For those of you who have been eyeing the BMW M3, perhaps you should brace yourself for another one in 2026. Pricing details leak has shown BMW has increased M3 pricing by $1,700 for all trims. Not a huge increase, but that bumps the base M3 to $79,575 before destination and handling, $83,775 for the Competition model, and $88,875 for the Competition xDrive. We can see the M3 ownership experience becoming more of a luxury experience — but is it worth it? Let’s take a closer look.
2026 BMW M3 Pricing Breakdown
| Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| Base M3 | $79,575 |
| M3 Competition | $83,775 |
| M3 Competition xDrive | $88,875 |
As a comparison, the base M3 started at only $70,895 in 2020. This incremental bump in price isn’t new, but it does remind fans of the legendary performance sedan just how much they’ll have to pay for a seat behind the wheel of this legend.
What’s New with the 2026 M3?
The M3 features remain unchanged, while the price is on a rise. And the base M3 is still the only one with a 6-speed that focuses on the driver. Meanwhile, the Competition models send 503 horsepower through an 8-speed automatic transmission — no manual for the automatic folks here.
For some extra road holding, the all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive is offered for $5,100 more. Which is a fantastic choice for anyone living in a less predictable climate, and the added performance would certainly not hurt.
Why the Price Increase?
The M3 has long been encroaching on territory usually reserved for high-end sports cars, and the trend will continue with the 2026 model. As BMW works on the M3 to make it even better, the car’s performance, luxury, and technology get a little more special — and, of course, a little more costly. This explains the uptick in price for high-performance sedans such as the M3 too.
Also, be mindful of customization, as it can majorly contribute to the total price. On the base M3, the Carbon Package (which includes carbon-fiber interior accents, ceramic brakes, and bucket seats) runs $15,300, for example. It’s easy to start crossing into six-figure territory in an M3 with all of the available upgrades.
Should You Still Buy the 2026 BMW M3?
With prices on the rise, you may be asking yourself: Is the 2026 BMW M3 still worth the money? If you are looking for something upbeat, then the answer is yes, and if not, then the answer is probably no. For raw power and driving excitement, not to mention some of the latest luxury the automotive world can offer, the M3 remains one of the best out there. Yes, it has also gotten more expensive, but dammit, it is BMW, and you have to hand it to a BMW for performance and build quality.
The next-gen of the M2 will most likely see the continuation of the manual phase-out by BMW, so if you’re going to think about the manual version, you probably want to hurry up. This is one of the last chances for an enthusiast-grade M3, then, if that matters to you.
Final Thoughts
It might be more expensive than the 2026 BMW M3, but it’s still a hell of a car. The M3 remains a benchmark in sports sedan driving, no matter if you care more about the driving experience or the luxury. As ever, a bit of customization can move that needle a bit, but the end result is a vehicle that serves up thrills and styling at every corner.
Orders are open now with production starting this July, so if you’re ready to take the plunge, now’s your chance. Just be ready to pay a little more than you would have planned to — but then again, that is the cost of owning a legend, right?
Stay tuned to Motorgold for more updates on the latest BMW models and automotive trends!
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With over 5 years of experience in content writing, Kaamini Pandey is a seasoned professional specializing in the automotive industry. Holding a B.Tech in Computer Science, she combines her technical expertise with a deep passion for automobiles to deliver high-quality, informative content. Kaamini’s work spans across various topics, including the latest vehicle models, advanced automotive technologies, maintenance best practices, and industry developments. Her ability to distill complex technical details into clear, engaging narratives ensures that her content resonates with both enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Kaamini consistently stays at the forefront of automotive trends, allowing her to provide readers with up-to-date insights. Her commitment to delivering accurate, reliable, and engaging content makes her a trusted voice in the field, further enriching the MotorGold platform.