2021 BMW M3: From Flared Nostrils To Powertrains, Here’s Everything We Know

If you’re any type of car enthusiast, you get stoked whenever BMW comes out with an all-new M3, which has only taken place a total of five times up until now.

The M3 iteration of the 3-Series kicked off with the E30 generation in 1986, followed by the E36 in 1992, the E46 in 2000, the V8-powered E90 in 2007 and then the F80 generation in 2014. Up next is the G80 model, which we know will bring with it some pretty big changes.

Before we break everything down, let’s just say that on paper, the G80 promises to be the best all-round M3 in history, which means that once you get behind the wheel, you’ll probably forget all about any possible issues you might have with its styling. Speaking of which…

Do I need to accept the massive grille?

Odds are, yes. Even though some G80 M3 prototypes have tried to fool us by making the grille surround appear “normal-sized”, leaked images as well as other various spy images point to the all-new M3 featuring the same large kidney grille design as its two-door sibling, the M4, which we know for a fact will rock giant nostrils.

Leaked images of the new BMW M3

Otherwise, the German sports sedan will employ bulkier fenders both front and rear, larger side sills, a small trunk lid spoiler, a different rear bumper with a diffuser and quad exhaust pipes.

What about the interior?

This one’s easy. Spy images already revealed the sports seats and M-badges, plus we know to expect different trim levels (possibly carbon fiber inserts), and the familiar 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 10.25-inch infotainment display.

What we can however confirm right now is that the 2021 M3 will indeed be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which should thrill those of you who still appreciate being able to change gears yourselves.

Chassis and powertrain

The new M3 will ride on BMW’s CLAR platform, which means it should be lighter and more agile than the F80-generation model.

“We are aware there is a large fanbase of M cars around the world and we will do all we can to excite them and everything we can do not to disappoint them,” said BMW M division chief Carsten Piers in an interview with Auto Express.

Renders courtesy of Bimmerpost

The new M3 will also boast the latest 3-Series’ stroke-dependent damper technology, to go with a wider track and a new bespoke adaptive suspension system.

As for performance, that’s coming from a new S58 engine, the same one you’ll find in the X3 M and X4 M. It is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six, which will lay down 473 HP (480 PS) in the base M3, and 503 HP (510 PS) in the M3 Competition. Everything will be sent to the road via a rear-wheel biased all-wheel drive system, although word has it that RWD variants will be the only ones to come with the previously-mentioned manual gearbox.

What alternatives do I have?

The Mercedes-AMG C 63 and C 63 S of course, as well as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Count the Audi RS4 too, if you don’t mind the Estate form factor. Oh and let’s honorably mention Cadillac’s upcoming CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing variants.

Pricing and availability

The old M3 sedan was priced from $64,195 in the United States back when it was still on sale, so we expect the new one to cost a little bit more, especially the AWD model(s) As for when it’s coming out, before the COVID-19 pandemic we would have said mid-2020. Now however, we might have to wait a little longer, perhaps late 2020 or even early 2021.