2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive

We’ve heard all the chatter about the new grille found on the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive sedan. We’ve even mocked it ourselves, describing it as being “all nostril.” But anytime you can combine the letter M with a number 3, you know you are in for a treat. That’s just what we at Napleton News received when they dropped off the M3 Comp at our offices recently. Here’s what we thought.

The Ultimate Driving Machine on juice.

Start with the anything-but-standard BMW M3, which takes a standard 3 Series sedan and dips it in performance-flavored stardust. The BMW M3 Competition is not only the Ultimate Driving Machine. It’s the Ultimate Driving Machine on juice. In other words, this is the BMW for you when the standard M3 just won’t do.

Using the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that it shares with the M4, the “base” version makes 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. With this kit, a six-speed manual transmission is the only one offered. Ours isn’t that car. Instead, we have the BMW M3 Competition xDrive sedan. It takes the primary offerings of the traditional M3 and adds to it the M Driver’s Package ($2,500) that unleashes even more power from the turbo straight-six. In this case, that means 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, but with a trade-off: It’s only available with a slick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s a sacrifice we can live with.

Next, we added xDrive ($4,100) all-wheel drive (AWD) for all those times where extra grip would be a welcomed addition. Think: On the track, in the snow, on wet roads and more. The kit is so comprehensive that you can select rear-wheel drive mode so you, too, can engage in a bit of hooniganism. (Google: Hoonigan). And if you get a bit over your head, the gold-calipered carbon-ceramic brakes will help you bring the M3 Competition back under control.

More on the BMW M3 Competition xDrive.

In addition to the go-fast goodies listed above, other bits help set this BMW apart from its competition. Start with adaptive dampers and adjustable brake pedals to tailor the feel to your foot. This is a thing! There’s also the M Drive Professional package. This bit of kit includes an M Drift Analyzer. What’s that, you ask? It’s a meter that helps you measure and perform the perfect drift maneuver, just like some of those faster and furiouser kids.

The View from the Wheelhouse of the 2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive.

At first glance, the interior of the BMW M3 Competition xDrive looks like your typical run-of-the-mill 3 Series sedans. Except for the carbon fiber bits throughout. It’s everywhere! On the dashboard, across the door panels and down the center console. And then there are the seats. Our M3 Comp included optional carbon-fiber seats, which are presumably much lighter weight than the standard chairs. Fitting like a glove, it’s better if I were in supermodel shape rather than our current economy-sized self. It’s okay, though, because they offer adjustable side-bolsters that can be opened or closed as needed. We found it easier to push the steering wheel away before getting in or out of the cockpit.

There are a pair of 12.3-inch display screens on board. One display houses the gauges directly in front of the driver, while the other shows the navigation, audio, climate and smartphone integration. BMW’s gesturing functions are here, too. You can raise the volume or even mute the radio or your phone by twirling your finger. There are many other features, but we didn’t go down that rabbit hole searching for them.

Finally, BMW has seen the error of its ways and eliminated the subscription fees previously charged for using Apple CarPlay. And for those of you of the Google persuasion, setting up Android Auto is now possible in a BMW.

Behind the wheel of the BMW M3 Competition xDrive

It’s a brute that requires a bit of finesse when climbing inside. Once in place, buckle up and hit the console-mounted starter button. The turbo straight-six growls to life and finally settles down. A quick slide of the gear selector lever into reverse kicks the car rearward to get out of the driveway. Once pointed in the proper direction, the car accelerates effortlessly, just as if it were a standand BMW 3 Series.

It’s when we hit the Ronald Reagan Turnpike on-ramp that things truly get interesting. Still cruising along in standard 3 Series mode, we finally see our spot. At that point, our hands and feet take over, aggressively holding on to the wheel as we stab the loud pedal. As we plot a run up the on-ramp, we find our place in the fast lane. That aggression converts to a drop kick to the chest as we rapidly move into our place amongst the constantly flowing traffic. Sadly, the traffic flow is not moving quickly enough for our and the M3 Competition’s tastes. That’s when we push onward.

The vehicle moves effortlessly up to rev-line as we pass the lally-gaggers with out-of-state license plates. The grip is tenacious at both ends of the car, keeping it tracking on the straight and narrow. And the engine note is better than anything coming from the high-end Harmon Kardan speakers.

And still, it is quite a concert.

2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive specifications

	2022 BMW M3 Competition xDrive
Popular Powertrains
Engine Type	3.0-Liter twin-turbocharged inline-6
Horsepower	503 @ 6,250 rpm
Torque	479 LB-FT @ 2,750 rpm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy	18 mpg (16 city/22 hwy)
Suspension	Adaptive Damper Suspension
Turning Circle	41.4 ft.
Other Available features	Rear Wheel Drive, Manual Transmission (M3 only)
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	NA
Max Seating Capacity	4
Wheelbase	112.5 inches
Overall Length	189.1 inches
Width	74.3 inches
Height	56.5 inches
Trunk Room	13.0 Cubic Feet
Headroom, Front	40.6 inches
Headroom, Rear	37.8 inches
Legroom, Front	41.6 inches
Legroom, Rear	35.6 inches
Shoulder, Front	56.0 inches
Shoulder, Rear	54.6 inches