Model research hub
BMW M3
Car and Driver says 2026 will likely be the M3's final year built on its current platform, with a switch to BMW's new Neue Klasse platform expected for the 2027 model year, and that raucous performance in a practical package has always been the BMW M3's modus operandi, with the 2026 model delivering precisely that. BMWBlog says last year BMW brought a slew of changes to the car, so little changes for 2026, with no mechanical changes expected, though the 2026 M3 gains a heated steering wheel as standard, and Competition models also get remote start standard, running iDrive 8.5 carried over unchanged from last year. MotorTrend says the 2026 BMW M3 remains one of the most recognizable sport sedans on the road.
The last year on this platform
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says 2026 will likely be the M3's final year built on its current platform, with a switch to BMW's new Neue Klasse platform expected for the 2027 model year, and that raucous performance in a practical package has always been the BMW M3's modus operandi, with the 2026 model delivering precisely that.
Minor changes for 2026
BMWBlog (opens in a new tab) says last year BMW brought a slew of changes to the car, so little changes for the 2026 model year, with no mechanical changes expected, though the 2026 M3 gains a heated steering wheel as standard, and Competition models also get remote start standard, running iDrive 8.5 completely carried over from last year's model.
Still one of the most recognizable sport sedans
MotorTrend (opens in a new tab) says the 2026 BMW M3 remains one of the most recognizable sport sedans on the road.
Questions buyers ask
Is the BMW M3 changing platforms?
Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) says yes, 2026 is likely the last year on the current platform before a switch to BMW's Neue Klasse platform for 2027.
What's new on the 2026 BMW M3?
BMWBlog (opens in a new tab) says a standard heated steering wheel, and standard remote start on Competition models, with no mechanical changes.
Research map
Every major decision path.
The 2027 BMW M3 is built around 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, rated at 473 / 503 / 523 horsepower across its compact performance sedan body style.
Explore this topic →02Trims and equipmentThe 2027 U.S. lineup has 3 trims.
Explore this topic →03Towing and capabilityThe 2027 M3 seats 5 and is a Compact performance sedan.
Explore this topic →04Safety and ownershipNHTSA recalls, complaints and crash ratings for the 2027 M3.
Explore this topic →Current model year
2027 BMW M3
M3 is RWD with a 6-speed manual and 473 hp; M3 Competition steps up to a high-output tune at 503 hp with an 8-speed automatic; Competition xDrive adds AWD at 523 hp.
Read specifications, trims, answers and sourcesModel-year archive
1 indexed BMW M3 model years.
| Model year | Trims | Open record |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 BMW M3 | 2027 record → |
Background and safety record
What public sources say about the BMW M3.
The BMW M3 is built alongside the BMW M2/M3/M4, and public records cover the two together. Generation history, the fact box and background are on the BMW M2/M3/M4 page; the safety record for the BMW M3 itself follows.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 BMW M3, most often about unknown or other (1), lane departure (1).
Trim by trim
Every 2027 BMW M3 trim side by side.
| Trim | Drive | Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Curb weight (lb) | Max towing (lb) | Combined mpg | Base price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | RWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Twin Turbo) | 473 | 406 | 3,840 | – | – | – |
| Competition | RWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Twin Turbo) | 503 | 479 | 3,891 | – | – | $84,850 |
| Competition xDrive | AWD | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Twin Turbo) | 523 | 479 | 3,990 | – | – | $89,950 |
Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.
Compared with
Models this BMW M3 is most often compared with.
Nearest BMW models
Other BMW models.
Frequent questions
Answers with their conditions intact.
Q01How many trims does the 2027 M3 come in?
The 2027 BMW M3 (compact performance sedan) comes in 3 trims: M3, M3 Competition, M3 Competition xDrive.
Q02What are the 2027 M3 trims?
The 2027 BMW M3 trims are M3, M3 Competition, M3 Competition xDrive, listed from the entry M3 up to the top M3 Competition xDrive.
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 M3 use?
The 2027 BMW M3 is built around 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six, rated at 473 / 503 / 523 horsepower across its compact performance sedan body style.
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 M3 have?
The 2027 BMW M3 is rated at 473 / 503 / 523 horsepower (3.0L twin-turbo inline-six).
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 M3?
The 2027 BMW M3 is offered with RWD or optional AWD (xDrive, Competition only).