BMW M3 2020 Based on the recently redesigned 3-series sedan, the new 2021 BMW M3 successfully resurrects the nameplate's storied driver engagement.
BMW shows its commitment to that sentiment by continuing to provide a manual transmission, at least on the regular model.
…BMW M3 2020 Based on the recently redesigned 3-series sedan, the new 2021 BMW M3 successfully resurrects the nameplate’s storied driver engagement.
BMW shows its commitment to that sentiment by continuing to provide a manual transmission, at least on the regular model.
An eight-speed automatic is mandatory on the more powerful M3 Competition. Behind their prominent, albeit polarizing, grille is a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six that makes between 473 and 503 horsepower.
The latter is reserved for the aforementioned Competition variant, which will be offered with all-wheel drive for the first time, but not until the 2022 model year.
Still, the 2021 M3 Competition further highlights the sports sedan’s performance potential with track-ready hardware that should terrify rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Mercedes-AMG C63.
The new M3 impressed us so much that we gave it an Editors’ Choice award for 2021.
For 2021, the M3–along with the two-door M4 coupe, which we review separately–is all-new and represents the sixth generation of the iconic sports sedan.
BMW M3 Generations Guide
It’s a pity that the more powerful M3 Competition is only offered with an automatic transmission because the six-speed manual on the regular version is hugely satisfying.
We understand why some folks will be drawn to the M3 Comp–its extra horsepower and torque (and the future availability of all-wheel drive), for starters–but we prefer the only one with the manual.
Aside from the subjective exterior and interior styling choices, we’d recommend selecting the M Drive Professional package (onboard drift analyzer and lap timer) and the M Driver’s package (unlocks a higher top speed and includes a high-performance driving class).
As with the new M4 coupe, the 2021 M3 sedan features a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. The normal version sends 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels.
A six-speed manual is the only transmission offered. The M3 Competition’s engine is even more powerful, generating 503 horses and 479 pound-feet, but it’s only offered with the eight-speed automatic.
Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the Competition will eventually be offered with all-wheel drive, too. Every M3 also features adaptive dampers and adjustable brake-pedal feel.
The sedan can be outfitted with even stronger carbon-ceramic brakes, too, which feature cool gold-painted calipers. Our first drive of the regular M3 and the Competition variant showcased their ability to pull off lurid drifts, which were encouraged by the optional M Drift Analyzer (part of the M Drive professional package).
We also fell in love with the satisfying shifts of the manual gearbox, and we were just as pleased with the engine’s tenacious acceleration.
Ultimately, when compared to the raucous Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadri Foglio, the more reserved M3 doesn’t quite measure up.
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