If you were hoping the 2021 BMW M3 would eschew the massive grille used on the M4, we have some bad news for you as a prototype has been spotted with a sizeable schnoz.

There’s no getting around it either as the grille dominates the entire front end. However, it’s flanked by sweptback headlights and sporty air intakes.

The rest of the car is far less controversial as the model adopts an evolutionary design which closes echoes the standard 3-Series. That being said, there’s a bulging hood and a four-tailpipe sports exhaust system. We can also see sporty side skirts, a rear spoiler and lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system.

Also Read: 2021 BMW M4 Leaks, Looks Just As Divisive As Expected

BMW teased the upcoming M3 and M4 earlier this month and said they will be unveiled in September with a new straight-six engine that produces 473 hp (353 kW / 480 hp). The base model will be offered with a six-speed manual, while the Competition variant will have an eight-speed automatic. The latter will also have an increased output of 503 hp (375 kW / 510 PS).

Both are a significant improvement over their predecessors as the base model gains 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS), while the Competition jumps 59 hp (44 kW / 60 PS). Thanks to this, the M3 Competition will be as powerful as the Mercedes-AMG C63 S although it will have less toque.

Of course, the big news is the addition of an all-wheel drive system. BMW hasn’t said much about it, but all-wheel drive will become available shortly after the rear-wheel drive model is launched.

The company is keeping additional information under wraps, but has previously said the M3 will have “inspiring agility, outstanding dynamics and precisely controllable handling even in extreme sporting situations.”