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BMW is evolving at an exponential rate and broadening its line-up of cars. They used to only produce mean-looking coupes and sedans like the 1M Coupe, but they've started adding ugly sedans like the new 7-Series, oversized SUVs, and electric vehicles into their line-up too, such as the BMW iX and underrated i4. It goes without saying that the brand is changing as we know it.
Regardless of whether the change is good or bad, they still produce some awesome driver's cars like the yet-to-be-unveiled BMW M2. Some things never change; however, and that's the case with the BMW M3. The M3 has always been the Bavarian company's star child, ever since the E30 M3 took its first breath. The debate on which M3 generation is one with no end, but it's safe to say the battle for first place always resides between the E92 M3 and E46 M3. But today, we won't be speaking of either one.
Today we'll have a look at the latest BMW M3, based on the G20 3 Series. We'll discuss its highs and lows, and also explain why it's one of the best-performance sedans on the market.
10 The 2021 BMW M3 Is Rear-Wheel-Drive
Nowadays, most carmakers are shifting towards the idea of fitting all their cars with all-wheel-drive drivetrains for the sole purpose of enhanced grip and quicker 0-60 times. But the M3 was never big on keeping its rear in place, and all previous BMW M3s have been fitted with a rear-wheel-drive system.
We do have to address the elephant in the room though. The BMW M3 might be rear-wheel-drive, but the M3 Competition can be had with BMW's all-wheel-drive xDrive system. The xDrive system fitted to the M3 Competition is however rear-biased and can send all the power to the rear. But more on the M3 Comp a bit later.
9 The 2021 BMW M3 Comes With A Mandatory Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Now, this is a doozy. The only transmission offered in the standard BMW M3 is a six-speed manual. Not only is this a rare sight to see in a new performance car, but it's the one car we've all been hoping it gets – apart from the Toyota Supra of course.
The manual transmission won't allow the 2021 BMW M3 to perform as consistently as other automatic cars, but the engaging driving experience your receive in return makes up for it.
8 A Turbocharged Straight-Six Engine Powers The 2021 BMW M3
The 2021 BMW G80 M3 retains the same traditional six-cylinder layout used by its predecessors, but it has some forced induction brought into play. It's not the first-ever M3 to adopt turbocharged power into its power delivery – that would be the F80 M3 – but it perfected the formula.
The base model M3 has a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six under its hood that produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful M3 to date. Well, that's if you exclude the M3 Competition of course. Speaking of...
7 The 2021 BMW M3 Competition Also Exists
The M3 Competition is the ultimate M3 money can buy. It's powered by the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six as the base model M3, but it has more grunt to it – 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque to be exact. It can send its power either to just the rear wheels or to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive system.
The only drawback to the M3 Competition is it can't be had with the standard transmission. Instead, the M3 Comp is only offered with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
6 It's Just As Fun As The M3s That Came Before It
One thing that had many gearheads worried regarding the G80 M3 was that its technology would be too overwhelming and that it would diminish the driver's involvement. After some testing, we can conclude, that isn't the case here.
It might not sound as good, or look objectively as attractive as those that came before it, but it certainly inherited the obnoxiously fun personality of those that came before it.
5 Depreciation Already Hit The 2021 BMW M3
Back in 2021, the G80 BMW M3 had a base price of just over $70,000, but after options like some bigger wheels, a unique paint job, and some other goodies, you'd be staring at an +$85,000 car. Paying $85k for a "normal" M3 might sound ludicrous, and perhaps it was, but thanks to depreciation, these are slightly more attainable.
The cheapest 2021 model year M3 we could find currently is for sale on cars.com with a price of $78,950. Do keep in mind, that this particular car is fitted with the optional Yas Marina interior that costs $2,550, the $1,000 interior carbon fiber pack, and it has fewer than 10,000 miles on the clock.
4 The 2021 BMW M3 Is Remarkably Practical
As all sports sedans are, the BMW M3 seats 5 people rather easily, and because of its Adaptive M Suspension, it can ride just as smooth or hard as you'd like. Its trunk also has 13 cubic feet of space to accommodate all of your passengers' cargo.
If for whatever reason that isn't sufficient space for your needs, BMW just unveiled the M3 Touring. It will be powered by the same 503-hp powertrain found in the M3 Competition, but because of its estate shape, it will be more practical for those who want to go on long trips.
3 The 2021 BMW M3 In Comparison To Its Rivals
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The world of sports sedans feels almost oversaturated, everyone and their mother wants a piece of the pie. The main contenders in this niche come from all around the world. We have Italy, with the Giulia GTAm, America with the muscular Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, and of course Germany with the Audi RS5 and BMW M3.
Out of the bunch, the BMW M3 might not be the most beautiful, but it certainly is the most eye-catching. It's also not the most powerful, but it utilizes its power like no other. And best of all, only it and the Cadillac come with stickshifts.
2 It Has An Extravagant Design
When the G82-generation M4 and G80 M3 were first unveiled, the auto community was split instantaneously. Some praised BMW for the Beemers' bold front end, while others were repulsed by its two gaping nostrils.
As the smoke settled, however, things changed. There still are some diehard Bimmer boys who refuse to accept the M3 and M4's front end, but the rest of the world has grown to appreciate its distinctive styling. Coincidentally, there are companies like Vorsteiner who offer aftermarket parts to plug the G80 and G82's nostrils a bit.
1 The 2021 BMW M3's Driving Experience
Let's paint the big picture. Nearly 500 hp, rear-wheel-drive, a six-speed manual gearbox, and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. On paper, all of this sounds like the perfect car for driving enthusiasts.
Now add the element of design, and the practicality of a four-door sedan, and you're left with what the G80 BMW M3 is at its core. Perhaps one day when we look back, only then might we realize how blessed we were with a car like this. Hopefully, that day doesn't come soon.