2021 BMW M3

The BMW M3 is all-new for 2021, entering its sixth generation 35 years after the original first hit the streets. The redesign provides plenty to talk about: an upgraded engine, available all-wheel drive (a first for the model), and a bold take on the BMW kidney grille.

The M3 is a racy version of the 3-Series sedan, though this version does more to visually distinguish itself from its slower sibling. The M3 enters the ring opposite competition like the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio.

The M3 comes in two flavors: base and Competition. The base model is blazing fast by most standards, but the Competition takes performance up another notch. Prices start at $70,895 with destination for a base model or $73,795 for the Competition.

The two M3 trims get separate tunes of the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine. The base M3 gets rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission, an increasingly rare sight even on performance cars. The M3 Competition uses an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Competition model is the first M3 in history to offer optional all-wheel drive. Although it can shuttle torque forward in low-traction conditions, the system is biased to the rear and allows drivers to select a RWD-only mode for track-day fun.

Like the 3-Series, every 2021 M3 seats five. This year’s M3 is 4.6 inches longer than the last generation, 1.8 of which come from stretching the wheelbase. Those proportions provide an extra half inch of leg room to second-row passengers.

The trunk will hold up to 13 cubic feet of cargo. That’s on the low side for a sedan, but average among the M3’s competitors.

The M3 puts performance first, but safety isn’t neglected. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitors.

Active cruise control and a traffic jam assistant are available as part of an add-on bundle. As a niche vehicle, we don’t expect the M3 to be crash-tested by federal or independent agencies anytime soon.

Two screens dominate the M3 dash: a 12.3-inch instrument cluster for the driver, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle controls.

BMW’s latest iDrive system can be controlled through the screen, by voice control, or via a console-mounted touchpad. Navigation is included, and the system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Even in base form, the M3 doesn’t lack for luxury. M-Sport seats are upholstered in Merino leather, and the front row is heated. Harman Kardon surround sound comes standard, as do three-zone automatic climate control and memory settings. On the exterior, wheels are staggered at 18- and 19-inches, complemented by heated power-folding side mirrors and a carbon-fiber roof.

If you want the latest tech, the Executive Package ($2,800) adds a head-up display, gesture controls, wireless charging, and adaptive headlights. The only other bundle is the Parking Assistance Package ($800), which adds an active parking assistant along with the ability to record video of your surroundings during drives.

Ventilated front seats are available for $350, or BMW will swap in racing buckets for $3,800.

For $2,900 over the base model, the M3 Competition adds another 30 hp and 73 lb-ft of torque. The wheels swell to 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back. The extra power is enough to drop 0-60 times below four seconds. All-wheel drive will be available on the Competition, but pricing has yet to be confirmed.

Most options match the base model, but the Competition opens up access to the Driving Assistance Professional Package ($1,700), which includes adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous driving mode.

Compare M3 Trims Side-By-Side