low: 18.5

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 28

WLTP - MPG - High: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 29.7

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9.5

General

Badge Power: 530

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 42E

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

Service Interval Mileage: 15000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Badge Engine CC: 3.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 6

Coin Description: xDrive [530]

Coin Series: M3 Competition M

Generation Mark: 7

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

Engine Torque - NM: 650

Engine Power - BHP: 530

Top Speed: 155

0 to 62 mph (secs): 3.5

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 479

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Torque - MKG: 66.3

Engine Torque - RPM: 2750

Engine Power - KW: 390

Engine Power - RPM: 6250

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Rear: 285/30 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: DOUBLE SPOKE - 826M

Tyre Size Front: 275/35 R19

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4801

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1438

Width (including mirrors): 2068

Wheelbase: 2857

Width: 1903

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Max. Roof Load: 75

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 480

Max. Loading Weight: 480

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 59

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2260

Minimum Kerbweight: 1780

Body Glass

Acoustic glazing

Brakes

M brakes with red calipers

M brakes with black calipers

M Carbon ceramic brakes

Driver Aids

Parking assistant plus with 360 degree surround view camera system and remote 3D view

Driver Information

BMW Drive recorder

Embellishment Trims

Luxury instrument panel

Carbon Fibre M interior trim finishers

Exterior Body Features

BMW Individual Frozen paint

Deletion of specific exterior design contents

Additional solid paint

BMW Individual Metallic paint

Electric glass roof

Metallic paint

Model designation deletion

Exterior Lights

BMW Individual shadowline lights

High beam assistant

Interior Features

Bicolour Merino leather upholstery

Heated steering wheel

Individual extended Merino leather upholstery

Individual full Merino leather upholstery

Full Merino leather upholstery

M Alcantara steering wheel

Full bicolour Merino leather upholstery

Packs

M Race track pack - M3

Technology pack in combination with Driving assistant professional - M3

Technology pack - M3

M Carbon exterior pack - M3

M Drivers pack - M3

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Aventurine red

Metallic - Isle of Man green

Metallic - Brooklyn grey

Metallic - Black sapphire

Metallic - Toronto Red

Metallic - Skyscraper grey

Metallic - Portimao blue

Paint - Solid

Solid - Alpine white

Solid - Sao Paulo yellow

Paint - Special

Individual paint - Frozen brilliant white

BMW Individual metallic paint - Tanzanite blue

BMW Individual metallic paint - Dravit grey

BMW Individual paint special - Custom

Individual paint - Frozen pure grey

Individual paint - Frozen Portimao blue

BMW Individual paint - Special request

Safety

Active protection

Seats

Active seat ventilation in the front seats

M Carbon bucket seats

Trim - Leather

Bicolour Merino leather - Silverstone and black

Bicolour Merino leather - Kyalami orange and black

Bicolour Merino leather - Yas Marina Blue and black with yellow accents

Individual full Merino leather - Fiona red and black

Individual full Merino leather - Fjord blue and black

Individual extended Merino leather - Fiona red and black

Merino leather - Black

Full Merino leather - Black

Individual extended Merino leather - Fjord blue and black

Individual Full Merino Leather - Tartufo

Individual extended Merino leather - Tartufo

Individual full merino leather - Ivory white

Individual extended Merino leather - Ivory white

Full bicolour Merino leather - Yas Marina Blue and black with yellow accents

Full bicolour Merino leather - Silverstone and black

Full bicolour Merino leather - Kyalami orange and black

Wheels - Alloy

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with mixed tyres in Bicolour black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 825M with mixed tyres in Silver

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 826M with mixed and TRACK tyres in black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke forged alloy wheels 826M with mixed and TRACK tyres in black in combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with TRACK tyres in Bicolour black in combination with M race track pack

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 825M with mixed tyres in Bicolour black

19" front / 20" rear double spoke alloy wheels 826M with TRACK tyres in Bicolour black