For practically 4 many years, the BMW M3 has outlined the compact sports activities sedan. However in 2025, the G80 M3 lineup appears completely different from what many purists would possibly count on. The automated Competitors fashions dominate the gross sales charts, and xDrive all-wheel drive ensures blistering acceleration occasions. But tucked quietly on the base of the lineup is one thing way more particular: the final remaining manual-transmission M3.
On this overview, we take a more in-depth take a look at a very putting instance — a 2025 BMW M3 Sedan in Darkish Emerald Metallic — to see whether or not this six-speed is the true fanatic’s M3, and presumably the ultimate one among its sort.
A Handbook Transmission in 2025
In an period the place practically each rival has ditched the stick, BMW continues to supply a handbook gearbox in the usual M3. The reasoning isn’t about efficiency numbers. With 473 horsepower and rear-wheel drive, the handbook M3 is slower on paper than its Competitors counterpart. However that misses the purpose. The six-speed gearbox makes driving the M3 a extra deliberate, participating course of. Each shift, each clutch press, connects the driving force on to the S58 twin-turbo inline-six. It’s an expertise that reminds you why the M3 grew to become an icon within the first place — not as a result of it was the quickest automotive in a straight line, however as a result of it was essentially the most rewarding to drive.
The Window Sticker Breakdown
The instance we examined isn’t only a base automotive. Its Monroney sticker totals $101,875, due to a cautious mixture of efficiency and luxurious choices. Right here’s the way it provides up:
- MSRP: $76,000
- Darkish Emerald Metallic paint: $4,500
- Kyalami Orange/Black Leather-based inside: $2,550
- Carbon Package deal ($15,300): consists of M Carbon Bucket Seats, M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, M Alcantara steering wheel, M Driver’s Package deal, BMW Curved Show with HUD, and 19/20-inch dual-spoke wheels
- Parking Help Package deal: $700
- Govt Package deal: $1,400 (heated steering wheel, full LED headlights with cornering operate, energy tailgate)
- M Shadowline Lights: $250
- Vacation spot & Dealing with: $1,175
- Grand Complete: $101,875
That’s a severe determine for a “base” M3, but it surely highlights how customizable the G80 platform stays. From the outrageous Kyalami Orange seats to the shimmering Darkish Emerald Metallic paintwork, it is a spec that feels each distinctive and unapologetically daring. But it surely’s costly.
Will There Be A New Handbook M3?
BMW hasn’t confirmed whether or not the next-generation M3 will retain a handbook transmission. With electrification and software-driven efficiency on the horizon, the writing might already be on the wall. That makes the present G80 handbook not simply one other variant, however doubtlessly a collector’s piece — the tip of an period for driver-engaged sports activities sedans. For lovers, the choice comes right down to what issues extra: outright pace or a richer driving expertise. The Competitors mannequin with xDrive might submit faster numbers, however the handbook automotive is the one which stays truest to the M3’s DNA.
Watch the Full Evaluation
We put this actual automotive to the take a look at in our newest YouTube video, exploring how the handbook transmission feels on the street, the way it stacks up towards the Competitors fashions, and why BMW selected to maintain the stick alive when so many rivals walked away.
