BMW G80 M3: Competition power and the return of a manual CS
BMW’s current M3 range gives enthusiasts several ways to enjoy the same turbocharged six. The latest addition puts a manual gearbox back into a CS.
The G80 is the current M3 sedan, and the badge covers more than one drivetrain. BMW’s U.S. lineup lists 473 HP for the manual M3, 503 HP for the rear wheel drive Competition and 523 HP for the Competition with M xDrive. The Competition versions use an eight speed automatic.
The big 2026 announcement is the 2027 M3 CS Handschalter. BMW pairs its 473 HP S58 six with a six speed manual and rear wheel drive. It is a limited North American model, with carbon fiber parts and a titanium rear muffler helping reduce weight. BMW quotes about 42 pounds saved over a standard manual M3, or nearly 75 pounds with the optional carbon ceramic brakes.
That distinction matters. The manual CS is aimed at involvement and chassis response, while the Competition xDrive remains the more powerful regular sedan. You cannot use the xDrive power figure to describe every G80, and the new manual CS should not be confused with the earlier automatic M3 CS.
Beyond the G80, BMW has confirmed fully electric M models from 2027, using four motors and Neue Klasse technology. That announcement is a development direction, rather than a final specification sheet for every future M3. We will keep confirmed specifications separate from rumors.
The red car in the viewer is a custom G80 M3 Competition interpretation, with altered bodywork, wheels and carbon details. It represents the generation discussed here; it does not reproduce the manual CS or a future electric M3. Rotate it toward the front quarter and look closely at the grille, hood and wheel openings.
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Photograph: BMW USA. Custom G80 model and cover: VTX on Sketchfab, CC BY NC SA 4.0.