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With BMW being almost ready to unleash the new G80 M3, the rendering that brought us here comes to portray the upcoming super-sedan, with this being based on the leaked images and spyshots that have arrived to date.
Of course, we have to start with the front end of the 2021 M3, since this is where the opinion-splitting grille is. Now, while the humongous kidney grille hasn't clearly shown up yet, the M3 is expected to share its front end with the future M4 Coupe and Convertible, with the latter set to pack the already-leaked super-sized nose we're talking about - pixel tip to Instagram label zer.o.wt for this pair of images.
Hopefully, the Bavarians will at least come up with the roof creases seen in this rendering, which, like the ones on the Concept 4, help integrate the grille, at least partially.
As for the posterior of the go-fast sedan, this has leaked onto the web - we're talking about a tamer approach compared to the front end, albeit with this being more balanced and in the slightly understated spirit that has defined M3s of the past.
The main elements we have here involve the trunk lid spoiler, a discreet presence, as well as a diffuser-style element, with the traditional quadruple tailpipes. We also have to add the bold design on the edges of the apron, which, together with the vertical reflectors, brings a strong visual identity.
On the tech front, BMW has all but confirmed that the upcoming athlete will be animated by the new S58 twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that animates the X3 M and X4 M, so you can expect up to 510 ponies in Competition trim. Oh, and let's not forget the xDrive rumors, with these talking about the 2021 M3 packing the sort of AWD+RWD driving mode tech offered on the current M5, at least as an option.
The said BMW 4 Series Coupe will debut this year, perhaps at next month's 2020 Geneva Motor Show, with the M3 set to land after that, which means we should get to see the performance four-door within the next 12 months.
Based on the render - if the kidneys terminated at the bumper, and the lower air dam continued uninterrupted across the center of the bumper, that alone would made the front end look great.
But if the kidney size is to believed, I will start a twitter campaign #stop2020BMWkidneygrilles
It’s been well over a year since BMW announced the 330e plug-in hybrid 3 Series for Europe. Back then, we were promised a U.S.-spec 3 Series PHEV, and today we’re finally getting it. This plug-in is being introduced as the 2021 BMW 330e, and it features the same powertrain as the European-spec car with slightly different numbers.
A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is aided by an electric motor that spits out a combined 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Compared to a standard 330i, the electrified BMW is up 33 horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque. However, the 0-60 mph time of both 3 Series' in rear-drive form is the same 5.6 seconds. BMW’s “XtraBoost” feature is needed to accomplish these power and acceleration figures — in Sport mode, a full throttle application unleashes an extra 40 horsepower from the electric motor that is available for 10-second intervals. Top speed is limited to 130 mph with all-season tires, but increases to 142 mph with summer tires (140 mph for the all-wheel-drive version).
BMW offered a 330e version of the last-gen 3 Series, and that car had an electric range of 16 miles, according to EPA figures. This next-gen BMW PHEV is EPA-rated for 22 miles when paired with rear-wheel drive, or 20 miles in xDrive all-wheel drive form. That’s a notable improvement, but it’s not going to be world-changing. The MPGe rating is also slightly better, going from 71 MPGe to 75 MPGe for the rear-drive model (67 MPGe with all-wheel drive). The 9.09-kWh battery pack is located under the rear seats. BMW says it’s capable of driving at speeds up to 87 mph in electric-only mode, too.
In addition to all the U.S. specs released today, we also got a price. A base 330e starts at $45,545, including the $995 destination charge. If you want the all-wheel drive 330e xDrive model, you’re looking at a starting price of $47,545. The standard 2020 BMW 330i costs $41,745, meaning it's a $3,800 price increase to get the electrified model. There are countless packages and options one can tack on to raise the price, but that’s typical for any BMW. BMW says the 330e should start to show up in dealers across the country in May this year.
I could be completely off the mark but my assumption is these comparatively laughable attempts to roll out an electrified powertrain out are merely a way to amortize their R&D costs. I still remember the first Chevy Volt accomplishing a 40-mile, EV-only range what, 10 years ago?
22 mile range, with an extra 33 hp and 16 lb/ft for close to $4k. I don't know about BMW's hybrid system but it is guaranteed to add a lot of weight as well.
I think a lot of these have to do with meeting the EPA's MPG regulations for the lineup....
I think the new 330e is just a "filler" cuz the new i models are coming soon... these somewhat in between models will soon be forgotten.
But if you dont want a full EV because you only have 1 car and your commute is short, i can see these models make sense. It is almost the best of both world.
Could just barely make my commute with the e-range.
As suggested by everyone, its just another compliance car from BMW. Its unfortunate that this famed German marque's sugar coating attempt will be scrutinized by car buying public, as well as see how they are fleecing their bank account. Model 3 will laugh at its face with the performance and range figures. It'll fail miserably in comparison with Model 3 sales (which are priced around the same).
I could be completely off the mark but my assumption is these comparatively laughable attempts to roll out an electrified powertrain out are merely a way to amortize their R&D costs. I still remember the first Chevy Volt accomplishing a 40-mile, EV-only range what, 10 years ago?
22 mile range, with an extra 33 hp and 16 lb/ft for close to $4k. I don't know about BMW's hybrid system but it is guaranteed to add a lot of weight as well.
Originally Posted by Comfy
As suggested by everyone, its just another compliance car from BMW. Its unfortunate that this famed German marque's sugar coating attempt will be scrutinized by car buying public, as well as see how they are fleecing their bank account. Model 3 will laugh at its face with the performance and range figures. It'll fail miserably in comparison with Model 3 sales (which are priced around the same).
Umm...this car is designed for the EU market where 22 miles of range would last for DAYS of driving around the city. The point is to give people a car that will serve their daily commute without issue and have a means of getting out of town if they want to, and this accomplishes just that.
That said, the 22 miles of range would cover my daily commute no problem. Also, I bet this car also qualifies for the EV tax credit too. My only gripe is that it's quite slow for a car with that much power.
If i were in the market for an E-car, which i am not. I would choose some kind of hybrid like this even with limited E miles over Tesla or any full EV.
I dont think i am alone on this one. I only have 1 car and i need the flexibility to be able to go far without worrying about range, yet still enjoy some of the benefits of E car.
I will admit, I don't really follow EVs and hybrids much, mostly because I am not in the market for one. Apparently, most plug-in hybrids have pretty terrible EV-only range (IMO).
I get that their battery packs aren't as anywhere near as large and that they're compromises, but man it is surprising to me. Even the Prius Prime only has a 25-mile EV only range.
The 22-mile range would cover my commute as well, but given the higher upfront cost, I would pass on a hybrid.
^ That is why we are not in the market for one.. BUT MSRP on those cars are deceiving... If you are interested, dont let the MSRP scare you away. They are much cheaper than they seem....
In a lot of cases, they are actually cheaper to buy or lease than their gas counterpart.
Dont really feel like keeping my 3G TL around for those "just in case" scenarios where i need to drive far and can't or don't want to wait for my my EV to charge up.
Also even with a Tesla the range is pretty short. My friend had a long range model 3 and sold it because he hated using it for road trips/long distance driving.
It's funny cause an EV would absolutely work for me as my only vehicle. My work has charging stations and I very, very rarely do any long distance driving. Might drive down to SoCal once or twice a year, but not much more than that (at most). The tax credit would definitely help too.
Still, not ready to hop on the EV or hybrid bandwagon yet. I think I would ultimately prefer a pure EV.
Dont really feel like keeping my 3G TL around for those "just in case" scenarios where i need to drive far and can't or don't want to wait for my my EV to charge up.
Also even with a Tesla the range is pretty short. My friend had a long range model 3 and sold it because he hated using it for road trips/long distance driving.
Selling the 3 is surprising to me, Tesla pretty much has the charging game down at this point but if it doesn't work, it doesn't work.
I doubt I'd buy a 330e, but it has my attention as a possible "best of both worlds" approach. We live in downtown Philly, so the electric range would cover almost all our driving within the city. Then it would have the ICE range for longer drives, like visiting my parents in CT and my niece in Upstate New York. When the covid-19 situation is over, I'll definitely test one. (I have tested the 330i x-Drive, and wasn't crazy about it.)
I recently tested a Tesla Model 3 to help my business partner decide on her next car, and it is fantastic. We both loved it, and I think she'll get one. But I want/need the ability to drive to CT and back in a day, and the Model 3 would present a challenge, especially in cold weather. If Tesla installs some superchargers close to my parents' place, it would be more viable. As it stands, the nearest are about eight miles away at highway rest stops, which I expect would often be crowded. Not ideal.
BMW’s iconic performance cars head in a bold new direction for 2021.
The BMW M3 and M4 are icons, and inarguably two of the most important performance cars in the German automaker's portfolio. But the latest iterations are not the performance vehicles you once knew – for better or worse. Both designers and engineers took a bold new approach in creating the 2021 BMW M3 and M4, now in the sixth generation.
The biggest talking point for the new M3 and M4, obviously, are those massive dual kidney grilles propped up front and center. But behind that controversial snout hides a new twin-turbocharged straight-six capable of producing up to 503 horsepower (375 kilowatts) in the Competition model and allowing for a 0-to-60-mile-per-hour sprint of under four seconds. Coupled with an updated cabin design – complete with brand-new sport bucket seats – and loads of fresh technology, and the new M3 and M4 promise to be more than just polarizing silhouettes.
nah.. chances of me getting that is almost 0...
The only trim i would be interested in is the GC.. which wont be available for at least another 2 years.
I will need a new car in 11 months..
So not gonna happen...
My theory is they did this so the mid-cycle refresh/face lift will look amazing (in comparison).
That is if they don't decide to go even bigger and introduce the changes to the regular 3-series. I actually find the normal G20 series (minus the 4 and the M cars) to be pretty attractive. Much more interesting to look at than the previous gen.
I'd rather have AWD and both are faster than you'd ever need them to be. Also the C should be getting a refresh/redesign soon.
I would choose RWD.. since i have 0 use for AWD. All it does is add more weight on a heavy car.
Can't remember the last time i launched a car...
The 2021 C class might be available sometimes next year and AMG is about a year after. There will be at least 1 year gap in between the new M3 and new C63 since M3 will go on sale in a few months.
Last edited by oonowindoo; 09-23-2020 at 02:09 PM.
02-18-2020, 10:04 AM
