2021 BMW M3 and M4: Most controversial cars of 2020?

If haven’t already I would recommend for you to take a quick look at my previous article of the 2021 BMW 4 Series, now as the title suggests I would be bold enough to say that the brand new upcoming 2021 BMW M3 and M4 are probably the most controversial cars of this year. As history goes, when going for a sports saloon, one would always go for the BMW M3. Their M performance cars are the pinnacle of driving pleasure and strengthening the bond between man and machine, that being said, their competitors from Mercedes and even Alfa Romeo have challenged and if not exceeded those standards which BMW in the past set so high. Suppose you haven’t already check out the review of the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV and the Battle Royale between the BMW M3, Mercedes C63s and the Alfa.

Credit where credit is due, BMWs recent design route has taken a rather bold and ostentatious approach. Much like marmite, their latest M3 and M4 have caused quite a diversity, especially towards the front grille. Some like it, whilst others think its more comparable to the green pigs from angry birds. Initially, I was not too fond of the grille and BMWs bold move in the design department, but I’ve grown to like it. Just like marmite, I think the M3 and M4 are an acquired taste, but more importantly, they are going down their old heritage roots of setting the benchmark for car design. BMW themselves state that the M3 and M4 “are not vehicles for blending in. With a new frameless kidney grille, contoured bonnet and a wide selection of exclusive BMW M paint finishes, every inch of the new BMW M3 Competition screams confidence” if opting for the carbon pack the front bumper and grille and slightly redesigned giving it a more pronounced and aggressive look that looks brutal.

As with all M cars, performance is what sets them apart from the standard vehicles, and both the M3 and M4 are no exception. Tailored with a new 3.0-litre straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology which features two turbochargers producing 510bhp which is 40bhp more than the previous M3 and M4; and 480 lb-ft of torque which is 74 more than the earlier models. They now also come with an eight-speed M Steptronic gearbox which comes with either x-drive or rear-wheel drive. Those with x-drive will have the option of switching between four and two-wheel drive, just like in the BMW M5 and the M8. The 0-62mph time is under 3.9 seconds and limited to a top speed of 155mph or 180mph when de-restricted. The performance is further combined with BMWs active M differential and other track-inspired technology that work in tandem with the performance to offer sporty and racecar-like handling.

The interior follows a similar modern route that is seen in its other M cars, a thick chunky steering wheel to grip tightly onto with two red M buttons on the wheel to create custom driving mechanics and settings. A digital dashboard, which over the past years I’ve grown to like, but most of all I like the simplicity yet modern look inside. Nothing is too much or too distracting. The driver focuses on the road without anything unnecessary getting in the way, and the carbon fibre trim looks dashing, gorgeous and gives it that M car feels.

To sum up, the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 have taken an unconventional route in automotive design. A design that is developed for both the brave and the bold, but more importantly they have created the BMW M3 and the M4 to be the ultimate M cars and harness technology from BMW’s racing division into making the ultimate driving machine. I think BMW with these two models have shown the world that they are indeed back and are returning to their roots.

Sources:

https://www.bmw.co.uk/en/all-models/m-models/m3-saloon/2020/highlights.html

Images:

motor1.com