Introducing the new BMW M3
If you want a new saloon that feels special every time you start it, the new BMW M3 is a popular choice.
The latest M3 range does more than simply add power. It gives you a broader choice of trim options, from the manual rear-wheel-drive M3 for drivers who want the most traditional setup, to the faster M3 Competition models with automatic gearshifts and, in xDrive form, extra traction when the road is wet or greasy.
Inside, the latest car feels more modern than older M3 models thanks to the curved BMW display, the latest iDrive setup, and more configurable M-specific drive settings. It still feels focused from the driver’s seat, but it is easier to live with in traffic, on the motorway, and on longer trips than many buyers expect from a car with this level of performance.
If you want to see how the BMW M3 feels on your roads, the best next step is to book a test drive.
New BMW M3 trim options
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Trim
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Best for
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Key features and differences
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M3 (RWD, manual)
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Drivers who want the purest, most traditional M3 experience
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Rear-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox, around 480PS, and the most hands-on feel of the range. This is the trim for buyers who enjoy choosing their own gears and want the most classic M3 setup.
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M3 Competition (RWD, auto)
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Drivers who want more power and easier day-to-day use without giving up rear-wheel-drive balance
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Rear-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic gearbox, around 530PS, and quicker shifts than the manual car. It feels easier in traffic and stronger in the mid-range, while still keeping the rear-driven character many M3 buyers want.
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M3 Competition xDrive
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Drivers who want the quickest M3 and extra confidence in poor weather
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xDrive all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic gearbox, around 530PS, and the strongest launch traction in the range. This is the easiest version to use all year round, especially if you drive hard on wet roads or want the fastest point-to-point pace.
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New BMW M3 running costs
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Trim
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Transmission and drivetrain
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Official combined fuel economy
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CO2 emissions
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Running cost note
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M3 (RWD, manual)
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Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
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Up to around 28.5 mpg
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Around 227 to 231 g/km
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The manual car gives you the most traditional setup, but it is still a high-performance six-cylinder model, so fuel and tyre costs remain premium-car territory.
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M3 Competition (RWD, auto)
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Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
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Up to around 28.5 mpg
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Around 228 to 232 g/km
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The automatic gearbox helps in traffic and on long journeys. Running costs stay close to the manual car, but stronger performance can mean faster tyre wear if you drive hard.
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M3 Competition xDrive
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Eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive
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Up to around 28.2 mpg
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Around 229 to 233 g/km
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xDrive gives you stronger traction, but extra drivetrain hardware means slightly higher fuel use than the rear-wheel-drive cars.
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New BMW M3 safety features and rating
- Front collision warning with brake intervention helps reduce the risk of a front-end impact in slower traffic.
- Lane departure warning helps if the car starts to drift from its lane without an indicator.
- Speed limit information displays the current road limit in the driver’s view.
- Park Distance Control at the front and rear helps when you reverse into a tight bay or edge into a narrow space.
- A reversing camera gives you a clearer view behind the car when you back out of a driveway or parking bay.
- Tyre pressure monitoring warns you if a tyre loses pressure, which is especially useful on a performance car running larger wheels and lower-profile tyres.
- Cruise control with braking function helps keep motorway driving calmer and more consistent.
- Multiple airbags, including front, side, and head protection airbags, give strong occupant protection in the event of a crash.
New BMW M3 practicality and space
- The BMW M3 Saloon gives you a boot of around 480 litres, which is enough for a weekly shop, a couple of large suitcases, or sports bags for a weekend away.
- Split-folding rear seats make it easier to carry longer items when you need more flexibility than a normal saloon usually offers.
- The rear cabin gives useful adult space for a performance saloon, so it works for family use or carrying colleagues without feeling cramped.
- Front and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing camera, make the M3 easier to place in town than its width and performance image suggest.
- M Carbon Bucket Seats are a track-focused option, but they also have a real everyday benefit for the right buyer: they hold you firmly in place through quick corners and long motorway bends, so you do less bracing with your body and stay better supported on longer drives.
- The latest generation introduces the first-ever M3 Touring, which takes the same core M3 performance hardware and adds much more carrying space. That matters in everyday life because the Touring gives you a bigger boot, a wider opening, and a more flexible load area for pushchairs, dogs, luggage, or bulky shopping.
New BMW M3 tech and convenience
- BMW Curved Display combines a digital driver display with a wide central touchscreen, so navigation, media, and car settings are easier to read at a glance.
- BMW iDrive gives you touchscreen, controller, and voice control options, which makes the system easier to use on the move than setups that rely on one method alone.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto let you use your own music, maps, and messages without plugging your phone in every trip.
- M setup buttons on the steering wheel let you store favourite car settings, so you can switch quickly between a calmer road setup and a sharper performance setup.
- Adaptive M suspension helps the car cover poor road surfaces more cleanly than many buyers expect, while still tightening body control when you want a more focused drive.
- M Drift Analyser is a specialist tool that measures drift angle and distance. Most owners will only use it on track days or closed venues, but it highlights how much performance software the M3 gives you if you want to explore the car more deeply.
- M Drive Professional adds extra performance menus and configurable drive features, which helps you tailor steering, braking, traction, and drivetrain response to the way you actually drive.
- Parking Assistant functions take some of the stress out of tight urban manoeuvres, which is useful in a car with a wide stance and strong performance.
Can I buy a new BMW M3 on finance?
You can buy a BMW M3 on finance with Vertu, allowing you to spread the cost into monthly payments rather than paying the full amount up front. The right BMW M3 on finance option depends on the trim you choose, your deposit, and how many miles you expect to cover each year.
- PCP stands for Personal Contract Purchase. This can suit buyers who want lower monthly payments and the flexibility to choose what happens at the end of the agreement. Terms can vary depending on the version of M3 you choose.
- HP stands for Hire Purchase. This can suit buyers who want to pay towards ownership from the start and keep the agreement simple.
- PCH stands for Personal Contract Hire. This can suit buyers who want to drive the car for an agreed term and then hand it back at the end, rather than owning it.
For a more detailed guide to how these options work, read car finance explained.
Where can I buy a new BMW M3?
If you want to buy a new BMW M3 from a team that understands the brand properly, visit a BMW dealership at Vertu. You can see the car up close, talk through the differences between trims, and get clear advice on which version best suits your driving, budget, and day-to-day needs.
Buying through Vertu also means you can expect expert customer service, support with finance options, and help from colleagues who can explain the details. That matters with a car like the M3, because the right choice is not only about power output. It is also about drivetrain, gearbox, comfort features, and how you plan to use the car week to week.
When you visit, you can also browse other new BMW models and compare them with the wider range of new cars in stock.
New BMW M3 FAQs
Which new BMW M3 trim should I choose?
Choose the manual rear-wheel-drive M3 if you want the most traditional and involved version of the car. Choose the M3 Competition if you want stronger performance and the ease of an automatic gearbox while keeping rear-wheel-drive balance. Choose the M3 Competition xDrive if you want the quickest car in the range and extra traction in bad weather. If you need much more carrying space, the M3 Touring is the one to look at, because it gives you the same core performance feel with a far more flexible boot.
What warranty cover should I expect on a new BMW M3?
A new BMW M3 typically comes with a three-year unlimited mileage BMW manufacturer warranty in the UK. That gives useful peace of mind if you are buying a high-performance model and want clear cover from day one. Always check the exact terms on the specific car you are ordering, but three years of manufacturer cover is the usual starting point buyers look for.
Is the new BMW M3 easy to park in tight spaces?
The M3 is easier to park than many people expect. Front and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing camera, help you judge the car’s length and width much more clearly when you reverse into a space or edge past a wall. It is still a wide performance saloon, so you need to be accurate, but the parking tech makes daily use far less stressful.
What insurance group is the new BMW M3 in?
The BMW M3 sits in the higher insurance groups, which is normal for a high-performance saloon. As a guide, the manual M3 usually sits around the mid-40s, the M3 Competition tends to sit slightly higher, and the M3 Competition xDrive is often at the top end of the range. Exact insurance group and premium can vary by trim, options, postcode, driver history, and insurer, so it is always worth getting a quote on the exact version you want.
Are the tech features of the new BMW M3 easy to use?
Yes, the latest BMW setup is easier to use than many performance-car buyers expect. The curved display is clear, the menus are easier to follow, and the steering-wheel shortcuts help you jump quickly into your preferred M settings. That means the M3 still feels special and performance-focused, but it does not ask you to relearn the car every time you use it.
Should I choose a fixed or flexible servicing plan for a new BMW M3?
A fixed servicing plan can make sense if you want predictable costs and like knowing exactly what you are paying for over time. A flexible approach can suit you better if your mileage changes a lot from year to year, or if you want to tailor maintenance around how the car is actually used. With a performance model like the M3, regular servicing matters, so it is worth comparing your options through BMW servicing.
