Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.2
Overall Rating
While driver engagement is BMW's main priority with its M cars, the sedan has a roster of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. -CarAndDriver
The new 2021 BMW M3 comes in two trim levels - base ($69,900) and Competition ($72,800), both powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 making 473 horsepower in the M3 and 503 horsepower in the Competition. Manual transmission is fitted standard in the M3 with an 8-speed automatic in the competition, both will power the rear wheels.
The interiors have been modernized to look like the rest of the lineup, but comfort is still valued with Power-adjustable sports seats and tri-zone climate control fitted as standard. Technology is good with the iDrive7 on a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Andriod Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Standard safety features include a Blind-spot monitoring system, Lane-keep assist, and Forward Collision Alert.
8.0/10
Pricing and Features
9.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.0/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
9.1/10
Exterior
8.3/10
Competition
2021 BMW M3 Pricing and Features
The 2021 BMW M3 is to be available in two trim options - M3 and the M3 Competition. Both trims are powered by the same 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 with different power outputs. The Standard M3 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission while the M3 Competition priced at $72,800 comes with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission as standard. All-wheel-drive is optional on both trims.
Other than that, there is not much that separates the two trim levels, the M3 competition gets a bigger set of 19/20 inch wheels, rear diffuser and lip spoiler finished in black chrome. The Competition is a great pick especially if you are not insistent on having a manual transmission.
|
Trim |
M3 |
M3 Competition |
|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$69,900 |
$72,800 |
|
Key Features |
Front Seats with Heating, Ventilation and Subtle Massager function along with Seat Memory |
503 horsepower from the 3.0-liter inline-6 |
|
Speed Limit Info |
Competition rims |
|
|
Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant |
Redesigned front bumper |
|
|
Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant |
xDrive all-wheel-drive |
|
|
BMW Head-Up Display |
8-speed automatic unit replaces the 6-speed manual |
|
|
Active Navigation |
Carbon-fiber galore |
|
|
M Sport seats |
To keep things simple, there are many optional extras and packages like front seats with ventilation ($350), M-Carbon Bucket seats ($3,800), optional steel top with a moonroof (at no extra cost), M Carbon Exterior Package ($4,700), M Carbon Ceramic Brakes ($8,150) and the usual Executive package ($2,800) and Parking Assistance Package ($800).
Also Read:
- Here are all the detailed specifications and features for the 2021 BMW M3
- Check out some used BMW M3s for sale at just $40,000
2021 BMW M3 Buying Advice
At a starting MSRP of $69,900, the 2021 BMW M3 (base) is the trim we recommend. It offers the all-important 6-speed manual and if you want all-wheel-drive as an option. it comes with the same set of features as the M3 Competition like 14-way power-adjustable seats, automatic climate control, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7. along with this the same set of additional extras of the M3 Competiton also available.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenance Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 BMW M3! >>
2021 BMW M3 Engine and Performance
"Extra attention has been paid to the exhaust on this model as well, so we expect it to sound much better than the outgoing M3." -Carbuzz
The 2021 BMW M3 priced at $69,900, is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine making 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine power is managed by a 6-speed manual transmission which directs all the power to the rear wheels.
The 2021 BMW M3 Competiton priced at $72,800, features the same engine but makes 503 horsepower with 479 lb-ft. Power goes to the rear-wheels via a 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. All-wheel-drive is available on both trims.
|
Models |
2021 BMW M3 |
2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S |
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio |
2021 Audi RS 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$69,900 |
$75,700 |
$74,750 |
$75,400 |
|
Engine |
3.0L Twin-Turbo Straight-Six |
4.0L Bi-Turbo V8 |
2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 |
2.9L Twin-Turbo V6 |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
AWD |
|
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
9-speed automatic |
8-speed automatic |
8-speed shiftable automatic |
|
Power |
473 hp @ 6250 |
503 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
505 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
444 hp @ 5,700 rpm |
|
Torque |
406 lb-ft @ 2650 |
516 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm |
443 hp @ 2,500 rpm |
443 hp @ 1,900 rpm |
| 0-60 | 4.1 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
| Quarter-mile | N/A | N/A | 11.9 | N/A |
| Top Speed | 155 | 155 | 191 | 155 |
The 2021 BMW M3 does the 0-60 sprint in 4.1 seconds and the 2021 M3 Competition does the 0-60 sprint in 3.8 seconds, on par with the competition. Both versions have an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph that can be increased to 180 mph by adding the M Driver's package costing $2,500.
Also Read:
- What is the Engine and Performance of the 2021 Mercedes AMG C 63 S?
- Compare the latest Used BMW deals
2021 BMW M3 Fuel Economy
The BMW M3 has not yet been given its EPA-rated mpg figures. That being said, the EPA estimates the M3 would offer 16 in the city, 23 on the highway. BMW has given a manufactures fuel estimate of 23 mpg on the highway for the 2021 BMW M3 Competition featuring the automatic transmission.
|
Models |
2021 BMW M3 |
2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S |
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio |
2021 Audi RS 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (City) |
N/A |
17 |
17 |
18 |
|
MPG (Highway) |
N/A |
26 |
25 |
25 |
|
MPG (Combined) |
N/A |
24 |
20 |
21 |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons) |
15.6 |
17.4 |
15.3 |
15.3 |
|
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles) |
--/358/-- |
295/452/417 |
260/382/306 |
275/382/321 |
The 2021 BMW's M3 Competition manufacturer claimed an mpg figure of 23, which is much lesser than the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, and the Audi RS5 as is the EPA estimates of 16 in the city and 23 on the highway.
Also Read:
2021 BMW M3 Interior
While M cars are known for their heartier performance, they also meet or exceed the materials and build quality of the top-of-the-line 3-series. -CarAndDriver
The interior of the 2021 BMW M3 and M3 competition is race-focused compared to the standard 3-series featuring Alcantara inserts on the upholstery and carbon-fiber interior trim. Yet it is comfortable featuring 14-way power-adjustable M-sport seatswith power lumbar and driver's seat memory. This can be upgraded to M Carbon bucket seats for $3,800. For additional comfort, tri-zone climate control is included as a standard feature.
Standard upholstery is Merino Leather and comes in Black with accent colors of Yas Marina Blue, Silverstone, and Kyalami orange, which can be had with colored interior upholstery of the same colors for an additional $2,550. The BMW M3 and M3 Competition come with a cargo capacity of 13 cu.ft. The rear do fold down in the 40/2040 configuration. The cargo space is on par with the Mercedes and Giulia, but the Audi much more space.
|
Models |
2021 BMW M3 |
2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S |
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio |
2021 Audi RS 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
40.6/56/41.6 |
37.1/55.3/41.7 |
38.6/56.1/42.4 |
39.8/55.3/42.2 |
|
Rear Row (Headroom/Shoulder Room/Legroom; inches) |
37.8/54.6/35.6 |
37.1/55/35.2 |
37.6/53.6/35.1 |
39.8/51.7/33.7 |
| Cargo Capacity | 13 | 12.6 | 13 | 21.5 |
The 2021 BMW M3 and M3 competition comes with a 10.25 touchscreen with the iDrive 7.0 system and can be controlled with the touchpad controller and voice activation as well. Other features include Navigation, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity including Android Auto, and also as two USB ports. Over the air updates will also take place 4 times a year for map data. Some of its additional features are:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay is available.
- Touch or the selection knob control
- Two USB ports
- Gesture control
- Navigation
Also Read:
- Get a used BMW M3 for sale at just $40,000!
- Check out the Safety Features and Ratings of the 2021 BMW M4
2021 BMW M3 Exterior
If you can get past that face (preferably with a crowbar and blowtorch), the M3 has some real performance potential and innovations that should make it incrementally better than its predecessor. -Edmunds.com
The most controversial part of the 2021 BMW M3 and M3 Competition design is its vertical kidney grille. The 2021 BMW M3 and M3 competition are more performance-ready thanks to the vented hood for better cooling, 18/19 inch front/rear wheels which can be fitted with 19/20 inch front/rear for an added $1,300, tires are performance non-run flat, lip spoiler, an M sport diffuser with quad-exhaust pipes and a carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof
The M3 Competition, priced at $72,800, has a few changes to make it a bit different. The optional 19/20 inch front/rear wheels are standard with performance non-run flat tires. The lip spoiler, rear diffuser, quad-exhaust pipes, and the power-folding rear mirrors are not black but, black chrome which can be added as an optional extra on the standard M3.
|
Models |
2021 BMW M3 |
2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S |
2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio |
2021 Audi RS 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lbs) |
3840 |
3874 |
3806 |
3968 |
|
Length (inches) |
189.1 |
187.2 |
182.5 |
186 |
|
Width (inches) |
74.3 |
72.4 |
73.7 |
75.2 |
|
Height (inches) |
56.4 |
56.1 |
56.1 |
53 |
|
Ground Clearance (inches) |
4.7 |
3.8 |
3.8 |
5.2 |
|
Wheelbase (inches) |
112.5 |
111.8 |
111.8 |
113 |
Optional extras on the exterior include swapping out the carbon-fiber roof for a steel one with a moonroof that comes at no additional cost, color options for the wheels no added cost on the M3 competition ($1,300 on the M3.), extended Shadowline trim ($0), BMW Individual Shadowline lights ($300) and the M Carbon exterior package ($4,700), not to mention the 12 paint options ($550 - $3,600).
Also Read:
- Is the 2021 Audi RS 5 as reliable as the M3?
- Check out our inventory for brand new BMW M3 available for sale
2021 BMW M3 Safety
The 2021 BMW M3 and M3 Competition are not tested by the NHTSA and the IIHS, yet. BMW has placed an emphasis on safety with its advanced structural engineering, and host of driver-assist features such as Forward Collision Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring System, Intelligent Crash Response System, and a few more all this in an MSRP of $69,900
There are almost all the safety features added to the 2021 BMW M3 lineup, the overall enhanced chassis of the M3 and M3 competition has a more rigid body structure and steadiness compared to its previous models. Available is a Park assistance package ($800) which also comes with a drive recorder. The safety measures equipped in the brand new 2021 BMW M3 and M3 competition are:
- Adaptive brake lights
- BMW’s Active, front, and rear Head, Protection System
- Rear-view camera
- Active, front headrests
- Airbags
- Active knee protection
- Active cruise control
- Parking assistant plus
- Active driving assistant professional
- Active lane-keeping assistant
- Slide collision avoidance
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Programmable LED DRLs and Adaptive LED headlights.
Also Read:
2021 BMW M3 Competition
2021 BMW M3 vs 2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S
In terms of interior, the modern classy, as well as a luxurious look of the 2021 BMW M3 easily outrun the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, not only even in the looks but also in the amount of comfort and luxury, provided M3 easily wins the show against the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.
In terms of warranty where Mercedes provides a warranty of 2 years, M3 easily edges by providing a warranty of 4 years, even the 2021 BMW M3 is almost $5000 cheaper than the 2021 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.
2021 BMW M3 vs 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
In case if you are more into luxury and comfort and you want to buy a premium sedan the M3 might suit you more due to the kit on offer. But if it comes to fuel efficiency as well as the performance of the engine provided by the 2021 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is slightly better than the 2021 BMW M3 and it is a bit faster compared to the M3.
But there is something an Alfa oozes like passion or flair that the M3 can hardly ever match.
2021 BMW M3 Final Verdict
The 2021 BMW M3 is the right choice for the enthusiast in you, it not only runs fast but also provides you with great luxury as is the norm with high-performance sedans these days. With a price tag of $69,900, there are very few that can offer luxury and performance and the 2021 BMW M3 can most certainly be considered one among them.
Check out some used BMW M3 for sale in the US at just $39,438! >>
What is the release date for the 2021 BMW M3?
The 2021 BMW M3 has already been released to the market and orders are available. Deliveries for the 2021 BMW M3 are expected summer 2021.
What is the price of the 2021 BMW M3?
The 2021 BMW M3 is priced at an MSRP of $69,900 and the M3 Competition is priced at an MSRP of $72,800.
What is the 2021 BMW M3's 0-60 time?
The 2021 BMW M3 comes with a manufacturer's claimed time of 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, while the M3 Competiton is said to do the 0-60 in 3.8 seconds.
Is the 2021 BMW M3's interior comfortable?
Yes, the 2021 BMW M3 interior is comfortable, you can read our in-depth review of the interior here.
Is the 2021 BMW M3 AWD?
The 2021 BMW M3 and M3 Competition are rear-wheel-drive as their stock configuration. However, the M3 Competition comes with the option of an AWD. The AWD system has a rear-wheel bias.
2021 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 35 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 BMW M3 Overall Reviews
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 29, 2021
Fastest FAV coupe.
Pros - Craziest power of all time.
Cons - Only the front grill
Man its a best must own by any car lovers. I got a lot of head nods on drive home People seem to like it. May be because the new style is eye catching I have owned other sport car. This one is my favorite. Raw, Refined, Reliable BMW wizardry. Engineered like no other car in the world. This car destroys previous M3 cars. Mind Blown by how many improvements BMW made over the previous iteration Pleased by the staff there.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: March 26, 2021
Driving machine
Pros - Style, 3.0L motor packs a punch, transmission
Cons - Rear visibility
Drive... BMW M3 is without a doubt the best accelerating car I've ever driven. It may not look like it but it sure can raise chaos with a little push of the throttle. The engine likes to be at high revs. If I could improve one thing in my new BMW, that would be the body roll on tight corners. As far as the styling is concerned the performance is more dynamic than the way it looks. The M3 has a sissy design compared to what it can do on the road. BMW of Pleasant Grove has friendly staff and nice facilities. The one thing we noticed was that the children’s area could use a good scrub down as tables and floor were kind of grimy.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: February 22, 2021
Racing Beemer
Pros - Impeccable design, quality comfort interiors, design
Cons - No manual transmission, heavy price tag, crampped head space for tall people
design superiorty nd high power, perfect car BMW beemer are just one of the best cars to own. I like this car and i bought as soon as coupe speaks volumes in terms of technologically advanced features, high end interiors, driver assist features. i got the deal.this 4 door mid-size this car is just thrilling with 473hp 3.0L turbocharged engine. it has a good exhaust note.
