BMW M3
Everything you need to know about the upcoming G80 M3
BMW M has released a video not only outlining the fine-tuning regime that the upcoming G80 M3 is being subjected to but also revealed some of its technical highlights.
It is no surprise that the new M3 – and its M4 sibling – are two of the most eagerly awaited arrivals of 2020, and with both expected to bow in September this year, BMW has ramped up their marketing on the upcoming model. That said, the M3 will only arrive in South Africa in 2021.
For this video, BMW M’s head of driving dynamics systems, Christian Flessa, talks us through the M3’s development and testing regime that has taken place not only at Nürburgring Nordschleife but on the surrounding country roads, motorways and B-roads too.
He asked mentioned that the M3 will initially debut in PURE form, utilizing a rear-wheel-drive setup, whilst an optional M-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive is also on offer for the M3. It is also believed that the PURE variant will pack a 6-speed manual transmission, whilst the xDrive-equipped variants will be offered with the 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission.
The big talking point though is the power increase the latest generation M3 will have over its predecessor. Whereas the F80 M3 uses the S55 twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six to make 317kw and 550nm, and 331kw and 550nm in Competition-spec, the G80 M3 will instead gain the new S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six. The motor first debuted in the new X3 M and X4 M, and is expected to produce 353kw and 600nm in the M3, and 375kw and 600nm in the M3 Competition.
And while this wasn’t disclosed by BMW, it is clear to see from the video that the M3 will not have the massive vertical kidneys we saw on the leaked M4. Instead, it will use the traditional kidneys that do duty on the G20 3 Series. This corroborates with the fact that BMW will only fit the large vertical kidneys to certain models and depending on which side of the fence you sit on, this is a good thing for the M3.
The M3 will also get flared arches, a muscular front bumper with huge intakes, oversize wheels that fill the arches to perfection, a DTM-inspired rear diffuser, and typical M3 quad-pipes exiting the rear. It is expected that eventually, an M3 CS will debut, with more power, less weight, trick aerodynamics, more exclusivity, and a bigger price – in other words, the usual CS treatment.
With both the M3 and M4 slated for debut in September, expect BMW M to ramp up their teaser campaign in the lead up to that.
Also worth a look: the BMW Glc and the BMW M3.
FAQ
Q: What does the BMW G80 M3 cost in South Africa?
The BMW G80 M3 starts from around R1,450,000 for the rear-wheel-drive PURE variant, while the M3 Competition with xDrive will set you back approximately R1,650,000 when it arrives in South Africa in 2021.
Q: Is the BMW G80 M3 worth buying?
Absolutely, the G80 M3 delivers exceptional value with its 353kW S58 engine producing 600Nm of torque, plus you get the choice between a proper 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, making it worth every rand for serious driving enthusiasts.
Q: What engine does the BMW G80 M3 have?
The G80 M3 uses BMW's new S58 twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine that produces 353kW and 600Nm in standard form, or 375kW and 600Nm in the M3 Competition variant.
Q: Does the BMW G80 M3 come with all-wheel drive?
The G80 M3 initially launches as a rear-wheel-drive PURE model with a 6-speed manual, but BMW also offers an optional M-tuned xDrive all-wheel-drive system paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Q: When will the BMW G80 M3 be available in South Africa?
The BMW G80 M3 will arrive in South African dealerships in 2021, despite the global launch happening in September 2020.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, you absolutely should buy the BMW G80 M3 if you have R1,450,000 burning a hole in your pocket. The best high-performance saloon under R1,700,000 in South Africa is definitely the G80 M3, delivering a massive 353kW power bump over its predecessor while keeping the traditional kidney grilles instead of those controversial massive ones on the M4. With the choice between a purist 6-speed manual rear-wheel-drive setup or the all-weather xDrive system, plus that glorious S58 engine pumping out 600Nm of torque, this M3 represents the sweet spot between everyday usability and track-day heroics that makes it worth every rand.
