2024 BMW M3 Competition Review

The 2024 BMW M3 Competition represents the pinnacle of BMW’s sports sedan engineering. With 503 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, it’s a force to be reckoned with. But does it maintain the driver engagement that made the M3 nameplate legendary? Let’s find out.

Performance That Demands Respect

The numbers tell an impressive story: 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, and a quarter-mile time of 11.0 seconds at 124 mph. But raw acceleration figures only scratch the surface of what makes the M3 Competition special. The real magic lies in how it delivers this performance.

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six produces 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, with boost pressure maintained above 15 psi for consistent power delivery. The 8-speed automatic transmission, while perhaps disappointing to manual purists, executes shifts with remarkable precision and speed, especially in the most aggressive drive modes.

Handling: The Heart of the M3

True to its motorsport heritage, the M3 Competition shines brightest when the road gets twisty. The chassis demonstrates exceptional balance, with minimal body roll and a level of grip that seems to defy physics – achieving 1.03g on the skidpad. The optional carbon ceramic brakes ($8,500) provide fade-free stopping power, bringing the car from 70 mph to a stop in just 153 feet.

The steering deserves special mention. While some modern BMWs have been criticized for numb steering feel, the M3 Competition bucks this trend. The feedback through the wheel is precise and communicative, giving you the confidence to push harder through corners while always staying informed about available grip.

Daily Driver Credentials

Perhaps most impressive is how the M3 Competition manages to be both a track weapon and a practical daily driver. In Comfort mode, the adaptive suspension does an admirable job of soaking up road imperfections, though you’ll never forget you’re in a performance-focused vehicle. The cabin remains quiet enough for comfortable conversation, and the 13 cubic foot trunk offers genuine practicality.

The optional carbon fiber bucket seats ($4,500) require some acrobatics to enter and exit, but once settled, they provide outstanding support without becoming uncomfortable on longer journeys. Rear passengers enjoy reasonable space, making this a genuine five-seater when needed.

Technology and Interior

The latest iDrive 8 system, displayed on a curved 14.9-inch touchscreen, handles infotainment duties. While the learning curve is steeper than previous generations, particularly with the climate controls now integrated into the touchscreen, the system is powerful and responsive once mastered.

The M-specific displays and customizable drive modes allow drivers to configure the car’s personality to their preferences. The M Drive Professional package adds entertaining features like the drift analyzer and lap timer for those brave enough to explore the car’s limits in a controlled environment.

Value Proposition

Starting at $83,595, the M3 Competition isn’t cheap, and our test car’s price swelled to $109,695 with options. However, when you consider its supercar-rivaling performance combined with daily usability, the value proposition becomes clearer. Few vehicles can match its breadth of capabilities at any price point.

The Verdict

The 2024 BMW M3 Competition successfully walks the tightrope between hardcore performance machine and practical sports sedan. While the styling remains controversial (particularly that massive grille), the driving experience is anything but. It’s faster and more capable than ever while maintaining enough of the driver engagement that made the M3 nameplate legendary.

For those seeking the ultimate expression of the sports sedan concept, the M3 Competition delivers. It’s a car that can dominate a track day and then comfortably drive home, all while carrying four passengers and their luggage. In a world of increasingly specialized vehicles, this breadth of capability is remarkable.

Pros:

• Exceptional performance and handling
• High-quality interior with good practicality
• Impressive daily driver capability
• State-of-the-art technology features

Cons:

• Controversial styling
• Expensive, especially with options
• Complex drive mode settings
• Firm ride even in Comfort mode

Rating: 9/10

The 2024 BMW M3 Competition earns its place at the top of the sports sedan hierarchy. While it may have evolved far from the raw, naturally-aspirated M3s of the past, it represents the cutting edge of what’s possible when performance engineering meets modern technology. It’s a worthy bearer of the M3 badge and sets a new standard for the segment.