BMW M3 vs. BMW M5

BMW M3 vs. M5: Performance

2018 BMW M3 base engine comes standard with rear-wheel drive and a front strut suspension with a rear independent multi-link suspension.

• 425 hp Twin Turbo 3.0L I-6 engine with 406 lb-ft of torque
• 6-speed manual transmission with OD, with the option to upgrade to an automatic transmission
• 17/25 city/highway mpg and a 15.9-gallon fuel tank

The 2020 BMW M5 base engine comes standard with the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system and a front double wishbone suspension with a rear independent multi-link suspension.

• 600 hp Twin Turbo 4.4L V8 engine with 553 lb-ft of torque
• 8-speed automatic transmission with OD
• 15/21 city/highway mpg 20.1-gallon fuel tank

BMW M3 vs. M5: Dimensions

The 2018 BMW M3 sedan has less cargo space but it’s more agile for city driving:

• Cargo space: 12.0 cubic feet
• Total vehicle length: 184.5 inches 
• Wheels: 18 inches

The 2020 BMW M5 sedan offers more cargo volume and a little more space to stretch out inside:

• Cargo space: 18.7 cubic feet
• Total vehicle length: 195.5 inches 
• Wheels: 19 inches

BMW M3 vs. M5: Features

Whether you choose the M3 or the M5, you can enjoy standard features like Bluetooth®, voice recognition, 16 speakers, heated front sport seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and even an available sunroof. However, there are some differences that show that the newer and higher-priced BMW M5 gets you more standard features:

• 2018 BMW M3: Standard with a CD player, 1 front LCD screen, leather with cloth seats, 10-way driver power memory seats. Available with parking assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring system.
• 2020 BMW M5: Standard hands-free power trunk, 2 front LCD screens, leather seats, 12-way driver and passenger power memory seats, parking assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring system. Available with cooled front seats and adaptive cruise control.