BMW M3 Review – Alright, let’s get something straight: I’ve been a BMW fan for years, and the M3 has always been one of those cars that I could see myself owning… one day. It’s the car that made me fall in love with the idea of luxury sports sedans that balance insane performance with daily usability. Now, it’s 2025, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend some serious time behind the wheel of the latest M3. The big question I had going into this review was: is the BMW M3 still the best in its class? Spoiler alert: it kind of depends, but let me walk you through it.
BMW M3 Review: Is It Still the Best in Its Class in 2025?
Performance: The Heart of the M3
Let’s start with the big thing everyone talks about: the performance. If you’ve driven any BMW M car, you’ll know what I mean when I say that it’s an experience. You feel the power in every shift, every corner, and every acceleration. The 2025 M3 is no different. Under the hood, we’re looking at a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that cranks out a blistering 473 horsepower in the standard version, and up to 503 horsepower if you step up to the Competition trim. Trust me, that’s plenty of power to give you a little thrill, even on a casual drive.
I took the M3 out on both city roads and some open highways, and, wow, the acceleration is just mind-blowing. It’s one of those cars that will throw you back in your seat like a roller coaster, but without the nausea afterward. The new 8-speed M Steptronic transmission shifts smoothly, making it easy to get from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds if you go for the Competition model. It’s hard not to feel like you’re driving something special when the car responds so quickly to your touch.
But here’s the thing: I’ve also driven some competitors—Audi RS5, Mercedes-AMG C63, and even the Porsche 911 Carrera. Each of these offers something different in terms of power delivery and handling. Audi’s RS5 has that Quattro all-wheel drive that really digs in, and the AMG C63 is raw, with that insane V8 sound. But when it comes to a balance of track-ready performance and something you can drive every day, the M3 just feels… well, right. It’s not as raw as the AMG, and it doesn’t have the all-weather confidence of the Audi, but it’s got a balance that’s hard to beat.
Handling: Precision Is Key
Speaking of balance, let’s talk about how the M3 handles. BMW has nailed it with the chassis here. The M3’s handling is razor-sharp. I spent a solid afternoon taking it through some twisty mountain roads, and I was amazed at how the M3 stuck to the curves. The adaptive M suspension lets you dial in the stiffness based on how aggressive you want to get. I wasn’t even driving particularly hard, but the car just felt planted, responding immediately to every turn of the wheel.
One thing that still blows my mind about the M3 is the rear-wheel-drive dynamics. There’s this feeling of the car being almost alive—like it’s reading your mind when you push it into a corner. Sure, you could opt for the xDrive all-wheel drive for a bit more security and grip, but I honestly love the rear-wheel drive in this car. It lets you have that classic M car experience of feeling the car move beneath you.
But again, it’s not the only player in the game. The Audi RS5 is superb in terms of handling too, thanks to Quattro, and it feels a bit more forgiving. The M3 might take a bit more focus, but once you get it, the rewards are incredible. On the other hand, the C63 is a bit more aggressive with its handling, which can be fun but might make it harder to drive for someone who’s not used to that type of setup.
Interior: Comfortable Yet Focused
Now, we get to the part of the M3 that can sometimes get overlooked: the interior. I’ll be honest, the M3 isn’t as luxurious as some other high-end sedans in its class, but it’s not supposed to be. The focus is still on driver engagement. The sports seats are incredibly comfortable, though—hugging you in all the right places when you’re pushing it on the track, but not uncomfortable on longer drives. The new iDrive 8 infotainment system is slick, and while it takes a minute to get used to, once you do, it’s very intuitive. The voice controls are much better in 2025, and the integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is seamless.
What I’ve noticed over the years is that BMW knows how to make a cockpit feel like a place where you’re in control, but it’s not so stripped down that it feels harsh. Everything is where you need it, from the tactile buttons for drive modes to the large digital displays that keep track of every metric you could possibly want. The only downside? Some might find the back seats a bit cramped—especially for those long trips. But honestly, that’s not a dealbreaker in a car that’s all about driving pleasure.
Price and Value: Is It Worth It?
Okay, so here’s where the rubber meets the road: price. The 2025 BMW M3 starts around $73,800, with the Competition trim creeping up past $80,000. That’s a lot of money, especially when you look at some of the competition. The Audi RS5, for example, starts around $75,000, and the AMG C63 is a similar price. The Porsche 911 Carrera, while a bit of a different beast, starts around $60,000 for the base model.
So, is the M3 worth the money? Well, that’s subjective. If you’re someone who values a balanced, engaging driving experience, the M3 offers that in spades. It’s still a top contender in terms of performance, handling, and even luxury. But if you’re after a bit more raw power or all-wheel drive security, the competition might be a better option for you.
In conclusion, the BMW M3 of 2025 is still one of the best in its class, though it’s not without its competition. The performance is second to none, the handling is precise, and the interior balances luxury and sport in a way that few others can. Sure, there are areas where the competition may edge it out—like the raw power of the AMG C63 or the all-wheel-drive confidence of the Audi RS5. But if you’re looking for the full package—a car that excels at both the everyday commute and track days—the M3 continues to set the standard. Would I still call it the best in its class? Yeah, I think I would.
