The new BMW M3 is an important car for me here at RevToTheLimit because it is on my shortlist for replacing my current ride, a 2013 C63 AMG with performance package. I have been waiting eagerly to see some reviews. The new M3 is always going to be one fo the most highly anticipated sports cars of the year. It just isn't that often we get a new M3. 


Even though their M3 predecessors were never the fastest or most hardcore models at this level, they always set the tone with their all-round performance. According to the first reviews, the same seems to hold true for the new M3. 

The general tone when watching these initial reviews is that BMW M3 is better than its predesessor in every way, shape and form....except one. Almost every reviewer says that it basically sounds like crap. Too bad because that's one of the key things that make the entire experience of owning a high performance car so fun. The new twin turbo straight six has more than enough power and torque and is also more efficient so maybe we're being a little too harsh. Still, I can't help thinking that this could be the main reason I don't buy one. 

Check out the 2015 M3 Video Reviews below:

This new version of the M3 is the latest in a long line of high-performance rear-drive BMWs, but it's the first M3 with a turbocharged engine. Can it live up to the pedigree of its predecessors? Steve Sutcliffe finds out.

The historic Mid-Ohio Raceway roared to life this week with the sound of power, M Power. In an unprecedented show of force, the brand brought together every generation of M3 street and race cars and invited Justin along for the ride. Of course, he couldn't wait to get behind the wheel of the all new 2015 BMW M3 to record some of the first driving impressions on the latest evolution of a legend.

This review is in German, but is sounds great so worth sharing.

New BMW M3 on Ascari Race Track (Option Auto)

One of the biggest changes brought along by the fifth generation of the M3 / M4 is a return to a straight-six engine. It won't be the same statespheric rev monster of old due to two big fat turbochargers, but BMW made up for it with a bunch more horsepower and loads more torque. The new M3/M4 has 425hp from 5,500rpm to 7,300rpm and 406 lb-ft torque between 1,850rpm and 5,500rpm, that will really help low end urgency. 
It is nice to see that BMW has managed to lighten the load too, with a 22 lbs lighter engine as well as the increased use of lightweight materials, such as carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum for a number of chassis and body components. Both models feature a carbon roof, which is a first for the sedan.

As always with the M cars, the car is rear wheel drive and comes standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. BMW have added the cool "throttle blipping" feature that improves smoothness of gear changes, something we first saw a few years back on a lower priced car. Cool feature. For lazy drivers (yes, I said it) you can opt for the seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT that comes with paddle shifters and a launch control function. 

Acceleration times have tumbled versus the outgoing model, with 0 to 60mph in 4.1 seconds with the standard 6-speed manual and 3.9 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT. Top speed is limited in both cases to 250km/h (155mph) in standard trim, and 280km/h (174mph) with the optionally available M Driver’s Package.

North American fuel economy figures haven't been published yet, but on the European driving cycle, BMW says that both coupe and sedan return a combine fuel consumption of 8.8 lt/100km (equal to 26.7mpg US and 32.1mpg UK) with the manual, and 8.3lt/100km (equal to 28.3mph US and 34.0mpg UK) with the DCT.

Personally, we'd like to see the M3/M4 be a little more aggressive in the styling department, but beggars can't be choosers. The cars are aggressive compared to a base 3 series, but it is kind of subdued. BMW has been pretty consistent in how they style the M3/M4 and don't go overboard. 

Both cars have 18-inch lightweight aluminum wheels in a staggered setup with 19-inch rims offered optionally. 
Inside, you'll meet the typical M-dressed interior with carbon fiber elements, body hugging sports seats and unique driver controls. It is not Audi level interior, but perfect for a sports car. There is also some cool new age tech, with an app that lets drivers to analyze their personal driving style all through their smart phone. 

Introducing the next generation of BMW's M cars: the 2014 M3 and M4. The first official press photos came out this morning, a day earlier than we were expecting. We love the look of the new models with a complete redesign. The cool black kidney front grille, extremely aggressive dual front intakes and very M3 bulged bonnet all come together nicely. It also features more sporty wing mirrors and this display car has new twin five-spoke grey wheels, gold brakecalipers and a bare carbon fiber roof.

The M4s new twin turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six is rated at 425hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with most of it readily available from 3,900 rpm. 0-60mph should come in 4.1 seconds in the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission and slight slower (4.3 seconds ) in the standard six-speed manual gearbox.