Another well-known performance sedan is facing a price increase as BMW joins the list of automakers raising costs for the 2026 model year. According to a recently leaked pricing guide, all versions of the 2026 BMW M3 will see a price hike of $1,700 compared to the previous model year. While price increases are nothing new in the automotive world, the announcement has sparked attention among enthusiasts and potential buyers. Fortunately, BMW has refrained from increasing the destination and handling fee, which remains at $1,175—a small relief amidst the general upward trend in pricing.
The leaked pricing details were shared on the enthusiast forum Bimmerpost and outline the new base prices for the 2026 M3 lineup. The standard rear-wheel-drive M3 now starts at $78,400, while the M3 Competition is priced at $82,600. The all-wheel-drive M3 Competition xDrive climbs to $87,700. Including the unchanged destination charge, the total costs for each model now stand at $79,575, $83,775, and $88,875, respectively. These changes reflect a steady increase over the past few years, aligning with industry-wide pricing adjustments that aren’t necessarily tied to current economic or political developments.
Although some consumers might suspect that these increases are linked to recent changes in U.S. trade policy or tariffs, it’s important to note that annual model-year price bumps have been a routine part of the automotive industry for decades. The leaked document does not cite any new features, design updates, or technological upgrades for the 2026 M3 models. Production is set to begin in July, but no official timeline has been given for when deliveries will start in North America. Without any significant changes to the vehicle, the higher price may seem hard to justify to some buyers.
Historical pricing data reveals just how much the M3’s cost has climbed over the years. When the G80-generation M3 debuted in the United States in March 2021, the standard model had a starting price of $69,900. The M3 Competition was $72,800, and the Competition xDrive version was $76,900. In just a few years, each variant has increased by nearly $9,000 or more—pushing the top-tier model close to $90,000 before factoring in optional extras.
In comparison, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG C63 S begins at $85,050. While it has not received as much critical acclaim as the M3, especially due to its four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, it remains a formidable rival packed with cutting-edge tech. Whether the M3’s rising price tag remains justifiable will ultimately depend on buyers’ loyalty, priorities, and preferences.