Refreshed BMW M3: Beefed up power and attitude for the saloon

Refreshed BMW M3: Beefed up power and attitude for the saloon 

In the realm of performance sedans, the current BMW M3, with its controversial nose, stands as a formidable variant against the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, Alfa Romeo Giulia QV, and Audi RS 5. 

Approximately four years have passed since the introduction of the saloon in South Africa. Both the rear-wheel-drive and xDrive configurations have demonstrated remarkable capabilities and outstanding performance. This was particularly evident during our 2022 Speed Week, where the vehicle’s performance was truly amazing.

For the 2025 model year, BMW M is giving the sedan and Touring models a makeover, and one thing we can say is that the controversial nose isn’t going anywhere. The exterior design remains subtle, featuring new LED headlights and fresh accents, while the rear of the M3 now features slimmer LED taillights with an L-shaped design.

Buyers will be able to fit adaptive LED headlights at an extra cost. To differentiate the M3 Competition variant from the regular models, the badge on the boot lid is now accented by an elegant silver-coloured surround.

As standard, the new M3 swans around with M-forged light-alloy wheels in axle-specific rim sizes that range between 18 inches and 20 inches, depending on the model. 

The car's interior now mirrors the current BMW M cars, marking the biggest change. These include the standard-fit BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch control display with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 for the iDrive, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity.

In terms of power, the rear-wheel-drive BMW M3 and its Competiton variants soldier on with the same S65 3.0-litre in-line straight-six twin-turbo petrol engine with 375kW and 650Nm. However, BMW M engineers have fettled with the refreshed xDrive M3 Competition’s engine, enhancing its power output to 390kW, while the torque figures remain the same. 

These particular models are available with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

For markets fortunate enough to receive the rear-wheel-drive-only models with a 6-speed manual transmission, the power from the same S65 engine has been lowered to 353kW. 

And performance? You ask. Well, the new BMW M3 Competition sedan and Touring with M xDrive both hurtle from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds and 3.6 seconds, respectively. Their top speeds are capped at 250km/h, but BMW M can increase it to 290km/h for the sedan and 280km/h for the Touring via the optional M Driver’s Package. 

In case you are wondering about its closest competitor from Stuttgart, the C63 S E Performance, despite the lack of the V8, gushes out 500kW and an earth-shaking 1,020Nm. It sprints from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds en route to a top speed of 280km/h.

Only the xDrive version of the updated BMW M3 Competition sedan models will launch in South Africa in the upcoming months. We expect the arrival of these models to align with the launch of the M3 Touring xDrive, priced at R2,195,000.

Despite its unique and much-debated front-end design, the BMW M3 stands as a fantastic triumph in the realm of modern sports saloons. Its performance and features set it apart, with few, if any, rivals able to rival its offerings.

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