First Drive

2024 BMW M3 G80: A Performance Beast Refined?

The iconic BMW M3 returns for 2024 with the G80 generation, promising exhilarating performance alongside surprising everyday usability.

  • by: Samkeliso Maseko
  • July 1 2024
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2024 BMW M3 G80 Specs

  • Base Price

    $70,800 USD (SZL 1,036,720)

  • PowerTrain

    3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine | 8-speed automatic transmission (standard) or 6-speed manual transmission (optional) | rear-wheel drive

  • Horsepower | Kilowatts

    473 hp (353 kW)

  • Torque

    406 lb-ft (550 Nm)

  • Seating Capacity

    5

  • Curb Weight

    3,833 pounds (1,739 kg)

  • Cargo Volume

    16.9 cubic feet (480 liters)

  • Top Speed

    155 mph electronically limited (250 km/h)

  • Fuel Economy

    17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (14 L/100km / 9.4 L/100km)

  • Quick Take

    Impressive handling and a powerful engine make the M3 a joy to drive.

  • Design Score

    9/10

  • handling Score

    8/10

Verdict - Is BMW M3 G80 A Good Car?

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What AutoTrends Thinks

A Masterful Blend of Power and Comfort: The 2024 BMW M3 G80

The 2024 BMW M3 G80 isn't just a good car, it's a thrilling embodiment of performance engineering. Buckle up for a driving experience that gets your pulse racing. The heart of the M3 lies in its potent engine. A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine roars to life, unleashing exhilarating power. This translates to sharp, responsive handling that puts you in complete control. Whether you're carving through corners on a winding road or navigating a bustling city street, the M3 delivers an undeniably dynamic driving experience.

But the M3 isn't all about raw power. It caters to driving enthusiasts with a delightful array of driver-focused features. The available six-speed manual transmission allows for a pure, connected feel to the road. Customizable drive modes let you tailor the car's performance to your preferences, from a comfortable daily driver to a track-ready beast. This adaptability makes the M3 a versatile performer that can adapt to any driving scenario.

While some competitors might prioritize a more aggressive, visceral character, the M3 strikes a beautiful balance. It doesn't compromise on the thrill of performance, yet it manages to deliver a surprisingly comfortable ride. This well-roundedness makes the M3 a compelling choice for drivers who crave both exhilarating performance and everyday usability. It's a car that can conquer the racetrack on weekends and handle your daily commute with ease, all wrapped up in a luxurious and refined package.

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How Does It Hold Itself Against The Competition

The Thrill of Choice: M3 vs. the Competition

The high-performance sedan segment is a battlefield, and the 2024 BMW M3 G80 faces some fierce competition. Two titans stand out: the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and the Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Each offers a unique take on the performance sedan formula, forcing potential buyers to consider their driving priorities.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio prioritizes raw passion. It boasts a Ferrari-derived 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers a visceral, heart-pounding experience. The Giulia's steering is incredibly sharp and communicative, creating a sense of oneness between driver and machine. However, this focus on emotion can come at the expense of everyday comfort. The ride can be firm, and some aspects of the interior might feel less polished compared to the German rivals.

On the other hand, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S leans heavily on brute force. Its monstrous 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine unleashes a torrent of power, propelling the car forward with ferocious acceleration. The AMG's exhaust note is a symphony of aggression, further amplifying the car's dominant personality. However, this focus on power can come at the expense of agility. The C63 S feels a touch heavier on its feet compared to the M3 and the Alfa, and its steering might not be quite as communicative.

The M3 G80 carves its own path between these two extremes. It boasts a potent and refined 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that delivers thrilling performance without sacrificing everyday comfort. The M3's handling is sharp and responsive, offering a rewarding driving experience without being overly twitchy. While it might not be the most emotional choice like the Alfa, nor the most brutally powerful like the Mercedes, the M3 excels at striking a perfect balance between these two aspects. It's a car that delivers an exhilarating drive on the weekends while remaining comfortable and composed for your daily commute.

Running Cost - What are The running cost of the m 3 G80 ?

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How Is Like Living With It?

Fueling the Beast: The M3's Thirst for Power

Let's be honest, the 2024 BMW M3 G80 isn't designed to be a fuel-sipping commuter car. While it delivers phenomenal performance, that power comes at the price of increased fuel consumption. The EPA estimates the M3 to achieve around 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway. Translating that to real-world terms, expect frequent trips to the gas station, especially if you enjoy unleashing the M3's full potential.

There are ways to maximize fuel efficiency, however. Utilizing the customizable drive modes and adopting a more relaxed driving style can nudge those numbers upwards slightly. Additionally, opting for the rear-wheel-drive variant over the all-wheel-drive version can yield a small improvement in fuel economy. However, it's important to remember that the M3 is a performance machine, and prioritizing fuel efficiency might go against the spirit of the car.

For those who prioritize both performance and fuel efficiency, a glimmer of hope exists. Rumors suggest that a plug-in hybrid variant of the M3 might be on the horizon. This could offer a significant improvement in fuel economy while retaining the exhilarating performance the M3 is known for. Until then, those seeking a truly thrilling driving experience with the M3 should be prepared to factor in the cost of premium fuel.

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Maintanace Cost

Keeping the M3 Purring: Maintenance Considerations

High-performance cars like the M3 require a different approach to maintenance compared to your average sedan. While the M3 boasts exceptional engineering and reliable components, the increased power and performance place a greater demand on the engine, brakes, and other mechanical parts. This translates to potentially higher maintenance costs compared to a mainstream car.

Here's what to expect:

Service Intervals:

While the exact intervals will depend on your driving habits and the manufacturer's recommendations, you can expect more frequent service intervals compared to a non-performance car. This could involve oil changes, filter replacements, and other routine maintenance tasks at shorter intervals.

Premium Parts:

Performance cars often require high-quality, performance-oriented parts. These parts can be more expensive than their standard counterparts.

Specialized Labor:

Depending on the complexity of the maintenance or repairs needed, some tasks might require a technician with specialized knowledge and experience in working on performance vehicles. This specialized labor can sometimes come at a premium cost.

The Takeaway:

Owning an M3 is an investment in both exhilaration and performance. While the initial purchase price might be a significant consideration, factor in the ongoing costs of fuel and maintenance to get a complete picture of the ownership experience.

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interior and comfort - Is The M 3 G80 comfortable?

Interior

A Luxurious Cockpit Built for Performance: The M3's Interior

Slide behind the wheel of the 2024 BMW M3 G80, and you're greeted by an interior that seamlessly blends luxury with a driver-centric focus. High-quality materials surround you, from the supple leather seats with contrasting stitching to the soft-touch plastics and tasteful use of carbon fiber trim. The overall design is sleek and modern, with a clear emphasis on functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

The centerpiece of the cabin is the new BMW infotainment system. It features a large, high-resolution touchscreen display that's easy to reach and use. The system is intuitive and responsive, allowing you to control various functions like navigation, audio, and climate control with ease. Importantly, the infotainment system integrates seamlessly with the rest of the cabin, avoiding the cluttered feel that can sometimes plague performance car interiors.

The driver's seat is the heart of the M3 experience. It's power-adjustable and bolstered to provide exceptional support during spirited driving. The M-specific steering wheel is wrapped in thick, grippy leather and features integrated controls for audio, phone calls, and driver assistance systems. The instrument cluster is clear and concise, displaying all the essential information you need in a quick glance. Overall, the M3's interior creates an inviting and focused environment that puts the driver in complete control.

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How Much Interior Space?

Balancing Performance with Everyday Usability: Space and Practicality

The 2024 M3 G80 strikes a commendable balance between performance and everyday usability when it comes to space and practicality. While some competitors in the high-performance sedan segment prioritize pure driver engagement at the expense of passenger comfort, the M3 offers a surprisingly spacious cabin. Five adults can be comfortably accommodated, with decent headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.

However, it's important to acknowledge the limitations imposed by the M3's sloping roofline. The rear seats are best suited for shorter journeys or accommodating children, as adults on longer trips might find the headroom a bit lacking. This is a common trade-off in performance sedans that prioritize a sleek and aerodynamic design.

Despite the slight limitations in rear passenger space, the M3 offers a decent cargo capacity of 16.9 cubic feet (480 liters). This is enough space for weekend getaways or a sizeable grocery haul. Additionally, the rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity for bulkier items. Overall, the M3 manages to deliver a surprisingly practical interior that can accommodate both the thrills of performance driving and the everyday needs of most drivers.

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Practicality And Booot Space- Is M3 G80 Practical?

Practicality

Daily Duties Made Easy: Practicality in the M3

While the 2024 BMW M3 G80 might not be the most practical choice for hauling massive loads or large families, it offers a surprising amount of everyday usability. The spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and abundance of driver assistance features make it a compelling option for those seeking a performance car that can handle daily commutes and errands with ease.

Firstly, the M3's cabin dimensions provide ample space for most daily needs. Five adults can be comfortably accommodated for shorter trips, with decent headroom and legroom in the front seats. The rear seats offer a bit less headroom due to the sloping roofline, but they're still suitable for children or occasional adult passengers on shorter journeys. Additionally, the thoughtful design incorporates numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, allowing you to keep everyday essentials like sunglasses, phones, and wallets within easy reach.

Beyond just physical space, the M3 boasts features that enhance its practicality for daily driving. The comfortable and supportive seats ensure you won't arrive at your destination feeling fatigued, even after battling rush hour traffic. The M3 also offers a surprisingly smooth ride quality, especially in comfort mode. This is a significant advantage compared to some competitors that prioritize razor-sharp handling at the expense of everyday comfort. Finally, the M3 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue during long commutes or highway stretches.

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Boot Space

Packing for Adventure: The M3's Cargo Capacity

The M3's cargo space might not be the largest in its class, but it offers sufficient capacity for most everyday needs. With 16.9 cubic feet (480 liters) of trunk space, you can comfortably pack luggage for a weekend getaway, stock up on groceries for the week, or even transport a set of golf clubs. The rear seats also fold down to expand cargo capacity significantly, allowing you to accommodate bulkier items or longer cargo when needed.

Here's a breakdown of how the M3's cargo space compares to some common uses:

Weekend Getaway:

A typical weekend duffel bag or suitcase can easily fit in the M3's trunk, with additional space for smaller essentials.

Grocery Shopping:

A full week's worth of groceries for a small family can be comfortably accommodated in the trunk.

Golf Trip:

With the rear seats folded down, you can easily transport a set of golf clubs in the M3.

While the M3 might not be ideal for hauling massive furniture or equipment, it offers a surprisingly practical cargo space that can handle most daily needs and even some adventurous weekend trips.

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Reliabilty And Safety - Is The M3 G80 Reliable?

Reliabilty

Peace of Mind on the Road: Reliability in the M3

The 2024 BMW M3 G80 is built with a focus on performance and precision. However, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice reliability. BMW has a history of producing dependable vehicles, and the M3 is expected to uphold that tradition. The car is meticulously engineered and constructed using high-quality materials. Additionally, the M3 benefits from extensive testing and development to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability.

However, it's important to remember that the M3 is a high-performance machine. Unlike a standard sedan, it puts a greater strain on its engine, brakes, and other mechanical components. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, proper maintenance is crucial. Sticking to the manufacturer's recommended service intervals and using high-quality parts is essential for keeping your M3 running smoothly for years to come.

Following a proactive maintenance schedule can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. This not only saves you money in the long run but also gives you peace of mind knowing your M3 is performing at its peak.

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Safety

Safety First: The M3's Comprehensive Safety Features

The 2024 BMW M3 G80 isn't just about exhilarating performance; it's also designed to keep you and your passengers safe. The M3 is expected to receive top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This is thanks to a robust body structure designed to absorb impact energy in a collision and a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance features (ADAS).

Some of the key ADAS features included in the M3 are:

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):

This system can detect an imminent collision with a forward vehicle and apply automatic braking to help avoid the accident or mitigate its severity.

Lane Departure Warning (LDW):

This system uses cameras to monitor your position within the lane markings. If you unintentionally begin to drift out of your lane, the system will alert you with a visual or audible warning.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM):

This system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot. If a vehicle is approaching your blind spot while you're signaling a lane change, the system will provide a visual warning to alert you.

These are just a few of the many ADAS features available in the M3. These systems work together to create a layered approach to safety, helping you stay alert and avoid potential collisions.

In addition to the ADAS features, the M3 also comes equipped with a full suite of airbags, including front, side, and knee airbags, to provide further protection in the event of a collision. With its combination of a strong safety structure, advanced driver-assistance features, and airbags, the 2024 BMW M3 G80 offers exceptional peace of mind on the road.

Trim Power
M3 353KW | 473HP
(3.0-liter)
M3 COMPETITION 382KW | 510HP
(3.0-liter)
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