The BMW M3 has long been synonymous with high-performance sports sedans, embodying a legacy of motorsport success and exhilarating driving dynamics. Now in its sixth generation, the New M3 Sedan elevates this storied lineage to unprecedented heights, delivering more power, advanced technology, and distinctive character than ever before. This latest iteration not only reaffirms its position as a benchmark in its class but also expands the M3 family with the introduction of the versatile M3 Touring.
Tracing back nearly four decades, the original BMW M3, launched in 1986, set the standard for touring car racing and captivated drivers worldwide. The new M3 Sedan continues this tradition, offering a race-car-inspired experience for the road. This generation stands out with its enhanced power output, refined handling, and cutting-edge features, ensuring it remains at the forefront of the high-performance sedan segment.
The heart of the new M3 Sedan lies in its potent six-cylinder in-line engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology. For the flagship new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive, this engine now produces a formidable 390 kW/530 hp, channeled to all four wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. This increased power translates to blistering acceleration and sustained performance, further amplified by the intelligent M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
The standard new BMW M3 Sedan delivers a maximum output of 375 kW/510 hp, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. For purists seeking the ultimate engagement, the new BMW M3 Sedan also offers a 353 kW/480 hp variant paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, providing a raw and unfiltered driving experience unmatched in its class.
Production for all variants of the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M3 Touring will take place at BMW Group Plant Munich, with a global rollout commencing in July 2024. The USA, China, Great Britain, Australia, and Germany are identified as key markets for the new M3 Sedan, while the M3 Touring gains significant traction in Germany, Great Britain, other European nations, and Australia.
The introduction of the BMW M3 Touring marks a significant expansion of the M3 range. This model seamlessly blends the renowned performance characteristics of the M3 with enhanced practicality and cargo space, making it an ideal choice for those who demand versatility without compromising on driving excitement. The M3 Touring is exclusively available with the most powerful engine variant and M xDrive, reinforcing its position as a high-performance vehicle ready for any adventure. With rear seats folded, the luggage capacity expands from 500 to an impressive 1,510 liters.
The striking design of the new M3 Sedan and Touring models is instantly recognizable, characterized by hallmark M features meticulously crafted to meet aerodynamic and cooling requirements. The prominent vertical BMW kidney grille with horizontal double bars, flared wheel arches, extended side skirts in high-gloss Black, and distinctive front and rear apron attachments underscore the dynamic capabilities of these vehicles. The new M3 Sedan features a carbon-fiber roof as standard, while the M3 Touring sports black roof rails and a Gurney flap on the roof spoiler for optimized airflow.
Under the hood, the engine technology of the new M3 Sedan draws heavily from motorsport engineering. The high-revving 3.0-liter straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers linear power delivery and an exhilarating performance experience. Engine components adapted from racing include a sleeve-free, closed-deck crankcase, a lightweight forged crankshaft, and cylinder bores with a wire-arc sprayed iron coating. A 3D-printed core for the cylinder head allows for optimized coolant duct routing, a unique M-specific feature.
The cooling and oil supply systems are engineered to withstand the rigors of track driving. A map-controlled oil pump ensures consistent oil delivery even under extreme G-forces. M TwinPower Turbo technology incorporates two mono-scroll turbochargers, each feeding three cylinders, along with an indirect intercooler and optimized compressors. High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing, and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing further enhance engine responsiveness and efficiency.
The enhanced engine in the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and Touring models gains an additional 15 kW/20 hp through refined digital engine control unit (DME) configuration. This results in a maximum output of 390 kW/530 hp and peak torque of 650 Nm, available across a broader rev range. The result is even more intense and sustained power delivery, especially noticeable at the limit, and improved acceleration figures. The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive achieves 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds, while the Touring variant completes it in 3.6 seconds.
Drivers can tailor their experience with the new M3 Sedan through model-specific configurations of engine, transmission, and chassis. The six-speed manual gearbox in the standard new BMW M3 Sedan and the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission in Competition models are finely tuned to engine characteristics. The M Steptronic transmission includes Drivelogic and steering wheel paddles for manual gear changes. The Drivelogic button allows further customization of shift characteristics.
M xDrive in the Competition models elevates traction, maintaining a rear-biased setup for enhanced agility. The system works in conjunction with the Active M Differential for optimal cornering performance. Drivers can select 4WD Sport mode for even more rear-wheel bias or switch off DSC to engage 2WD mode for a pure rear-drive experience.
The chassis of the new M3 Sedan benefits from high torsional body stiffness and chassis mountings, ensuring precise handling and steering response. The M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics of the suspension, combined with standard adaptive M suspension, strike a balance between dynamic handling and everyday comfort. Drivers can select from three damper settings via the M Setup menu. M Servotronic steering and an integrated braking system, available with standard M Compound brakes or optional M Carbon ceramic brakes, further enhance driving dynamics. M Carbon ceramic brakes offer superior heat resistance and reduce unsprung mass by approximately 14 kilograms.
The DSC system in the new M3 Sedan includes M Dynamic Mode, which raises intervention thresholds for sporty driving, and can be fully deactivated. M Traction Control, standard on Competition models and optional on the base model, offers ten stages of slip control adjustment, allowing drivers to fine-tune traction settings for various conditions. M Laptimer and M Drift Analyser are available to aid track driving and drifting skills.
All new BMW M3 Sedan variants are equipped with M forged light-alloy wheels with staggered sizes for optimized handling. Rear-wheel-drive models feature 18-inch front and 19-inch rear Orbit Grey metallic wheels. M xDrive models come with 19-inch front and 20-inch rear Jetblack forged light-alloy wheels. New Silver finish forged M light-alloy wheels are optionally available in 19-inch and 20-inch sizes for all models.
The new BMW M3 Sedan sets new standards in driver assistance with a comprehensive suite of standard and optional systems. The M Mode button allows drivers to adjust the intervention levels of these systems, with a TRACK setting available for circuit driving that deactivates all comfort and safety features. Standard features include Park Distance Control, Cruise Control with brake function, front collision warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Speed Limit Info. Optional systems include Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant, and Driving Assistant Professional with features like Steering and Lane Control Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go.
The refreshed exterior of the new M3 Sedan includes newly designed LED headlights with integrated low and high beams and arrow-shaped LED units for daytime running lights and turn signals. Slim LED rear lights with L-shaped taillights complement the updated front design. Adaptive LED Headlights with matrix high beam and M Shadowline lights are optional.
Inside, the new M3 Sedan features a driver-focused cockpit with new steering wheels, controls, and premium materials. A newly designed three-spoke M leather steering wheel with a flat-bottom rim, multifunction buttons, and red 12 o’clock marker is standard. An M Alcantara steering wheel is newly optional. The center console houses controls for vehicle setup, M Mode, and the BMW iDrive system. Standard interior trim is Dark Graphite matt, with optional Aluminium Rhombicle Anthracite, M Carbon Fibre, and Fine Brushed Aluminium trims available.
Standard M sport seats offer extensive electric adjustments, while optional M Carbon bucket seats provide a race-car-like seating position and save 9.6 kilograms in weight. Merino leather upholstery is standard, with extended and full-leather options available.
The new BMW M3 Sedan features the BMW Curved Display and BMW Operating System 8.5, offering intuitive touch and voice control. The 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display present M-specific content. The automatic climate control is now digitally operated via the control display or voice command. Ambient lighting, BMW Maps, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, and a HiFi speaker system are standard.
Optional M Carbon exterior package, M Race Track package, and BMW M Performance Parts further enhance the visual appeal and performance of the new M3 Sedan, allowing for extensive personalization.
In conclusion, the new M3 Sedan represents a significant evolution of an icon, delivering unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a motorsport-inspired driving experience. Whether opting for the purist rear-wheel-drive manual version or the all-conquering M xDrive Competition model, the new M3 Sedan reaffirms its position as the ultimate high-performance sports sedan, continuing a legacy of driving excellence.
