G80 M3: Competition vs Base & xDrive vs RWD
With no engine fault to fear on a G80, the buying decision is really two questions: Competition or base (which also decides the manual), and xDrive or rear-wheel drive. Together they define how your M3 drives, what it costs and how usable it is. Here's how to choose both.
How the choices connect
They're linked. The base M3 is the only way to get the six-speed manual, and it's rear-wheel drive only. The Competition is more powerful and automatic-only — and xDrive all-wheel drive is offered on the Competition. So if you want the manual, you're choosing base RWD; if you want all-weather traction, you're choosing Competition xDrive. Everything flows from these two questions.
Competition vs Base
More power and polish, or the purist's manual.
- More power than the base car, and quicker against the clock.
- Eight-speed auto only — fast, smooth, effortless shifts.
- The volume seller — far more common, and the only way to get xDrive.
- More standard kit and the broader options spread.
- Six-speed manual — the only G80 you can get with three pedals.
- Rear-wheel drive only — lighter-feeling and pure.
- Slightly less power — and gloriously beside the point for many.
- Rarer and enthusiast-cherished for the manual.
The Competition is the faster, more loaded, more usable car and the one most people buy — and the only route to all-wheel drive. The base M3 exists for one beautiful reason: it's the only way to get the manual, in pure rear-drive form. If a stick shift matters to you, the choice is made; if outright pace, equipment and the xDrive option matter more, the Competition is the pick.
xDrive vs Rear-Wheel Drive
All-weather traction, or rear-drive purity.
- Massive traction — puts the S58's power down cleanly, quickest off the line.
- All-weather usability — far more confident in rain, cold and snow.
- Rear-drive mode — can decouple the front axle for tail-out fun when you want it.
- Competition only — not offered on the base/manual car.
- Purer feel — the classic M rear-drive character and lighter front end.
- Available on base & Comp — including the manual base car.
- More of a handful in the wet or cold with this much power.
- The enthusiast's traditional choice for engagement.
xDrive transforms how usable the G80 is — it deploys the power in any weather and is the quickest, while still allowing a rear-drive mode for play. Rear-wheel drive keeps the traditional M purity and is the only option on the manual car, but asks more of you when grip is low. If you drive year-round in a tough climate or want maximum point-to-point pace, xDrive; if you want lightness and old-school rear-drive feel (or the manual), RWD.
| Trait | Competition | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Gearbox | 8-speed auto only | 6-speed manual |
| Drive | RWD or xDrive | RWD only |
| Availability | Common | Rarer |
| Best for | Pace, traction, ease | Engagement, the manual |
Which Should You Buy?
Competition xDrive if…
You want the fastest, most usable G80 — devastating traction, all-weather confidence and effortless auto shifts, with a rear-drive mode in reserve. The all-rounder, and the easiest to find.
Base manual (RWD) if…
You want engagement above all — the only G80 with three pedals, in pure rear-drive form. Slightly slower on paper, rarer, and the enthusiast's choice.
And the middle ground: a Competition RWD gives you the extra power and equipment with traditional rear-drive purity, if you don't need the manual or all-weather traction. Whatever you choose, then run the full buyer's guide on the actual car.
FAQ
Can I get a manual Competition?
No — the six-speed manual is exclusive to the base M3, and it's rear-wheel drive only. The Competition is automatic-only. So if you want the manual, you're buying a base RWD car.
Is xDrive available on the base car?
No — xDrive all-wheel drive is offered on the Competition only. The base manual M3 is rear-wheel drive. To get AWD you're choosing a Competition.
Does xDrive ruin the M3's character?
Not really — it deploys the power far better and is hugely usable in poor weather, and it can decouple the front axle for a pure rear-drive mode when you want to play. Purists still prefer RWD for its lighter feel, but xDrive is the more capable all-rounder.
Is the base car much slower?
Slightly less powerful and a touch slower on paper, but it's still tremendously fast — and most base buyers consider that beside the point given they're getting the manual and the purest rear-drive feel.
Which holds value best?
All are strong, but the rarer manual base car enjoys loyal enthusiast demand, while Competition xDrive is the easiest to sell thanks to its broad appeal. Buy the one that suits how you'll drive; both ends of the range are desirable.
The Bottom Line
It comes down to two linked questions. Want the manual? You're buying a base RWD car. Want all-weather pace and ease? Competition xDrive is the all-rounder. And a Competition RWD splits the difference for power-plus-purity without the manual. None is wrong — match it to how you'll actually drive, then check the specific car with our G80 buyer's guide and head back to the G80 hub.