Comparable in performance to an exotic sports car, the 2013 BMW M3 comes with lots of practical features including good visibility out of the cabin and a roomy interior. With a faster acceleration rate and enhanced styling, the M3 stands out from the regular 3-Series offerings and boasts a competitive list of excellent standard comforts and great optional additions. The M3 is equipped with a host of different parts that distance it from other vehicles in the 3-Series line. This muscular-looking vehicle offers all the appeal of a high-performance sports car with all the practicality one needs for everyday use, competent at both highway speeds and in city traffic. While it comes in at a higher price than other 3-Series vehicles, the BMW M3 delivers all the class and performance one would expect from its price premium.
New For 2013
The new 3-Series sedan arrived in late 2011, and the 2013 model year introduces the new wagon, the option of all-wheel drive (for the sedan and wagon), and the first-ever 3-Series hybrid, the ActiveHybrid 3. The new 3-Series coupe and convertible will make their debut during 2013 and might switch to a new, 4-Series designation that will better justify their high price tags.
Exterior
Available in a coupe or a convertible, the 2013 BMW M3 includes several differences in appearance that make it a bit flashier than other models of the 3-Series line. The fenders flair out and house larger 19-inch wheels, though standard fare is 18-inch wheels with performance tires. The front fascia includes a larger intake to draw in cool air. The hood features a powerdome that is equipped with two vents on either side to allow hot air to escape the engine. The rear includes a quad-tipped dual exhaust, a slim spoiler, and a rear fascia similar to the contours of the front-end design. The roof is made of a lightweight carbon fiber design which also serves to lower the vehicle’s center of gravity. The convertible is equipped with a modern retractable hard top. The BMW M3 is available in nine body colors, most notably Melbourne Red Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic, and Space Gray Metallic. Options available for the exterior include 19-inch light alloy double-spoke wheels with performance tires and automatic high beams.
Interior & Cargo
The interior of the 2013 BMW M3 features all-leather upholstery and a choice of either wood or carbon fiber trim. The M3 is easy to step in and out of, and is comfortable even for average-sized adults seated in the rear seats – a rare finding in today’s sport coupes and convertibles. The driver’s seat is adjustable in several ways and can be quite accommodating to taller drivers. Slim pillars in the coupe allow for greater visibility out of the car in all directions. Controls are intuitive and easy to access. Standard interior features include cruise control, driver and passenger climate controls, and Bluetooth wireless connectivity for hands-free calls. Entertainment equipment includes an AM/FM sounds system with a CD player and MP3 playback, and USB connectivity. The BMW M3 also includes memorized settings that can be applied to the climate control, audio system, and to driver settings of electronic systems. Available options include heated front seats, satellite radio service, and an enhanced sound system. The interior color options feature silver, grey, and red hues including two-tone combinations.
Safety
The 2013 BMW M3 includes all the basic safety features one would expect from a car of its class, including excellent and responsive brakes. Safety crash testing is unavailable for the BMW M3, as is generally the case with luxury sports cars. Standard safety accessories featured on the BMW M3 include four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, and dual front side-mounted airbags with head protection chambers. A remote anti-theft alarm system and post-collision safety system are standard as well, for some extra peace of mind. As an added feature, the M3 also includes cornering lights that are perfect for dark, winding roads. Adaptive headlights with xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps are also included as standard features.
Driving Experience
A luxury sports vehicle with excellent performance, the 2013 BMW is just as much fun behind the wheel as one might expect from its sporty exterior and affluent namesake. The M3 also provides a compliant drive for everyday use, which reveals the versatility of the vehicle’s performance. All the latest technologies are incorporated to create a higher-performing vehicle, and it shows. Despite the current M3’s slightly heavier weight than previous model, its handling is still superb, taking corners and winding roads with ease and style. Equipped with a 4.0-liter V-8, the M3 delivers a hefty 414 horsepower (hp) and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is a competitive figure. A six-speed, manual transmission comes standard, and a seven-speed, dual-clutch, automated, manual transmission with paddle shifters is available. The M3 also has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph, though that is surely enough to outperform nearly any vehicle on the road and is comparable to some exotic sports cars. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph is accomplished in a mere 4.8 seconds by the lighter-weight coupe, and the heavier convertible does so in just under six seconds.
Key Competitors For The 2013 BMW M3
- Audi A4
- Cadillac ATS/CTS
- Infiniti G37
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class