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Refreshed 2025 BMW M3 Unveiled As Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Rival

The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has a freshly updated rival in the form of the refreshed 2025 BMW M3. The Bavarian automaker pulled the sheets off the model on May 28th ahead of a planned July 2024 global launch.

The 2025 BMW M3 represents the cutting-edge, high-performance variant of BMW’s compact luxury sedan, occupying much the same place in the model’s lineup as the Blackwing version does among Cadillac sedans.

Side view of the 2025 BMW M3.

With performance at the heart of the competition, BMW’s engineers tweaked the engine management system to squeeze another 20 horsepower out of the M3’s straight-six powerplant. The base M3 with RWD develops 473 horsepower, while the M3 Competition offers 503 horses. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with 4WD M xDrive achieves 523 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.

Pitted against this, the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is still the winner with its supercharged 6.2L V8 LT4 gasoline engine, rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque. Nevertheless, the two models are tied for zero-to-sixty acceleration, with both the M3 and the Blackwing blasting from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

Rear three quarters view of the 2025 BMW M3.

If raw speed is the metric by which the performance of the two models is judged, the Blackwing is still ahead, but the BMW is catching up, with top speed limited to 155 miles per hour or, with the optional M Driver’s Package, reach 180 miles per hour. Meanwhile, the 2025 CT5-V Blackwing can soar past 200 miles an hour.

The 2025 BMW M3 is priced in-between Caddy’s two Blackwing sedans, with starting MSRP set at $76,000 for the base M3, $80,200 for the M3 Competition, and $85,300 for the range-topping M3 Competition with M xDrive. Pricing for the 2024 CT5-V Blackwing, meanwhile, starts at $94,890, and the 2024 CT4-V Blackwing begins at $62,890. Destination fees are included in all of the listed prices.

Cockpit view of the 2025 BMW M3.

The sixth-generation M3 has numerous powertrain features from the motorsport and racing world built in. Drivers can adjust ride and handling to meet their specific preferences as well as select different drive modes. BMW claims that in the M3 design, the “kinematics and elastokinematics of the double-joint spring strut front axle and five-link rear axle ensure the harmonious blend of extremely dynamic handling and comfort and control in everyday use and over longer journeys.”

The refreshed vehicle also gets some styling updates, such as new headlight designs, arrow-shaped driving lights and turn signals, and silver-bordered badges for the two Competition trims. The cockpit also got an overhaul with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, “aluminum rhombicle anthracite” trim pieces, and a high-resolution curved display including a 12.3-inch info screen and a 14.9-inch control screen. A head-up display (HUD) is optional.

Front view of the 2025 BMW M3.

Meanwhile, you can check out a quick video tour of the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing here.

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Comments

  1. No manual? LOL. Way to go BMW. Blackwing is still king!

    Reply
    1. Yes, there is a manual transmission option but it is offered only for the base M3 model. Competition model or above are all autos.

      Reply
  2. Colour is nice but car modeis too ugly designed

    Reply
  3. If the Bimmer lacks a manual, then it’s no rival.

    Reply
  4. This design is what happens when you let a disconnected chief designer have the final say and you don’t do any market research to see if the dogs will eat the dog food.

    Reply
  5. Eww that interior is uuuuugly

    Reply
  6. Hello from Germany!

    I see the CT4-V Blackwing as the only opponent to the BMW M3 because the horsepower and price are similar.
    The normal CT4 is an opponent of the 4-cylinder and inline-6 ​​BMW 3 Series with and without the M-Sport package or M-Performance packages.
    There are also the BMW ALPINA models but these are not offered in the USA!

    The CT5-V Blackwing is an opponent of the BMW M5 but never an opponent of the BMW M3 or M4!

    Why am I writing it like that?
    It is just a fact and you in the USA should pay more attention to your OEMs because their vehicles are also super good but the prices are lower and that is a good thing!!!

    Reply
    1. You should post more, Herman!

      Reply
  7. Full stop. The new m3 will kill a ct5 v in acceleration and 1/4 mile times at minimum in comp xdrive form and all models including the manual will make well over 700 wheel horsepower over 800 crank with nothing more than a tune and e85. It’s also 300 lbs lighter and cheaper.

    Reply
  8. Ugly

    Reply
    1. The questionable visible part on the M3/M4 is definitely the grill. I’d say the Caddy has it beat there, but the M3/M4 is a better looking car than those granny haulers from the side and rear. The Caddy looks too much like the base CT models.

      Reply
  9. Well the 2025 ct5v bw looks a chunk better then the previous itiration. Bmw looks well same to me as 20 years ago.

    I wish they would bring back the ct6v bw that was sexy af.

    Reply

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