BMW M3 Costs Surge

BMW M3 Price Bump

Adding to the trend of rising car prices, BMW has announced a price increase for the 2026 M3 models. The newly leaked pricing guide indicates a $1,700 bump across all M3 versions for the upcoming model year, while keeping the destination and handling fee steady at $1,175. This means the base M3 will now set buyers back $78,400, making the total $79,575 after fees. For those looking at the M3 Competition and Competition xDrive, the new base prices are $82,600 and $87,700 respectively, pushing out-the-door prices to $83,775 and $88,875.

No New Features

Despite this increase, potential buyers won’t notice any new bells and whistles in the 2026 models. No significant updates or features accompany this price hike. In the automotive world, these price adjustments aren’t unusual, especially when manufacturers keep up with inflation and other economic factors. Interestingly, the M3’s destination and handling fee hasn’t budged, staying at $1,175.

Rising Costs

Since the G80 M3’s debut in U.S. markets back in March 2021, prices have been inching upwards. The original price of the base M3 was $69,900. At that time, the M3 Competition was $72,800, and the Competition xDrive topped out at $76,900. The creeping costs add up, as the high-end models are now inching toward $90,000 without factoring in any customization or additional features.

Driving Dynamics

Turning to performance, the BMW M3 has long been celebrated as a thrill to drive. The 473 horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine in the standard model delivers a driving experience that balances agility with raw power. It holds its own compared to rivals, including the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, which starts at $85,050 and houses a more complex four-cylinder turbo engine. Where the M3 shines is its traditional rear-wheel-drive setup, offering a precise and engaging drive that purists adore.

Whether the extra cost is worth it depends on one’s priorities. For those seeking the quintessential sports sedan experience, the M3 remains a compelling choice. Yet, its rising price tag might give some pause when considering newer alternatives with richer feature sets or intriguing drivetrains like hybrid and all-electric models surfacing in the near future.