MANILA: BMW has debuted the updated M3 Competition XDrive Sedan and M3 Competition XDrive Touring (wagon) versions. The update comes three years after the initial launch of the current-gen G80/G81 M3 in 2020. 

The six-pot gets more grunt

The biggest change in the updated M3 Sedan and M3 Touring XDrive Competition models is its 3.0-liter inline-six M TwinPower turbo engine, gaining 20 horsepower. The updated M3 models can now dish out 523 horsepower while peak torque remains unchanged at 650 Newton Meters. The M3’s beefy six pot sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox for both body styles. 

According to BMW, the beefed-up powertrain on the updated M3 Sedan and M3 Touring allows for a faster zero-to-200 kilometers per hour time. The German car manufacturer claims the sedan variant can now do zero to 200 km/h in just 11.8 seconds and the wagon in 12.4 seconds. 

Subtle style improvements

In addition to increasing the power of the M3 Competition XDrive lineup’s six-pot, the Munich-based carmaker made some choice improvements to the car’s interior and exterior. 

On the outside, the M3 duo of models now have a pair of new LED headlamps, which use a single LED module for both high and low beams. The LED daytime running lamps were also revamped, and both sedan and wagon M3s ride on a new set of forged alloy wheels. 

Inside, the German carmaker gave the updated M3 lineup a new three-spoke, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel. More classy materials were added for the sedan and wagon’s instrument panels and interior trim pieces as well. 

Apart from what was mentioned above, the M3 Competition Sedan and Touring models still sport a large version of the brand’s signature kidney grille. Both body styles of the updated BMW likewise carried over the same muscular-looking hood, angular front bumpers with expansive air intakes, and the M3’s distinctive but functional rear diffusers from the pre-updated models. 

Improved suite of on-board tech

The updated M3 Competition XDrive models now feature the BMW Operating System(OS) 8.5, which improves user-friendliness thanks mainly to optimizations made for the infotainment’s array of menus. 

For displays, the two M3 models get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster anda  14.9-inch central infotainment display. The central screen is a high-resolution unit with a curved configuration, providing the driver with a sporty cockpit-like driving experience. 

Other tech features inside the M3 sedan and M3 wagon are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the cloud-based BMW maps navigation tool, wireless phone charging, on-board WiFi, and a high-fidelity (HiFi) ten-piece speaker system. 

Photos from BMW

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