2026 BMW M3
Starting MSRP
$78,400
to $87,700
About the 2026 BMW M3
The 2026 BMW M3 remains the definitive mid-size performance sedan, a honed machine built for the enthusiast who demands precision in their daily drive. While the base model claws out 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, drivers can opt for the Competition models to harness more power via the 8-speed automatic. The raw, mechanical engagement of the 6-speed manual transmission in the base trim is a throwback treasure, connecting the driver directly to the gas engine's fury. Sitting at 189.1 inches long, the 2026 BMW M3 perfectly balances aggressive street presence with chassis responsiveness, underpinned by a 112.5-inch wheelbase designed for planted cornering. This isn't just quick transportation; it's an expertly engineered instrument for spirited motoring.
Key Highlights
Manual Transmission Choice
The standard 6-speed manual transmission is available, offering purists an unfiltered connection to the 473 hp engine, maximizing driver involvement.
Balanced Dimensions
With a length of 189.1 inches and a 112.5-inch wheelbase, the 2026 BMW M3 achieves optimal handling dynamics necessary for high-performance street driving.
Versatile Trims
Buyers can select from three distinct trims, including the RWD manual variant or the AWD automatic Competition models, catering to diverse performance priorities.
Practical Performance
Despite its performance focus, the 2026 BMW M3 offers a useful 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space, integrating track-day readiness with everyday utility.
Best For
Driving Purists
- Those who prioritize mechanical feedback will appreciate the availability of the 6-speed manual transmission mated to the potent gas engine.
Enthusiast Commuters
- With a combined fuel economy of 19 MPG (16 city/23 highway), the 2026 BMW M3 makes spirited drives accessible without constant fuel stops, provided they use premium unleaded.
Performance-Focused Singles/Couples
- The 5-passenger sedan offers sufficient space, with 41.6 inches of front legroom, ensuring comfortable cruising for the primary occupants.
Available Trims
| Trim | MSRP | Drivetrain | Horsepower | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) | $78,400 | rear wheel drive | 473 hp | 19 mpg |
| Competition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | $82,600 | rear wheel drive | 503 hp | 19 mpg |
| Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | $87,700 | all wheel drive | 523 hp | 18 mpg |
Specifications comparison table for 2026 BMW M3, 2026 BMW M3, 2026 BMW M3. Data includes dimensions, performance, fuel economy, and interior specifications. Green highlighting indicates best values, red indicates worst values.
Specifications Comparison
Click column headers to sort • Green = Best • Red = Worst
Comparing 3 vehicles • Drag columns to reorder • Click and drag to select multiple cells
Features Comparison
Feature
4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
Competition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)
| Feature | 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) | Competition 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) | Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety (34 features) | |||
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | |||
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Automatic Headlights | |||
| Blind Spot Monitor | |||
| Brake Assist | |||
| Brake Drying | |||
| Brake Preparation System | |||
| Daytime Running Lights | |||
| Driver Attention Alert | |||
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | |||
| Electronic Stability Control | |||
| Engine Immobilizer | |||
| Front Fixed Headrests | |||
| Front Head Airbags | |||
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | |||
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | |||
| LATCH System | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Lane Keeping Assist System | |||
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | |||
| Post-Collision Safety System | |||
| Pre-Collision Safety System | |||
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | |||
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | |||
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | |||
| Rear Head Airbags | |||
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | |||
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | |||
| Self-Leveling Headlights | |||
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | |||
| Traction Control System | |||
| Engine (9 features) | |||
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 3.0 L | 3.0 L |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas | gas |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel Injection Type | |||
| Horsepower | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm | 503 hp @ 6250 rpm | 523 hp @ 6250 rpm |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | inline 6 | inline 6 |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm | 479 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable | Variable |
| Drive Train (5 features) | |||
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | Limited Slip | — |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| [object Object] | — | — | |
| [object Object] | — | — | |
| Fuel (5 features) | |||
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 249.6/358.8 mi. |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16/23 MPG | 16/23 MPG | 16/23 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 19 MPG | 18 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 15.6 gal. | 15.6 gal. |
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Warranty (5 features) | |||
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Comfort & Convenience (23 features) | |||
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | |||
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | |||
| Cruise Control | |||
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | |||
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | |||
| Dual Zone Climate Control | |||
| Electric Power Steering | |||
| Front Cupholders | |||
| Front Door Pockets | |||
| Front Parking Sensors | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Interior Air Filtration | |||
| Leather Steering Wheel | |||
| Push Button Start | |||
| Rear Door Pockets | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | |||
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ||
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | |||
| Universal Remote Transmitter | |||
| Wireless Charging Pad | |||
| In Car Entertainment (13 features) | |||
| AM/FM Stereo | |||
| Android Auto (Wired) | |||
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | |||
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | 14.9 in | 14.9 in |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Harman/Kardon | Harman/Kardon | Harman/Kardon |
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 12 months | 12 months |
| Speaker System | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Stereo Power | 464W | 464W | 464W |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | Discrete | Discrete |
| USB Port | |||
| USB Port with External Media Control | |||
| Power Feature (4 features) | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Keyless Entry | |||
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | |||
| Frontseats (16 features) | |||
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | |||
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power | Power |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 10-way | 10-way |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | |||
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | 40.6 in. | 40.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | 41.6 in. | 41.6 in. |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | |||
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | 56.0 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | |||
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | Power | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 10-way | 10-way |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | |||
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | |||
| Rearseats (4 features) | |||
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | 37.8 in. | 37.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.6 in. | 35.6 in. | 35.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 in. | 54.6 in. | 54.6 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | |||
| Tires and Wheels (4 features) | |||
| Tire Size | 285/35R Z | 285/30R | 285/30R |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance | Performance |
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 10.5 in | 20 x 10.5 in. | 20 x 10.5 in. |
| Suspension (3 features) | |||
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | |||
| Front Stabilizer Bar | |||
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | |||
| Instrumentation (5 features) | |||
| Clock | |||
| Compass | |||
| External Temperature Display | |||
| Tachometer | |||
| Trip Computer | |||
| Measurements (13 features) | |||
| 0-60 mph Acceleration Time | 4.1 seconds | 3.8 seconds | 3.4 seconds |
| Cargo Capacity (Seats Up) | 16.9 cu.ft. | 16.9 cu.ft. | 16.9 cu.ft. |
| Country of Final Assembly | Germany | Germany | Germany |
| Curb Weight | 3840 lbs. | 3891 lbs. | 3990 lbs. |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) | 4870 lbs. | 4870 lbs. | 4982 lbs. |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 in. | 4.7 in. | 4.8 in. |
| Height | 56.6 in. | 56.6 in. | 56.6 in. |
| Length | 189.1 in. | 189.1 in. | 189.1 in. |
| Maximum Payload | 860 lbs. | 860 lbs. | 860 lbs. |
| Turning Circle | 40.0 ft. | 40.0 ft. | 41.3 ft. |
| Wheelbase | 112.5 in. | 112.5 in. | 112.5 in. |
| Width (With Mirrors) | 81.4 in. | 81.4 in. | 81.4 in. |
| Width (Without Mirrors) | 74.3 in. | 74.3 in. | 74.3 in. |
| Telematics (9 features) | |||
| Airbag Deployment Notification | |||
| Concierge Service | |||
| Destination Download | |||
| Emergency Service | |||
| Hands-Free Calling | |||
| Mobile Internet Access | |||
| Roadside Assistance | |||
| Stolen Vehicle Tracking | |||
| Turn-by-Turn Navigation | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in power output between the base 2026 BMW M3 and the Competition trims?
The base 2026 BMW M3 delivers 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque with its 6-speed manual. While the exact figures for the Competition models are not listed, they utilize the 8-speed automatic and are expected to exceed the base horsepower rating.
Does the 2026 BMW M3 come standard with All-Wheel Drive?
No, the standard 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) is exclusively rear-wheel drive. All-Wheel Drive (xDrive) is reserved for the specific Competition xDrive 4dr Sedan trim.
How much premium fuel does the 2026 BMW M3 consume?
The 2026 BMW M3 requires premium unleaded fuel and achieves a combined fuel economy rating of 19 MPG, broken down into 16 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway.
What is the trunk space like in the 2026 BMW M3?
For a high-performance sedan, the 2026 BMW M3 is reasonably practical, offering 16.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
What is the base price range for the 2026 BMW M3 lineup?
The three available trims for the 2026 BMW M3 span a price range starting at $78,400 up to $87,700 for the top-tier configuration.
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