BMW M3 Sedan

The cabin of the 3 Series M3 is particularly luxurious. The vehicle can accommodate 4 adults and still has sufficient space for travel essentials and some legroom, making it a family-friendly vehicle. The cockpit is completely driver-oriented and includes a touchscreen infotainment system that is equipped with BMW’s new “Hey BMW” system. This new smart assistant feature allows the user to use voice commands even while driving. BMW is no longer requiring a paid subscription for Apple CarPlay and is now also equipped with Android Auto. The vehicle also includes ambient lighting and memory function for the driver’s seat. 

BMW has modernized its trademark style design elements for its 3 Series lineup. The M3 has the signature M brand styling, meaning strong lines with sleek lines. While this is one of their more aggressive-looking models, the M3 sports subtle features such as the now more discrete M badging, a carbon-fiber roof, and aero elements that makes it distinctly stand out while on the road. It’s also decked out with LED headlamps and foglamps which flanks the German car company’s signature double kidney grille. What’s great about the M3 is it’s not entirely sporty and not entirely too traditional-sedan. It’s succeeded in perfectly balancing the style elements of both, giving drivers both edginess and practicality.

The M3 is a comfortable vehicle to drive. It manages to maintain stability even while cornering at impressive speeds and responds quickly when steering. While the steering wheel is a bit on the heavy side, it’s still intuitive and doesn’t make it difficult to maneuver. The adjustable suspension could be firmer but, overall, the M3 is a very agile vehicle. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic also allows drivers to take advantage of the quick-revving engine. However, one downside to the M3 is that it does tend to produce road noise at highway speeds or on long drives.

The M3’s powertrain is the most impressive in the 3 Series lineup and is generally powerful for a sedan. The vehicle is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-litre 6-cylinder gasoline engine and generates a whopping 450 hp and 550 Nm of torque. This is mated to a 7-speed M Dual Clutch transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. The M3 is significantly more powerful compared to the other 3 Series trims. For comparison, the 318d Luxury produces 150 hp and 320 Nm of torque while the 320d M Sport churns out 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 330iM Sport is marginally more powerful with 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque. A new 2021 M3 variant called Competition will offer more power at 507 hp and will be available in all-wheel drive for the first time.

The M3 is outfitted with standard safety features such as electronic brake distribution, an anti-lock brake system with cornering brake control, and push start button as standard. It’s also equipped with a driver’s and front passenger’s airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags. Key safety features include standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, standard lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, an immobilizer, ISOFIX, and optional adaptive cruise control. BMW is also offering a limited four-year warranty (or 50,000 miles) similar to rivals Audi and Mercedes-AMG.

The 3 Series M3 is an ideal model for those looking for a premium sedan that isn’t traditional. Not only does its sporty elements make it more luxurious, but makes it one powerful vehicle. While BMW does offer some optional upgrades for those who want a bit more in terms of performance and tech features, the standard offering already suffices in providing the BMW experience. The M3 blends luxury and subtleness perfectly, making it perfect for the modern-day Filipino driver.