BMW M3 Competition 2017 Review

We love:

• Overtaking power and performance
• Everyday practicality
• Subtly aggressive looks

Pain points:

• None really - unless you count the synthesised engine sound piped into the cabin. Just wind down the window!

BMW M3 Competition 2017 review

With the competition hot on their heels, BMW has given the M3 an edge with this performance focus that improves the dynamic handling of the standard M3.

Exterior of the BMW M3 Competition

The M3 Competition is a performance focused sedan with aggressive looks. You can distinguish the Competition from the regular M3 by black gloss finish on the grille, side vents, window trims and exhaust tips. There's also the larger, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels sitting under large wheel arches.

Handsome exterior - image courtesy of Car Advice

Adaptive LED headlights auto-dim for oncoming traffic, shaped to complement the wider body sitting below the carbon fibre roof which sparkles in sunlight. Its looks command respect without demanding attention, and hint at the performance you can expect from this car.

Inside the BMW M3 Competition

The lightweight sports seats are heated and feature red leather, but are otherwise similar to the standard BMW M3 seat, only with a hole in the mid-back. They look great, as does the rest of the cabin, with carbon-fibre trim, seat belts woven with coloured stripes and a mounted dash badge which lights up at night when you unlock the car.

Sporty cabin space of the M3 - image courtesy of Cars Guide

There's plenty of back-seat passenger space, two ISOFIX mounts and decent luggage room of 480 litres in the boot, sealing the practicality of this car as an everyday driver. There's two cup holders and door bottle-holders in the front, but nothing in the back, and a mechanical handbrake which takes up some space near the centre console.

Connectivity

The excellent infotainment system features a 10.2-inch high-resolution screen which displays the BMW iDrive system and plays DAB+ radio through the 16 speaker Harmon Kardon audio system.

The display also displays satellite navigation and output from the DVD player or reversing camera as needed.

What's it like to drive a BMW M3 Competition?

Moving from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in just 4.0 seconds, this engine is stunning to drive, delivering rapid mid-range acceleration for responsive, immediate overtaking. You can adjust all the settings to suit your everyday driving for comfort when you're not focused on outright performance, choosing Comfort, Sport, or Sport+ modes to suit the situation you're driving in from city to highway to track.

Sleek exterior - Image courtesy of Cars Guide.

The clear driving advantage of choosing the M3 Competition over the standard model is the rear differential, which offers more precise cornering, allowing you to drive effectively for fun as well as for everyday with grounding and neutrality through corners that the standard model lacks.

The optional carbon ceramic brakes will last longer than steel rotors if you're doing track days or driving hard through the hills, and if you prefer the manual it's no extra cost.

Who's the BMW M3 Competition for?

The M3 Competition is $5,000 more expensive than the standard M3, but it's estimated to make up 75 per cent of M3 sales.

This is a car to consider if you need to buy just one car that covers all the functions of a family car, a daily driver, and an exciting weekend and track performance vehicle.

Feature Summary

Price: $144,900

Engine: 3L inline 6-cylinder direct-injection twin turbocharged (331kW/550Nm)

Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch automatic or six-speed manual

Wheels: 20-inch lightweight forged alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Super Sport 265/30 and 285/30 tyres.

Safety: 5 star EuroNCAP

Fuel: 8.8L/100km

Emissions: 204g/km

AV and tech: 10.2 high-definition touchscreen with Harmon Kardon sound system.

Seats: 5

Doors: 4

You can finance a BMW M3 Competition 2017 from $700/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to own this practical yet feisty performance car.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

*Over a 5-year loan term.