2025 BMW M3 Competition Sedan: For Thrill Seeking 3 Series Performance Driving

 

Highlight: This high-performance 3 Series pushes out 503-horsepower.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $105,875 (Base Model 3-Series rear wheel drive): $46,675

Seating Capacity: 4 to 5

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; active knee protection: front and rear parking distance controls; forward collision mitigation; a lane keep assist system; 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes; a mobility kit; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (M3 Competition): 19/20 inch wheels; non metallic paint; an aluminum hood with a power dome;  a sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes; a carbon fiber roof; an adaptive suspension; M sport differential; wireless device charging; power folding heated side mirrors; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a radar activated cruise control system; a curved voice activated navigation system; a keyless entry system; a multi-zone ventilation system; leather seats; heated front seats; and trunk spoiler

Options: special exterior paint color; Silverstone black leather; carbon package; parking assist package; full LED headlights with cornering light; a heated steering wheel; power tailgate; a remote engine start; a carbon fiber trim; performance carbon bucket front seats; carbon ceramic brakes; a driver’s package; 19 to 20-inch spoke wheels; shadowline lights; galvanic controls; and Alcantara steering wheel

Other Trim Levels:

M3

M4 (Sedan)

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a Harman Kardon AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Powertrain Warranty: 4 year or 50,000 miles

Bumper to Bumper Warranty: 4 year or 50,000 miles

Motor/Horsepower: 3.0-liter, twin power turbo/503-horsepower (test model)

Standard Mileage: 16-city/23-hwy

What’s New: For the 2025 model year, the M3 Competition receives a midcycle update. While the AWD trim get a 20-horsepower boost, the other trims receives new headlights, interior updates, including a new interior, steering wheel design and a next generation operational system.  

Why:

An eye-catching stylish design 

Sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes

Unlike several BMWs, the aggressive grille seems fitting for the model

Optional interior carbon package

Optional Sculpted art-like front seats with carbon fiber trim and side grab handles

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel

Performance oriented with a top speed of 180-mph

0-60 mph in under 4 seconds

Handling capabilities designed for the streets or the track

21-inch wheels

Remote start

Safety driving aids

Panoramic roof

Wireless charging

An augmented viewing navigation system

The infotainment screen provided a detailed drift analyzer (eg. drift angle, drift distance, drift duration)

An ability to carry four occupants, possibly five

Color-coded brake calipers available

Up to a 15-inch display screen

A heads up display (HUD) system

M4 Competition Coupe (compliments the M3 Competition Sedan

Available with a manual transmission

A sporty spoiler

Ventilated seats available

A co-pilot driver's assist system available

 

But: 

Firm ride due to the Competition package; it’s a performance vehicle

No power sunroof with the optional M Driver's package

Significantly less horsepower than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63

An expensive 3 Series

The Alcantara steering wheel requires additional cleaning due to the material

 

Verdict: In a world where coupes, sedans and performance cars seem like an after-thought, this year’s 2025 BMW 3 Series, with its Competition trim, remind us of the German brand’s roots of engineering driving machines.

Yes, while most consumers’ purchasing habits have steered toward huge trucks, SUVs and crossovers, the body fitting M3 Competition, with its optional art-like sculpted front seats, is an indication that there’s still an appetite for cars, more specifically performance sedans.

As this year’s 3 Series celebrates 50 years, it’s no wonder why the iconic model has been a staple for the brand. Although the entry to own a rear-wheel drive 3-Series requires one to dole out close to $47,000, it’s a bargain when compared to the $100,000 required of the M3 Competition package we tested.

However, once we spent time behind the M3 Competition package, which is designed for obsessed performance drivers, we could readily see why one would opt for this pricey higher-level trim. From the 500 plus horsepower to the stiffer suspension to the museum-like modern interior design, the M3 Competition seemed as if it was worth every penny. We also must not for those seeking a 20-horsepower boost, they’ll have to step up to the M3 Competition xDrive. It’s too bad we didn’t have a chance to verify that the vehicle speed limit topped out at 180-mph. For now, we’ll have to take BMW engineering team at its word.

Competition: Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63