VS
At a Glance
Power
335hp @ 5000
523hp @ 6250
Torque
368lb-ft @ 1600
479lb-ft @ 2750
Fuel
25 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Engine
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Choosing between the BMW 8 Series and the BMW M3 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW 8 Series delivers 335hp @ 5000 while the BMW M3 produces 523hp @ 6250. On fuel, the 8 Series returns 25 mpg est. while the M3 uses 20 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $94,500 for the 8 Series and $85,300 for the M3. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
BMW 8 Series840i Gran Coupe 2026 - From $94,500
BMW M3Competition xDrive Sedan 2025 - From $85,300
Performance
Power Output (hp)
335hp @ 5000
523hp @ 6250
Torque (lb-ft)
368lb-ft @ 1600
479lb-ft @ 2750
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3.0 L/183ci
3.0 L/183ci
Engine Layout
Inline
Inline
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
25 mpg est.
20 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
21mpg
16mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
29mpg
23mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
18gal
15.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
200.2in
189.1in
Width (in)
76.1in
74.3in
Height (in)
55.2in
56.6in
Wheelbase (in)
119in
112.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4262lbs
3990lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
BMW M3
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M3
Fuel Economy
8 Series
Value
M3
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BMW 8 Series
Better fuel economy (25 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
BMW M3
Lower starting price ($85,300)
Higher fuel consumption (20 mpg est.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the 8 Series or M3?
The 8 Series gets 25 mpg est. and the M3 gets 20 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The 8 Series is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the 8 Series or M3?
The 8 Series produces 335hp @ 5000 and 368lb-ft @ 1600 of torque while the M3 delivers 523hp @ 6250 and 479lb-ft @ 2750 of torque. The M3 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the 8 Series and M3?
The 8 Series starts from $94,500 and the M3 from $85,300. The M3 is cheaper by $9,200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the 8 Series or the M3?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider