2026 M3 Gets Away With Relatively Small Increase
The current tensions surrounding the ongoing tariff deliberations and revisions are causing German automakers to sweat. Although BMW has been doing its best to keep consequent price adjustments from impacting its customers’ wallets, there’s only so much that can be done while still keeping shareholders happy. After all, BMW is a business and needs to turn a profit. And when shoppers are already forking out over $100k with all the options for the current M3, a $2,700 increase (compared to the launch price) across the range isn’t anything to loosen one’s collar over. If you’re one of those individuals, the configurator for the 2026 model year will soon go live, and it’s always plenty of fun to play with. If not, read on, and we’ll break the new pricing down.
The 2026 BMW M3 Still Sneaks In Below $80k
That’s right. For the new model year, that $2,400 increase means a base MSRP of $78,400, according to a pricing guide obtained by Bimmer Post. If you want the added bragging rights that come with the M3 Competition, however, you’ll pay at least $82,600. And if you want the extra power that is now offered by the M xDrive-fitted M3 Competition, you’ll be forking over a minimum of $87,700. Before you even think about options, you need to add the automaker’s destination and handling fee of $1,175 to the equation. That’s actually come down from the 2025 model, which was set at $1,195. Here’s the overall difference with respective destination charges applied:
|
Model |
2024 Price |
2025 Price |
Difference |
|
M3 |
$77,195 |
$79,575 |
+$2,380 |
|
M3 Competition |
$81,395 |
$83,775 |
+$2,380 |
|
M3 Competition w/ M xDrive |
$86,495 |
$88,875 |
+$2,380 |
Optional Packages Can Push Final Price Near $120K
To complete the aggressive look, you may want to take a look at the Carbon Package, adding another $15,300 for the regular M3 and $14,300 for Competition variants. That does not include the carbon bucket seats you get as standard in a CS-badged Bimmer, so set aside another $4,500. If you really want to impress BMW fanatics, consider the gold brake calipers, because those indicate $8,500 carbon-ceramics. To unlock the full capabilities of your new M3, tick the box marked ‘M Driver’s Package’ for $2,500, moving the speed limiter’s needle from 155 mph to 180. Tick all those boxes (and choose a plain color inside and out), and you’ll just sneak in below $120,000.
2026 BMW M3 Production Begins Very Soon
So why isn’t the configurator live just yet if pricing guides are becoming available? Well, BMW is only expected to begin production of U.S.-bound 2026 M3 sedans in July, and the pricing guide gives its dealers a heads-up, allowing them to plan their pricing strategies for the coming month.
In the meantime, Bimmer Post has full pdf documents of both the new pricing guide and the ordering guide, so if you intend on reserving a special optional extra that will add to your build time, head over to your nearest BMW dealer soon and put your name down. Alternatively, wait until the 2026 models hit the lots and take advantage of deals and incentives on low-mileage and unsold 2025 models. Those should come in considerably cheaper, and any opportunity to get over 500 horsepower and an iconic badge is worth considering.
