2025 BMW M3 vs. 2025 M5 Sedan: Full Breakdown
June 03 2025,
Both the 2025 BMW M3 and 2025 M5 Sedan are built with performance in mind, but they serve it up in different ways—one leans into raw, agile driving thrills, while the other brings muscle with a refined hybrid twist. Whether you're team tradition or leaning toward futuristic innovation, this head-to-head comparison breaks it all down so you can see exactly what sets each apart—and what they both absolutely nail.
A Performance Showdown
If you're looking for jaw-dropping horsepower, both sedans come ready to impress. The BMW M3 powers up with a 3.0-litre turbocharged I-6 engine pushing out 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while the BMW M5 raises the bar with its 4.4-litre V8 plug-in hybrid system, generating a stunning 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to get-up-and-go, both deliver—just in their own unique ways.
Build & Price your own 2025 BMW M3
Power Meets Precision
Transmission makes a world of difference in how your drive feels. The M3 offers a 6.0-speed manual for purists who want complete control, while the M5 leans into comfort and power delivery with an 8.0-speed automatic transmission. And with rear-wheel drive in the M3 and all-wheel drive in the M5, you're getting two different flavours of BMW performance—neither wrong, just different.
Eye-Catching Inside and Out
A sharp aesthetic game is a given. The M3 rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, while the M5 rolls in with bold 20-inch alloys. Inside, both sedans come loaded with high-end finishes and essentials like heated power-adjustable seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ compatibility—though the M5 gets a larger 14.9-inch touchscreen, compared to the M3’s 12.3-inch unit.
Efficiency Gets a Modern Upgrade
Here's where things get interesting. The M3, running on gas, posts a combined 12.6 L/100km, with 14.5 L/100km city and 10.2 L/100km highway. The M5, thanks to its hybrid setup, is rated at just 4.7 L/100km combined, with 16.0 L/100km city and 11.0 L/100km highway, offering a smarter way to own performance. The M5 also gives you 40 km of battery-only range, which adds some eco-minded versatility.
Room, Range, and Real-World Use
If cargo space matters to you, the M5 wins out with 466-litre of space compared to the M3’s 368-litre. Even the fuel capacity sees a bump with 60-litre in the M5 vs. 59-litre in the M3. And while both come with rain-sensing wipers, auto high beams, and LED projector headlamps, only the M5 offers a 360° view camera and a few extra bells like hands-free remote trunk release and automatic door closing.
Ready to Choose Your Next BMW? Visit Calgary BMW
When it comes to picking between the M3 and M5, it all comes down to what kind of power excites you most. Whether you want the visceral thrill of a manual or the futuristic punch of hybrid torque, both options deliver elite performance. Visit Calgary BMW today to explore these vehicles in person. Our team is ready to walk you through every detail, from test drive to delivery, and make sure your next ride fits you perfectly.
