BMW M3

BMW's latest vertical grille styling really puts the "don't judge a book by its cover" adage to the test, but it also reinforces that notion if you can get past the front end on the 2022 BMW M3, climb in, and give it a go. BMW's storied M3 still delivers the kind of power, handling and overall performance that makes it deserving of the M badge and also provides all the latest technology in a convenient and luxurious sedan.

New for 2022 is the addition of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, marking the very first time AWD is offered in the M3's three-decade-plus history. It's only available in the top Competition model, and only with an eight-speed automatic, but it promises to quicken acceleration while giving drivers an added advantage when cornering. Even better, if you feel the need to lay down some big smoky drifts, you can switch to a rear-drive-only mode intended for track use only (wink wink).

The xDrive addition, along with a redesign last year, keeps the 2022 BMW M3 at the top of an elite list of high-performance luxury sedans. Rivals include the Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63, Audi RS5 Sportback, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing. We're confident you'll agree the M3 is the best, but it can't hurt to test-drive all of them for, you know, "research."

Which M3 does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 BMW M3 is available in three trim levels: the base M3, the M3 Competition and the M3 Competition xDrive. All three use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. It produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the M3 Competition and Competition xDrive. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, and all-wheel drive (xDrive) is a new feature for the Competition model only. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the base M3 sedan. An eight-speed automatic is optional on the base model and the only available transmission on the Competition or Competition xDrive. Feature highlights include:

M3 Coupe Comes loaded with:

• 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels with performance tires
• Adjustable drive modes
• M Sport rear differential for improved traction
• Adaptive suspension dampers (adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
• LED headlights
• Carbon-fiber roof
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• Leather upholstery
• Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats
• Automatic climate control
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Navigation system
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity
• Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)

The M3 also comes with:

• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

A handful of options are available on the M3. Notable picks include:

• Executive package
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
• Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Wireless charging pad
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Heated steering wheel
• Power trunklid
• Sunroof (removes lightweight carbon-fiber roof)
• Ventilated front seats
• Carbon-fiber bucket front seats
• Carbon-ceramic brakes
• M Drive Professional package (includes Track mode as well as other performance displays and settings)

Competition Standard features on the M3 Competition mirror those on the standard car. Besides a bump in power, the M3 Competition includes:

• 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with performance tires
• Eight-speed automatic transmission
• Gloss black exterior trim including spoiler and exhaust tips
• Different seat belts

Competition xDrive

• xDrive all-wheel-drive system

Additionally, the M3 Competition is available with one extra package:

• Driving Assistance Professional package
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the M3 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is about to cross your vehicle's path)