Following the debut of the second life cycle impulse (LCI) of the G20 BMW 3 Series, the G80 BMW M3 facelift has also debuted with a slightly refreshed look, but more importantly, more power – 20 hp to be specific. We’ll dive into that soon.
First, let’s look at what has changed on the outside of the new G80 M3. You could simply say that nothing has changed on the outside of the new M3, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. It takes an astute observer to notice what the guys in Munich have done.
Among the exterior updates are the new headlights for the M3 which have combined the low beam and high beam into one single module. The LED DRLs are now vertical slats which make it appear sleeker. It does make the signature double lamp design a bit less obvious but transforms it with a modern tak. Besides the headlights, the new M3 also gets new wheel design options.
The highlight of the new M3 is its more powerful engine which now makes 530 hp (390 kW) at 6,250 rpm and 650 Nm at 2,750-5,730 rpm. The power boost is specifically 20 hp (metric) higher than its predecessor.
RELATED: G20 BMW 3 Series gets facelifted again – improved chassis, larger 19.5kWh battery for 330e
BMW M says that this has been achieved by optimizing the configuration of the digital engine control unit (DME). Besides the power boost, the delivery of the power has also been adjusted, allowing for a more ferocious yet sustained power delivery for the M3. Transmission options for the M3 are still the same 8-speed M Steptronic and 6-speed manual gearbox. As per the update back in April 2021, the M3 (and M4) is available with xDrive (BMW’s AWD system).
With this new configuration of the engine, the M3 Competition sedan with M xDrive does 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 11.8 seconds. As for the M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive, it does 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 12.4 seconds. The 0-200 km/h times for both cars are 0.5 seconds quicker than their predecessors.
As for technicalities of the inline-6 3.0-litre engine of the M3, this is what BMW M has shared about its intricacies (not specified whether new or not with this LCI):
- Crankcase with sleeve-free, closed-deck construction (extremely rigid and teams up with a forged crankshaft with lightweight design to unlock extremely high torque potential)
- Cylinder bores have wire-arc sprayed iron coating
- 3D-printed core for cylinder head that enables optimised routing of coolant duct (an M-special feature)
- Cooling system designed to handle track driving
- Oil circuit designed for track driving
Inside, the BMW M3 facelift gets new trim elements along with the updates we’ve seen in the latest G20’s LCI. This includes items like the new BMW Operating System 8.5, new curveddisplay, and a new steering wheel. The M3 now gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel with a 3-spoke design and a red centre marker.
In Malaysia, the outgoing M3 is available in three guises – the M3 Competition, the M3 Competition with Pro Package, and the M3 Competition M xDrive with Pro Package. Prices of the cars with the Extended Warranty & Service package included are RM777,600, RM837,600, and RM877,600 respectively.
GALLERY
