2021 BMW M3 COMPETITION TEST DRIVE

2021 BMW M3 COMPETITION TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Every car person at one time or another has longed for an M3 which for decades has been considered the benchmark sports sedan. But the introduction of the smaller M2 several years ago somewhat shifted the positioning of this model and here again it continues to grow in size while preserving its track-ready nature.

This is the next generation M3 Competition.

 

 

 

 

Originally designed as a race car that would also have a road-going version, the M3 has been in production now for 35 years.  But just a decade ago, the M3 sedan was 9” shorter and weighed a thousand pounds less than it does now leading some BMW enthusiasts to turn to the subcompact 2 Series Coupe for their rear-wheel drive thrills. 

 

 

And compared with the previous generation car which was introduced in 2014, this one is wider, nearly 5” longer and slightly taller.  The V8 is long gone but the power is greater than ever.  This highest level Competition model now produces 503 horsepower from its twin-turbo inline-6, revving to a 7,200 RPM redline through an upgraded 8-speed ZF automatic transmission that feels very much like a dual clutch gearbox. 

 

If you’re looking for the 6-speed manual it’s not available on the Comp due to its increased torque output of 479 pound-feet.  Other Competition upgrades over the standard M3 include larger wheels and tires – 19s in the front, 20s in the rear – M Seat Belts and Extended Shadowline exterior trim. 

 

 

And my car goes all in with the over $8,000 Carbon Ceramic Brakes, $4,700 Carbon Exterior Package and these $3,800 Carbon Bucket Seats among other options taking the price from $73,795 to nearly $100,000.  That’s a serious M3 for some very serious money.

 

     

The drive is everything I thought it would be and more.  I knew the ride would be firm, the power prodigious and the Steptronic transmission quicker than quick but the “more” part of this comes from the wide dynamic range.  With all systems in comfort and the exhaust hushed, this is a compliant everyday cruiser. 

 

 

The wide performance tires make some noise otherwise the cabin is pretty quiet and at the other end the M3 is a handling machine with so much grip you’d think this was the upcoming all-wheel drive model.  Speed builds so rapidly and the car is so tractable that it’s almost too good in the sense that driving it safely on public roads can feel a little mundane.  It’s just crying out for a racetrack.

   

Off public roads, the M3 is a fun little drift car with a neat Drift Analyzer onboard to measure your sliding heroics.  Once you kill Dynamic Stability Control, you can then play with 10 levels of traction control to suit conditions and your driving style.  For me, 4 was a good landing spot for some controlled power slides.

 

 

(Launch control)

 

 

 

 

The 3.8 second 0-to-60mph time is quick but it takes some time for the turbos to build boost so it feels a little hesitant right off the line.  And even with the dual stage exhaust system there’s not a lot of sound here and what sound there is isn’t overly appealing.  But in manual mode, working these very cool carbon paddles, there is mechanical excellence combined with some straight-six music. 

 

Leave it in auto and you’ve got 3 levels of shifting intensity from which to choose and it’s uncanny how much this transmission emulates the characteristics of a manual. 

 

 

 

Comfort, Sport and Sport + settings can be applied to a number of variables including the electronically controlled shocks and then programmed into these red M switches on the wheel for quick personality changes.  Separate from that are M Modes for the various driver assistance features and the excellent head-up display.  For example, Sport mode adds a tachometer and gear indicator in a wider view out ahead of you. 

 

The steering is excellent, helping the M3 hold a steady, precise line and the carbon ceramics play friendlier in everyday driving than other such racing brakes I’ve tested.  Being glued into these buckets only adds to the sensation of unrelenting grip that’ll have you tackling each corner like you were on your favorite road course. Nothing about this M3 says to the driver it’s too big or disconnected. 

 

It’s ridiculously good.     

The M Carbon Bucket seats look amazing, save weight and they hold you in place like none other but I suggest you spend that $3,800 elsewhere unless you’re legitimately going to race this car on a regular basis. 

 

 

It’s harder getting in and out of this than any vehicle I’ve ever driven and I pity the fool with big thighs.  And the other rub I have about the M3’s cabin is how convoluted the drive controls are.  Yes, choices are good and being able to individually customize all of the mechanicals is welcome in a car of this ilk but BMW could really simplify all of this beyond the pair of programmable M switches.  Their engineers should spend some time in a Hellcat.

 

This Silverstone/Black full leather interior is my favorite color combo and having wireless Apple CarPlay is a big plus, but inexplicably there’s no wireless charge pad even though it looks like there is. 

 

 

 

There’s a combination of USB-A and –C ports throughout, the touchscreen, rotary and voice control iDrive system is relatively easy to navigate and packed full of cool features and a brake hold function comes in handy while sitting in traffic.  And because it’s so compliant you can use these spacious rear seats for willing adult passengers and the 13 cubic foot trunk is a little bigger than before.  Gas mileage is rated at 19mpg in combined driving with a raised top speed of 180mph which also includes a day of professional BMW driver training.  At night the changeable ambient lighting looks great.      

This is a big bucks car but it delivers the legendary M3 driving experience you covet just in a larger, more complete luxury sedan package. 

 

 

 

 

2021 BMW M3 COMPETITION TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES  | TESTDRIVENOW 2021(c)