Is the 2023 BMW M3 Competition different? Absolutely. But not different in the way that you might expect. Being a Competition model, it has several upgrades that make it way better than the standard M3. But this doesn't mean it loses any characteristics the M3 is known and loved for. It remains driver-focused, conveniently practical, and incredibly fun to drive. Honestly, there isn't much else you could want a car to have. Is it costly? Again, yes. But it's absolutely worth it, and when you drive one, you'll appreciate how exceptional it is in every aspect. But before we tell you how much one will set you back, let's take a look at what's under the hood of the 2023 BMW M3 Competition, plus some of the performance upgrades it has over the standard M3.
When you see the Competition badge on a BMW, it usually means extra, and the 2023 BMW M3 Competition is no exception. However, the Competition badge comes with the absence of the 6-speed manual transmission, which you can get in the standard M3. What you get is far better though, and it includes a power bump to 503 horsepower and 479 lb.ft from the same 3.0-liter inline-six. That reduces the 0-60 time from around 4.1 seconds to 3.8 seconds, which is quite thrilling in a sedan, let alone one that weighs nearly 4,000 pounds, especially if you're not at the wheel. One of the things the Competition package adds is a higher top speed, which, in the 2023 M3 Competition, tops out at 180 mph, which the standard M3 can get to if it has the Driver's package. Underneath, it also gets an Active M differential and a retuned suspension. There's more, but we won't spoil the surprise for you.
You were mistaken if you assumed the Competition features were solely about performance. The first difference in the 2023 BMW M3 Competition's cabin is the beautiful front carbon buckets and more carbon fiber finishes. The carbon fiber finishes are nice, but the same can't be said for the front seats, which can be slightly uncomfortable during long drives. This is because they have lesser padding and adjustability, which is quite limited. Also, the exposed carbon leg bolsters on the seat bases are meant to provide lateral support, but it would have been better if they had been padded. Nonetheless, headroom and legroom in both the front and second rows are excellent. While fitting three adults in the rear might seem a bit tight, they will all fit comfortably with enough space to move their shoulders and legs around.
It's hard to pick up how different the 2023 BMW M3 Competition is visually from the standard M3, but a closer look will reveal some design cues that are not present in the latter. For example, the front end on the M3 Comp is slightly more aggressive thanks to the more pronounced and blacked-out splitter that matches the high gloss black door mirrors, fender vents, rear diffuser, and carbon lip spoiler. It stays identical to the standard M3 everywhere else, but that's not necessarily a drawback. You still get the aggressively styled front end with its large air intakes and the oversized grille, which initially sparked controversy for the M3 as it deviated from the traditional BMW design when it was first revealed.
The 2023 BMW M3 Competition, as a performance sedan, has two personalities: it can be playful and dramatic, yet also refined and sophisticated. The best part is that it allows you to choose which of those personalities you want through the driving modes that alter the car's throttle response, steering weight, suspension stiffness, transmission shifts, and stability control settings. There are also two individual modes that allow you to customize each setting independently and save them into one mode programmed into the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel. While we're on the topic of the steering wheel, let's explore some of the cabin's features. A large high-resolution display is mounted atop the dashboard and functions as the infotainment display and instrument cluster. However, the infotainment display side is larger, spanning 14.9 inches wide, while the cluster is 12.3 inches wide. The single unit runs on BMW's iDrive system, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and real-time traffic information display, among other features. If you're a fan of massive displays in cars, you'll also love how intuitive and customizable the merged displays are.
A downside of the Competition badge is that it increases the cost by several thousand dollars compared to the standard M3. But in all respects, the 2023 BMW M3 Competition is worth every penny. Market prices average $75,000, and if you're already considering buying one, explore our BMW M3 listings. Additionally, our website offers a range of other BMWs for sale that you may find appealing.
The design may suggest otherwise, but the 2023 BMW M3 Competition captures the spirit of the original M3, delivering a driving experience that thrills every time. Its added practicality only enhances its appeal. So, why wait? If you're looking for an intensely exciting and subtly refined car, this is the one for you. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today.
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