Expert reviews
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Auto Express
Auto Express offers a value-oriented view, highlighting the M2 as the standout for delivering 85 percent of M4 performance at lower cost. Running costs are criticized, though the M3 Competition managed 31.4 mpg in eco runs. The M4 Competition's dual personality and comfortable touring manners are praised, but interior quality shows cost-cutting versus AMG and Audi Sport. The M5 is a technological tour de force, though the xDrive complexity is questioned when the rear-drive M2 remains engaging. Overall: 'brilliant but not bargain.'
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Car and Driver
Car and Driver consistently rates the BMW M3 as one of the best sports sedans on the market. Their comprehensive review highlights the car's twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, which produces 473 horsepower in the base model and up to 503 horsepower in the Competition trim. The review praises the M3's razor-sharp steering, rear-biased all-wheel-drive option (xDrive) that provides immense grip without sacrificing the playful rear-drive character. They note that the manual transmission remains available in the standard model, a rarity in the segment. The interior is described as premium with excellent front seats, but rear-seat space is tight and the infotainment system has a steep learning curve due to the iDrive controller. Car and Driver's instrumented testing shows 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds for the base manual, and 3.4 seconds for the xDrive Competition. Overall, it's an aggressive, engaging daily driver that blends supercar-level acceleration with everyday comfort, though the firm ride and loud exhaust might not suit everyone. The M3 earns high marks for its performance-per-dollar ratio and remains a benchmark in the compact sports sedan class.
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Motor Trend
Motor Trend's evaluation of the BMW M3 focuses on its dual personality—comfortable cruiser and track weapon. They test the M3 Competition xDrive, which rockets to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. The review praises the S58 engine's linear power delivery and the eight-speed automatic's quick shifts. However, Motor Trend criticizes the steering feel, which they say lacks the hydraulic feedback of previous generations, and the brake pedal's initial softness. The suspension in Comfort mode is surprisingly absorbent, but in Sport+ it's harsh on broken pavement. Inside, the iDrive 8 system with the curved display is polarizing; the removal of physical buttons frustrates some reviewers. The M3's trunk is practical, but the transmission tunnel consumes legroom. Motor Trend notes that while the BMW M3 is exceptionally fast and capable, it has become more isolated and technology-heavy compared to the raw, analog M3s of the past. For enthusiasts seeking pure driving emotion, they recommend the standard rear-drive manual as the more engaging choice, while the xDrive is the all-weather speed demon.
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Autocar
Autocar's in-depth review of the BMW M4 Competition xDrive focuses on its dynamic duality. They test the car on UK roads and find it remarkably composed in Comfort mode, soaking up poor surfaces with surprising fidelity, while in Sport+ the body stays flat through corners. The 503-horsepower engine accelerates effortlessly, with 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The steering is quick but artificial, lacking natural weight build-up. Autocar praises the rear-wheel-drive bias of the xDrive system, which can be switched to pure rear-drive for drifting. The M4's cabin quality is high, but the massive curved screen and reduced physical controls are a downside. They also note the M4's large dimensions make it feel less nimble than the M2 on tight B-roads. In comparison to rivals like the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63, Autocar says the M4 is the most engaging but also the most demanding to drive fast due to its immense torque. The review concludes that the M4 is a brilliantly engineered machine, though it lacks the raw soul of its predecessor. It earns a 4-star rating for its performance and refinement.
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BMW M financing