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Whenever we see the M badge compliment one BMW ride, we know something special is cooking. Just last year, the BMW M GmbH, a high-performance BMW subsidiary, introduced the M3 sedan and the M4 coupe, making us jump full of excitement. We expected nothing less than top-notch quality vehicles with impressive specs and design, which proved true in both cases.
Indeed, the exterior styling of the 2021 BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe raised quite a debate because of the infamous grille. But nobody could dispute the quality and performance of these rides, as our comprehensive reviews already highlighted. In the case of the 2021 BMW M3, we go as far as to say it's one of the best sedans on the market.
The reasons why we think the 2021 BMW M3 is a perfect choice of a sports sedan are many, starting with the impressive specs, wonderful interior styling, and lots of tech features. But don't take us for our word. Let's see together what makes the 2021 BMW M3 so special among the fierce competition.
The 2021 BMW M3 Is Delightfully Powerful And Track-Focused
The BMW M division equipped the M3 sedan with the S58 powertrain capable of producing 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,650 and 6,130 RPM. These numbers allow the sedan to go from 0 to 60 mph in a whopping 4.1 seconds and develop a top speed of 155 mph. But if you opt for the M Driver's Package, which we wholeheartedly recommend, the speed can increase up to 180 mph.
Now, another thing we absolutely adore in the 2021 BMW M3 is the Competition trim, which boosts the power output to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This variant can also go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, though there's not much difference in the overall handling. Both the standard M3 and the M3 Competition are snappy quick, smooth to drive, and highly stable. Did we mention they are fun as well? That plays a significant role.
Although we don't have enough room to talk in detail about the M3 performance, we want to mention some of the many significant advancements that make this sports sedan so powerful. Firstly, water and oil cooling systems handle high temperatures on tracks. Secondly, the 6-speed manual and rear-wheel drive bring forth more driving thrill on the road. The body and chassis enhancements are also worthy of mention, considering the standard Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers significantly improves controls, comfort, and agility.
Finally, the dual-branch exhaust system brings wonderfully tuned sound in every configuration and situation. The one thing to keep in mind is that the Competition comes only with an 8-speed automatic transmission but includes an M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
The Exterior Styling Of The 2021 BMW M3 Turns Heads On The Road
Many gearheads indeed dislike what the BMW M did with the M3's exterior design. But if you look closely — and past that eye-catching grille — you'll notice this sedan is actually very well and thoughtfully built.
The 2021 BMW M3 is a modern sedan with bold lines and an aggressive stance, focused primarily on performance. There are light alloy wheels, a carbon fiber roof, LED headlights, prominently flared fenders, and extended side sills, among many other impressive exterior elements.
What's more, BMW M included several exclusive exterior paint colors to make the M3 sedan stand out. So, whether you like it or loathe it is not relevant — the 2021 BMW M3 will turn heads on the road in any case, which not all vehicles can do in this time of many faceless designs.
The 2021 BMW M3's Interior Is Stunningly Simple Yet Practical
Inside, the 2021 BMW M3 is beautifully simple and functional, offering many performance-focused features without making the operation challenging. Along the line, most elements in the cabin get a signature M logo for a special, racing-like feeling during rides.
The interior in the photo above is only one of the several available trims drivers got to choose from during the vehicle build. But all of them were equally well-developed and gorgeous, from the super supportive and comfortable sports seats to the fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display and a 10.25-inch digital touchscreen center display.
The 2021 BMW M3 also comes with the iDrive 7.0 operating system offering navigation, wireless connectivity for mobile devices and their apps, a personal assistant, and more. Other lovable details include the innovative setup button, the M mode button, and the M Drive Professional system.
An Advanced Driver-Assistance System Makes The 2021 BMW M3 A Complete Ride
The 2021 BMW M3 completes its offer with an advanced driver-assistance system built to provide comfort and safety during every ride. The system includes Park Distance Control, Automatic High Beam, Active Protection, Active Cruise Control, Active Lane Keeping Assistant, Blind Spot Detection, and much more.
So when we put together all the things that the 2021 BMW M3 offers, we simply have to declare it as one of the best-developed sedans of modern time. Had it not had a design "issue," it may have come close to perfect.