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BMW 3 Series vs BMW M3 – Differences & Prices Compared

Compare performance, trunk space, efficiency, and price at a glance.
Find out now which car suits you better – the BMW 3 Series or the BMW M3?

The BMW 3 Series (Sedan) comes with a or Plug-In Hybrid engine and Automatic transmission. In comparison, the BMW M3 (Sedan) features a Gasoline engine and Manual or Automatic transmission.

If you're looking for more power, decide whether the 386 HP of the BMW 3 Series or the 523 HP of the BMW M3 better fits your needs.

The BMW 3 Series offers a fuel efficiency of 28 mpg, compared to 16 mpg for the BMW M3.

Price-wise, the BMW 3 Series starts at 45600 $, while the BMW M3 is available from 76000 $. Compare all details and see which model fits your lifestyle best!

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BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series continues to set the standard in the compact executive class with its blend of dynamic performance, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge technology. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, this model offers a comfortable ride without compromising on the driving excitement BMW is known for. Inside, the high-quality materials and intuitive infotainment system make every journey as enjoyable as it is efficient.

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BMW M3

The BMW M3 stands as a quintessential beacon of performance prowess in the world of luxury sports sedans. Characterized by its ferocious engine and precision engineering, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that is equally at home on both the track and the open road. Blending sophistication with sheer muscle, this model remains a favorite among enthusiasts seeking the ultimate blend of everyday usability and dynamic sporting flair.

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BMW 3 Series
BMW M3

Costs and Consumption

Price
45600 - 62200 $
Price
76000 - 85300 $
FuelEconomy City
26 - 28 mpg
FuelEconomy City
15 - 16 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
33 - 35 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
22 - 23 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
10.6 - 15.6 gal
Fuel tank capacity
15.60 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
3644 - 4138 lbs
Curb weight
3840 - 3990 lbs
Trunk Volume
13.2 - 16.9 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
16.90 cu. ft.
Length
185.7 - 185.9 in.
Length
189.10 in.
Width
71.90 in.
Width
74.30 in.
Height
56 - 57 in.
Height
56 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
, Plug-In Hybrid
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Drive Type
Rear Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Rear Wheel, All Wheel
Power HP
255 - 386 HP
Power HP
473 - 523 HP
Torque
295 - 398 lb-ft
Torque
406 - 479 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2 - 3 L
Engine Displacement
3 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
Brand
BMW
Brand
BMW

BMW 3 Series

Innovations and Performance: The BMW 3 Series Goes from Strength to Strength

The BMW 3 Series stands tall as a paradigm of luxury, performance, and innovation. Known for its agile handling, powerful engines, and cutting-edge technology, the 3 Series continues to captivate car enthusiasts worldwide. With the latest models for 2024 and 2025, BMW pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering, ensuring its long-standing reputation as the ultimate sports sedan.

Grace in Design: Athleticism Meets Elegance

The BMW 3 Series embodies a blend of athleticism and elegance, with a distinctive silhouette featuring pronounced lines and aerodynamic curves. Measuring 185.7 to 185.9 inches in length, with a width of 71.9 inches and a height ranging from 56 to 57 inches, the 3 Series masterfully balances aesthetics with practical proportions. A spacious trunk with up to 16.9 cubic feet of volume ensures practical utility without compromising style.

Powerful and Efficient: Engine Options That Impress

The 3 Series offers an array of powertrains designed for varying performance appetites. With engine options boasting 255 HP and 386 HP, drivers can select between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants. The plug-in hybrid models further broaden the choice with 288 HP, combining performance with efficiency. Engine displacements of 2 and 3 liters deliver impressive power with up to 398 lb-ft of torque.

Fuel efficiency in the new 3 Series is thoughtfully engineered, offering city fuel economy from 26 to 28 MPG and highway efficiency from 33 to 35 MPG, underscoring BMW's commitment to sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Advanced Technology: Seamless Integration of Cutting-Edge Innovations

Inside the 3 Series, the emphasis on seamless technology integration is unmistakable. Equipped with state-of-the-art infotainment systems, driver-assistance features, and connectivity options, the driving experience is both intuitive and sophisticated. Automation and user-friendly interfaces enhance safety and convenience, making everyday driving a pleasure.

Comfort and Practicality: Luxury at Its Best

The cabin of the BMW 3 Series is a testament to thoughtful design, featuring ergonomic seating for five, ensuring optimal comfort for both driver and passengers. Craftsmanship is evident in the premium materials used throughout, offering a luxurious feel typically reserved for higher segments.

The 3 Series also accounts for practical considerations, featuring a fuel tank capacity of up to 15.6 gallons for extended journeys, and a curb weight range from 3644 to 4138 lbs, reflecting its robust build and stability on the road.

Conclusion: A Timeless Benchmark in the Sports Sedan Segment

The BMW 3 Series continues to set the benchmark in the sports sedan segment, combining sleek design, potent performance, and innovative technology. With its variety of models and engine options, it offers something for every driving enthusiast, ensuring its place as a timeless staple in the automotive world.

BMW M3

The Iconic BMW M3: Performance Unleashed

The BMW M3 has long stood as the pinnacle of the sports sedan category, combining quintessential elegance with unyielding performance. The 2025 model continues this proud legacy with a selection of variants delivering unparalleled driving experiences.

Exhilarating Power and Efficient Engineering

Under the hood of the BMW M3 is a powerhouse of engineering. The variants offer an impressive range of power outputs: the 473 HP with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, a mighty 503 HP with an automatic gearbox, and the top-tier 523 HP featuring all-wheel drive. Each version is crafted with a turbocharged 3-liter inline-6 engine that marries peak performance with optimized efficiency, offering fuel economy ratings of up to 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

A Chassis Designed for Agility

The BMW M3 perfectly balances weight with performance. With curb weights ranging from 3,840 lbs to 3,990 lbs, the M3’s refined construction ensures nimble handling while delivering the robust performance expected from an M vehicle. Whether cruising city streets or carving up the track, the M3 adapts effortlessly to its driver’s input.

Advanced Technology and Driver Engagement

BMW integrates cutting-edge technology within the M3, enhancing both performance and user experience. A choice between a manual and an automatic transmission caters to purists and tech aficionados alike, with each option designed to maximize driver control and interaction with the vehicle. The M3's responsive steering and adaptable suspension system offer a driving experience that is both engaging and confidence-inspiring.

Luxurious Comfort Meets Practical Design

The interior of the BMW M3 is as remarkable as its performance. Designed to seat five comfortably, it features high-quality materials and a driver-focused cockpit. The spacious trunk offers 16.9 cubic feet of cargo volume, ensuring practicality doesn't take a back seat to style. With exterior dimensions of 189.1 inches in length, 74.3 inches in width, and 56 inches in height, the M3 presents an assertive yet refined profile on the road.

Conclusion: A Vehicle for the Passionate Driver

The BMW M3 remains a staple for those who demand the highest standards of performance from their vehicles. It is a testament to BMW's commitment to delivering an exhilarating driving experience wrapped in luxury and technology. As it continues to evolve, the M3 upholds its reputation as the ultimate sports sedan, satisfying the most discerning enthusiasts in every drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on USA list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.