BMW M3 gets power boost and upgraded infotainment

BMW has updated the M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M3 Competition Touring.

Both models get a 20bhp boost to their total output, so they both now offer a total of 523bhp. Peak torque, meanwhile, totals at 650Nm, although this is now available between 2,750rpm and an even higher 5,730rpm.

Both cars now get their model badging on their boot lids accented by an elegant silver-coloured surround

BMW states that this bump allows both cars to offer a more ferocious and sustained power delivery. And the numbers don't lie: The BMW M3 Competition Saloon with M xDrive will now complete the century sprint in 3.5 seconds, as opposed to the 3.9 seconds needed before.

The BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, meanwhile, will still need 3.6 seconds to complete the same sprint. Both cars also now sport redesigned LED head lights, which now bring together their low and high beam into a single module.

The cars are also available with Adaptive LED Head lights, which can be identified by their use of blue inlays, and also come with a cornering light function. Customers who opt for these may additionally opt for the M Shadowline lights, which get dark inner accents. At the rear, both cars now get their model badging on their boot lids accented by an elegant silver-coloured surround.

The BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M3 Competition Touring now make use of BMW's Opeating System 8.5

Step within and you'll also find the steering wheel of both cars have been redesigned.

This new three-spoke M leather steering wheel, complete with multifunction buttons and red centre marker in the 12 o'clock position, now get a flat-bottomed rim. This new wheel is also now available as an M Alcantara item for the first time.

As with the updated BMW 3 Series sedan, both the BMW M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M3 Competition Touring now sport BMW's Operating System 8.5, presented via a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display, although those on the M cars of course, get M-specific content. The cars also get M-specific style for their head-up display, which is available as an added option.

The new operating system means both cars now offer the option to access their air-conditioning settings via a section in the lower area of the control display, although these changes can also be made via voice command. Both cars also get an upgraded ambient lighting system, which now encompasses contour lighting integrated into the trim around the central seam vents.

Customer deliveries of the updated M3 Competition Saloon and BMW M3 Competition Touring are set to commence by mid-2024.