2023 BMW M3 Base

The 2023 M3 is BMW's high-performance compact sedan, the one you cross-shop with the Audi RS5 and Mercedes-AMG C63. It's a sharp, engaging driver's car, with precise steering and a chassis that feels alive on a back road. The ride is firm, especially in the Competition models, which is the trade-off for that cornering grip. Inside, you get a driver-focused cockpit with supportive seats and BMW's latest iDrive, though rear space is snug for a sedan. The base M3 is the one for purists who want the manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the Competition gives you more power and an automatic. Its 3.0L I6 makes 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive make it the most engaging version to drive. You get the same adaptive dampers as the Competition, but the ride is a touch more forgiving with the standard 18-inch wheels.