Review of the BMW M3 Competition 2021

It can be argued that the BMW M1, a stunning piece of Giorgetto Giugiaro design from the late 70s, first instilled the Bavarian manufacturer's "M" performance brand into the public consciousness. 

But there is also a second, more durable BMW alphanumeric plate that is more likely to pass the street person word association test.

The "M3" is synonymous with BMW performance, from touring car racing around the world to superbly engineered and dynamic road cars built over more than three decades. 

The subject of this review is the current (G80) M3 launched worldwide last year. But more than that, it's an even spicier M3 Competition that adds six percent more power and 18 percent more torque, and adds $10 to the price.

Does the extra return on the Competition justify the extra money? Time to find out.  

BMW M 2021 models: M3 competition
Safety Rating
engine's type	3.0 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	—L / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$117,000

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

With a starting price of $154,900 pre-road, the M3 Competition lines up directly with the Audi RS 5 Sportback ($150,900), while the exception at the edge of the $3 orbit is the Maserati Ghibli S GranSport ($175k).

But his most obvious and longtime sparring partner, the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S, has temporarily retired from the ring. 

The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is due this September, and the AMG hero variant will get F1 hybrid technology with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain. 

Expect huge performance, with a price tag above the previous model's around $170.

And this AMG hot rod is better loaded because, in addition to a host of performance and safety technologies (covered later in the review), this M3 boasts an impressively long list of standard equipment.

Includes "BMW Live Cockpit Professional" with 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch high-resolution multimedia display (control via touch screen, voice or iDrive controller), sat-nav, three-zone climate control, customizable ambient lighting, Laserlight headlights (including Selective Beam), "Comfort Access" keyless entry and start, and 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound (with 464-watt seven-channel digital amplifier and digital radio).

You can then add an all-leather interior (including steering wheel and shifter), electrically adjustable heated M Sport front seats (with driver memory), "Parking Assistant Plus" (including "3D Surround View & Reversing Assistant"). '), automatic tailgate, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, wireless smartphone integration (and charging) including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, anti-dazzle (interior and exterior) mirrors, and double-spoke forged alloy wheels (19" front / 20" rear).

Like a visual icing on the cake, carbon fiber is sprinkled in and out of the car like shiny, light confetti. The entire roof is made from this material, more on the front center console, dashboard, steering wheel and paddle shifters.  

The entire roof is made of carbon fiber.  

It's a solid feature list (and we haven't bored you all details), confirming the strong value equation in this small but mega-competitive market niche.  

Is there anything interesting about its design? 7/10

It feels like once in a generation, BMW feels the need to polarize automotive opinion with a controversial design direction.

Twenty years ago, Chris Bangle, then the brand's head of design, was severely punished for his determined pursuit of more "adventurous" forms. Passionate BMW fans picketed the company headquarters in Munich, demanding his departure.

And who else but Bangle's deputy of the day, Adrian van Hooydonk, has been in charge of the design department since his boss left the building in 2009.

In recent years, Van Hooydonk has caused another firestorm by gradually increasing the size of BMW's signature "kidney grille" to sizes that some find ridiculous.

BMW's latest "grille" has received mixed reactions.

The latest variation on the larger grille theme has been applied to various concept and production models, including the M3 and its M4 sibling.

As always, purely subjective opinion, but the M3's large, sloping grille reminds me of the well-known carrot-cartoon bunny upper incisors.

Time will tell if such a bold treatment ages well or lives in infamy, but there's no denying that it dominates the car's first visual impressions.

A modern M3 wouldn't be an M3 without beefy protection.

Much the same as the Isle of Man Green Metallic paint in our test, a deep, lustrous hue that accentuates the curves and corners of cars and regularly stops passers-by in its path.  

The bulging hood emerges from the angular-striped grille and features a pair of artificial air vents that, along with darkened interior headlights (BMW M Lights Shadow Line), accentuate the vehicle's rugged look.

A modern M3 wouldn't be an M3 without beefy fenders, in this case filled with thick 19-inch forged rims up front and 20-inch ones in the rear. 

The M3 Competition is fitted with 19- and 20-inch double-spoke forged alloy wheels.

The framing around the windows is finished in black “M High-gloss Shadow Line”, which balances out the dark front splitter and side skirts. 

The rear is a layered set of horizontal lines and sections, including a subtle 'flip-lid' style trunk lid spoiler and a protruding lower third that houses a deep diffuser with four dark chrome tailpipes flanked.

Get up close to the car and the high-gloss carbon fiber roof is the crowning achievement. It is flawless and looks amazing.

Equally stunning is the first look at the full leather interior of our test car "Merino" in "Kyalami Orange" and black. Combined with the bold body color, it's a bit saturated for my blood, but the technical, sporty look makes a strong impression.

The instrument panel design differs little from other 3 Series models, although the digital instrument cluster enhances the sense of high performance. Look up and you will see that the M headlining is anthracite.  

Our test car had an all-leather Merino interior in Kyalami Orange and black.

How practical is the interior space? 8/10

At just under 4.8m long, just over 1.9m wide and just over 1.4m high, the current M3 sits right in the size chart of the Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. 

There's plenty of room and plenty of storage up front, including a large storage/armrest between the front seats, as well as two large cup holders and a wireless charging pad in a recess in front of the shift lever (which can be closed). with hinged lid).

There is plenty of space in the front of the cabin.

The glove box is large, and there are roomy drawers in the doors with separate sections for full-sized bottles.

At 183 cm (6'0"), sitting behind the driver's seat in my position, there's plenty of head, leg, and toe room in the back. Which is surprising because other current 3 Series models had less headroom for me.

One of the three climate control zones is reserved for the rear of the car, with adjustable air vents and digital temperature control at the rear of the front center console.

Rear passengers get adjustable air vents and digital temperature control.

Unlike other 3 Series models, there is no fold-down center armrest (with cup holders) at the rear, but there are pockets in the doors with large bottle holders.

There's plenty of head, leg, and toe room in the back.

Power and connectivity options connect to a USB-A port and a 12V outlet on the front console, a USB-C port on the center console unit, and two USB-C ports on the rear.

Trunk volume is 480 liters (VDA), slightly above average for the class, and a 40/20/40 folding rear seat increases cargo flexibility. 

There are small mesh compartments on both sides of the cargo area, stowage anchors to secure loose loads, and the trunk lid has an automatic function.

The M3 is a no towing zone and don't bother looking for replacement parts of any description, a repair kit/inflatable kit is your only option.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The M3 Competition is equipped with a 58-litre BMW inline-six engine (S3.0B), an all-alloy closed-block direct injection, "Valvetronic" variable valve timing (intake side), "Double -VANOS variable valve timing (intake side and exhaust) and twin monoscroll turbines to generate 375 kW (503 hp) at 6250 rpm and 650 Nm from 2750 rpm to 5500 rpm. A major jump over the "standard" M3, which already makes 353kW/550Nm.

Not known for sitting back, the BMW M engine specialists in Munich used 3D printing to make a cylinder head core, incorporating internal shapes not possible with conventional casting. 

The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine develops 375 kW/650 Nm of power.

Not only has this technology reduced the weight of the head, it has also allowed the coolant channels to be rerouted for optimal temperature management.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed "M Steptronic" (torque converter) paddle-shift automatic transmission with "Drivelogic" (adjustable shift modes) and a standard "Active M" variable-lock differential.

An all-wheel-drive version of the M xDrive is scheduled to launch in Australia before the end of 2021.

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How much fuel does it consume? 7/10

BMW's official fuel economy figure for the M3 Competition, according to ADR 81/02 - urban and extra-urban, is 9.6 l/100 km, while the 3.0-liter twin-turbo six emits 221 g/km of CO02.

To help reach this impressive number, BMW has deployed a host of tricky devices, including an "Optimum Shift Indicator" (in manual shift mode), on-demand assistive device operation, and "Brake Energy Regeneration" that replenishes a relatively small lithium battery. -Ion battery to power the automatic stop and start system, 

Despite this tricky technology, we averaged 12.0L/100km (at a gas station) under various driving conditions, which is still pretty good for such a powerful sedan with purposeful performance.

The recommended fuel is 98 octane premium unleaded gasoline, although surprisingly, standard 91 octane fuel is acceptable in a pinch. 

In any case, you'll need 59 liters to fill the tank, which is enough for over 600 km using factory savings, and about 500 km based on our actual number.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10

The M3 competition was not rated by ANCAP, but 2.0-litre 3 Series models received the highest five-star rating in 2019.

Standard active collision avoidance technology includes "Emergency Brake Assist" (BMW-speak for AEB) with detection of pedestrians and cyclists, "Dynamic Brake Control" (helps apply maximum braking power in an emergency), "Cornering Brake Control", "Dry Dry". Braking feature that periodically slips on the rotors (with pads) in wet conditions, "built-in wheel slip limit", lane change warning, lane departure warning and rear cross traffic warning. 

There's also Parking Distance Control (with front and rear sensors), Parking Assistant Plus (including 3D Surround View & Reversing Assistant), Attention Assistant, and tire pressure monitoring. 

But if an impact is imminent, there are front, side and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, as well as side curtains covering both rows of seats. 

If an accident is detected, the car will make an "automatic emergency call" and there is even a warning triangle and a first aid kit on board.

The rear seat has three top cable points with ISOFIX anchorages at the two extreme positions for attaching child capsules/child seats.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

BMW is offering a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is out of pace considering most major brands have extended the warranty to five years and some to seven or even 10 years.

And the flow of luxury is changing with premium players, Genesis, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz now five years old / unlimited mileage.

On the other hand, bodywork is covered for 12 years, paint is covered for three years, and XNUMX/XNUMX roadside assistance is provided free of charge for three years.

The M3 is covered by a three-year BMW unlimited mileage warranty.

Concierge Service is another free three-year agreement that provides 24/7/365 access to personalized services through a dedicated BMW Customer Call Centre.

Service is condition-based, so the car tells you when maintenance is needed, and BMW offers a range of "Service Inclusive" limited-price service plans starting at three years/40,000 km.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

Any mass-produced performance sedan that is claimed to hit 0 km/h in less than four seconds is incredibly fast. 

BMW says the M3 Competition will hit triple digits in just 3.5 seconds, which is fast enough, and getting a full start with this car's launch control system is…impressive.

Auditory accompaniment is suitably raucous, but beware, at the loudest level it's mostly fake news, with synthetic engine/exhaust noise that can be reduced or turned off entirely.

However, with peak torque (650Nm!) available from 2750rpm to 5500rpm, mid-range pulling power is colossal, and despite the twin turbos, this engine loves to rev (thanks in no small part to forged lightweight crankshaft). . 

The power delivery is beautifully linear, and the 80 to 120 km/h sprint takes 2.6 seconds in fourth and 3.4 seconds in fifth. With peak power (375 kW/503 hp) at 6250 rpm, you can reach a top speed of 290 km/h. 

That's if the electronically controlled 250 km/h speed limit isn't enough for you and you've ticked off the optional M Driver Package. Enjoy your big home!

The suspension is mostly A-pillars and a five-link all-aluminum rear that works in conjunction with Adaptive M shocks. They're great, and the transition from Comfort to Sport and back is amazing. 

The ride quality this car delivers in Comfort mode is insane considering it rides huge rims wrapped in thin liquorice tires. 

BMW says the M3 Competition will hit triple digits in just 3.5 seconds.

The sports front seats also offer an amazing combination of comfort and extra lateral support (at the push of a button).

In fact, fine-tuning the suspension, brakes, steering, engine, and transmission through the M Setup menu is simple and requires extra effort. The bright red M1 and M2 preset buttons on the steering wheel allow you to save your preferred settings.

The electric power steering works great and the road feel is excellent. 

The car stays level and stable through the B-road's exciting corners, while the Active M Differential and M Traction Control system take power from mid-corner stability to an incredibly fast and balanced exit. 

Not surprisingly, for this 1.7-ton machine, the weight distribution front and rear is 50:50. 

The tires are ultra-high performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires (275/35x19 front / 285/30x20 front) that provide confident traction on dry pavement as well as during a couple of torrential rainy afternoons. our week with the car. 

And variable speed control is a hassle-free experience thanks to standard M Compound brakes, consisting of large vented and perforated rotors (380mm front/370mm rear) clamped by six-piston fixed calipers up front and a single-piston floating caliper. units in the rear.

On top of that, the integrated braking system offers Comfort and Sport pedal sensitivity settings, changing the amount of pedal pressure needed to slow the car. Stopping power is huge, and even in Sport mode, the braking feel is progressive.

One technical issue is CarPlay's wireless connectivity, which I found frustratingly patchy. However, this time did not test the Android equivalent.

Verdict

Is the Competition M3 worth $10k more than the "base" M3? Percentage-wise, this is a relatively small jump, and if you are already at the $150K level, why not take advantage of it? The extra performance in a technically demanding package is more than capable of handling it. Throw in top-notch safety, a long list of standard features, and the practicality of a four-door sedan, and it's hard to resist. What does it look like? Well, is that up to you?