2021 BMW M3

2021 BMW M3 Highlights

The sixth-generation G80 M3 continues BMW’s tradition of giving its compact executive 3 Series a significant increase in power over previous generations, as well as enhanced chassis technology and a comprehensive redesign. Built on the latest 3 Series platform, the M3 aims to be a daily driver and comfortable supercar. While the base car is certainly robust, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition is the choice for buyers who simply want to go as fast as possible yet fit in regular parking spaces and seat five.

Perhaps the most noticeable change from the 2018 M3, the last model available, is the controversial grille. BMW’s trademark kidney grilles are enlarged to become giant flared nostrils, a move that was met with a fair amount of criticism and dominated many discussions of the car upon release.

Key Details

• Compact sedan body style
• Two-row seating for up to five passengers
• New S58 turbocharged six-cylinder engine
• Available in standard and Competition variants
• Manual transmission standard on base M3
• Enhanced traction control system
• Available M Drive Professional

Benefits

• More powerful engine options than predecessor
• Available manual transmission
• Advanced chassis technology
• Comprehensive performance features
• Modern safety and technology systems
• Practical four-door configuration

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2021 BMW M3 Overview

Performance

The 2021 BMW M3 offers two engine configurations:

Standard M3:

• 3.0-liter S58 twin-turbo inline-six
• 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque
• Six-speed manual transmission

M3 Competition:

• Enhanced 3.0-liter S58 twin-turbo inline-six
• 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque
• Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission

2021 BMW M3 0-60 times are as follows:

• Standard M3: 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds
• M3 Competition: 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds

Performance features include:

• Adaptive M suspension
• M Compound brakes (Carbon ceramics optional)
• Active M Differential
• Variable sport steering
• Selectable drive modes with M Setup

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not evaluated the 2021 BMW M3. However, the standard 3 Series, on which it's based, received a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also didn’t review the M3 but awarded the standard 3 Series a Top Safety Pick designation when equipped with specific headlights.

Standard safety features include:

• Multiple airbag system
• Dynamic stability control
• Dynamic traction control
• Cornering brake control
• M Dynamic mode
• Crash sensor system
• Reinforced chassis structure
• Rearview camera

Driver assistance features:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane departure warning
• Lane keep assist
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control (optional)

Driving

The 2021 M3's driving experience reflects its dual nature as a track-capable performance car and daily driver. The new 2021 BMW M3 engine gets the S58 designation, and thanks to twin turbochargers, it delivers prodigious power with peak torque available from low RPM. The standard manual transmission offers precise shifts and good pedal placement for heel-toe downshifting.

The Competition gets a significant boost in power and torque over the base model (+30 hp, +73 lb-ft), and its eight-speed automatic provides quicker shifts and multiple driving modes through the Drivelogic system. Launch control enables consistent acceleration runs, while the M Dynamic Mode allows controlled oversteer for track driving.

The adaptive suspension system offers three modes:

• Comfort for daily driving
• Sport for enhanced handling
• Sport Plus for maximum performance

Steering response varies with drive modes, offering:

• Comfort: Light effort for daily use
• Sport: Increased weight and feedback
• Sport Plus: Maximum feedback and precision

The available M Drive Professional package adds:

• M drift analyzer
• M lap timer
• Extended M track functions

Interior

The 2021 BMW M3 interior combines performance elements with the expected 3 Series luxury appointments:

Key interior features include:

• M Sport seats with illuminated M3 logo
• Available M Carbon bucket seats
• Extended Merino leather upholstery
• M-specific controls and displays
• Carbon fiber trim elements
• M leather steering wheel

The front seats provide excellent support for both performance driving and daily comfort. Rear passenger space remains practical, with good headroom and legroom for the segment.

Interior highlights:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• M-specific display modes
• Customizable M buttons
• Enhanced side bolstering
• Available carbon trim
• Ambient lighting system

Technology

The 2021 BMW M3 features advanced technology focused on both performance and convenience:

Standard features:

• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• 10.25-inch central touchscreen
• BMW Live Cockpit Professional
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Head-up display with M-specific content
• M Drive Professional system

Performance technology includes:

• M Setup menu for individual configuration
• M Mode selector
• Integrated lap timer
• Drift analyzer
• M Traction Control with ten settings

The iDrive system offers:

• Touch and voice control
• Gesture control (optional)
• Performance data recording
• Navigation with real-time traffic
• Wireless device charging (optional)
• Harman Kardon surround sound (optional)
• Subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot (optional)

Fuel Economy

The 2021 BMW M3's fuel economy is identical for the base manual transmission trim and the automatic-only Competition. EPA fuel economy estimates are as follows:

2021 BMW M3 and M3 Competition:

• RWD (mpg): 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined

2021 BMW M3 Reviews

Consumer reviews on Kelley Blue Book give the 2021 BMW M3 an overall rating of 3.7 out of five. Owners praise the vehicle's styling, performance, and value.

Reasons to Buy It

• Powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine
• Buyers can choose manual or automatic transmissions
• Stiff chassis with performance suspension
• Luxurious technology and materials
• Can seat up to five passengers
• Track-capable performance
• Customizable driving dynamics

Problems

• Controversial front grille design
• High starting price
• Expensive option packages
• Premium fuel requirement
• Some features require a subscription

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CoPilot's Take

The 2021 M3 continues the lineage of BMW’s daily-driveable track weapon, giving it supercar power and performance without sacrificing comfort or luxury features. Few vehicles can claim to ferry five people in relative serenity and dominate sports cars around a road course.

Impressively, BMW has managed to cater the M3 to two distinct types of buyers. The standard model's manual transmission particularly appeals to old-school driving enthusiasts, while the Competition variant offers maximum performance with modern conveniences for buyers who care only about the best lap times.

However, potential buyers should consider several factors. The purchase price and operating costs can be substantial, particularly when adding option packages. The styling, especially the front grille, may divide opinions. Additionally, some features require ongoing subscriptions.

Finally, the styling is divisive. Most find the 2021 M3's overall styling quite attractive, but the departure from BMW’s traditional kidney-shaped nose has almost universally drawn derision. The trendy oversized grille is the one point that longtime fans of the M3 point to as the car’s peak weakness. However, consensus says the best way to get past the styling is to just start driving it and focus on the M3's performance.

2021 BMW M3 FAQ

What is the 0-60 time for the 2021 BMW M3?

The 2021 BMW M3 acceleration times vary by model:

Standard M3:

• 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
• Manual transmission

M3 Competition:

• 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds
• Automatic transmission

Is the 2021 BMW M3 RWD or AWD?

The 2021 BMW M3 is offered only in RWD configuration. The AWD xDrive system appeared in the M3 Competition for the 2022 model year.

Is the BMW M3 a fast car?

Yes, the 2021 BMW M3 delivers substantial performance:

Performance Metrics:

• 0-60 mph: 3.4-4.1 seconds
• Top speed: 155-180 mph (depending on options)
• Quarter mile: 11.6-12.1 seconds

Capabilities:

• Track-ready from factory
• Advanced chassis technology
• High-performance braking system
• Competition-grade cooling system
• Performance data recording

Why is the BMW M3 so expensive?

The price for a new M3 or new M3 Competition reflects several factors:

Technology:

• Advanced engineering
• Performance components
• Sophisticated electronics
• Carbon fiber elements

Development:

• Extensive testing
• Track validation
• Safety certification
• Specialized manufacturing

Features:

• Premium materials
• Hand-assembled engines
• Advanced safety systems
• Luxury appointments

Brand Position:

• Premium market segment
• Performance heritage
• Limited production
• Development costs

BMW puts considerable money and time into research and development to create a product that can withstand track abuse yet satisfy daily driving tasks. This makes BMWs quite desirable from a performance standpoint, and both the fans and BMW itself will point out that if a buyer simply wants basic transportation, there are plenty of less extreme options.

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