BMW M3 G80 (2021–2025): The icon that bites harder, rides smarter
I’ve spent enough time in the BMW M3 G80 to learn its moods. Cold morning start? It crackles like it’s got somewhere better to be. Long motorway slog? Settles into a quiet lope where you can actually hear your kids arguing about the aux cord in the back. And on a favorite B-road with the damp creeping in, the xDrive cars cling to tarmac like geckos on glass. It’s not perfect—few great cars are—but the latest BMW M3 G80 blends performance and luxury in a way that makes rivals sweat.
How we got here: the M3 story in a paragraph
The M3 legend started with the E30 homologation special and has shape-shifted through straight-sixes, V8s, turbos, and more Nürburgring laps than is healthy. The G80 generation arrived for 2021 and brought the big guns: the twin‑turbo 3.0‑liter S58 inline‑six, a manual gearbox in the base car (bless them), and the option of M xDrive all‑wheel drive on the Competition. It’s the most capable M3 yet, even if its beaver‑tooth kidneys launched a thousand comments sections.
BMW M3 G80 performance: the numbers are loud, the drive even louder
Under the bonnet sits BMW’s S58 straight‑six: 473 hp and 406 lb‑ft in the standard M3 with a 6‑speed manual, 503 hp and 479 lb‑ft in the Competition with an 8‑speed automatic, and up to a thumping 543 hp in the limited CS. In the real world, the Competition xDrive turns in supercar‑baiting launches—BMW quotes the low‑3s to 60 mph, and my backside dyno agrees. The manual rear‑drive car isn’t slow (think ~4 seconds), but it is more talkative; you row your own and grin more often.
- Engine: 3.0‑liter twin‑turbo inline‑six (S58)
- Power: 473–543 hp (model dependent)
- Drive: RWD (manual) or M xDrive AWD with rear‑drive (2WD) mode
- EPA mpg: mid‑teens city, low‑20s highway depending on spec
Steering is precise if slightly filtered—typical modern M. The brakes are stout, though the adjustable pedal feel takes a drive or two to nail. On rough roads, the adaptive dampers in Comfort do an honest job; Sport can get choppy on 20s, especially if you’ve gone for sticky rubber. I tried one on Michelin Cup 2s during a light drizzle and the grip was… educational. Respect the throttle, enjoy the balance.
Living with the BMW M3 G80
The cabin mixes crisp tech with old‑school pragmatism. The driving position is spot‑on, visibility is better than you’d expect for a 473–543 hp hooligan, and there’s genuine space in the back for adults. Boot space is generous enough for a pair of weekend bags and a small cooler—perfect for an Alpine ski dash or a spontaneous beach run.
Quirks? iDrive’s latest interface is fast but menu‑deep; I saved my M1/M2 presets and barely touched the submenus afterward. The ride can feel busy on cracked city streets, and the exhaust note—while authentic—won’t win any opera contests at low revs. Also, the grille: polarizing in photos, less so when it’s bug‑spattered and you’re smiling.
Parts and accessories that make sense for your BMW M3 G80
Every BMW owner I’ve met does two things right away: saves the tires’ souls and protects the cabin. Floor mats sound boring until the first coffee mishap or muddy Saturday practice. The right set changes how the interior wears over years, not months.
Floor mats for the BMW M3 G80: smart money, daily payoff
I’ve tried a few sets and ended up sticking with options from AutoWin because they actually fit—edge to edge—on the G80 floor, clip into the factory mounts, and don’t curl. Materials feel premium, wipe clean easily, and add a little visual pop without looking aftermarket.
- Custom-fit for the BMW M3 G80
- Premium, durable materials that shrug off daily grime
- Factory clip points and high side walls for spill control
- Styles ranging from subtle OEM+ to limited-edition trims
If you want a more luxe look, the leather‑finish set below pairs nicely with darker interiors:
BMW M3 G80 vs the usual suspects
Spec sheets don’t tell the whole story, but they do set the stage. Here’s how the M3 stacks up to two heavy hitters:
| Car | Powertrain | Drive | Power | 0–60 mph (approx.) | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 Competition xDrive (G80) | 3.0L TT I6 | AWD (2WD mode) | 503–523 hp | ~3.4 s | Explosive launches, playful balance when you ask |
| Audi RS5 Sportback | 2.9L TT V6 | AWD | 444 hp | ~3.8–3.9 s | Secure and fast; less adjustable mid‑corner |
| Mercedes‑AMG C63 S E Performance | 2.0L PHEV I4 + e‑motor | AWD | ~671 hp (system) | ~3.3 s | Devastating thrust, complex personality |
BMW M3 G80: quick facts and fun bits
- Sixth‑gen M3, building on decades of touring‑car DNA.
- M xDrive lets you switch to pure rear‑drive for proper slides when conditions (and tires) allow.
- CFRP roof lowers the center of gravity; optional carbon buckets save weight and look like sculpture.
- Wide scope for customization: wheels, trims, and driver‑configurable M1/M2 presets.
- Interior blends luxury and tech; think heated everything and a digital dash that isn’t shouty.
- AutoWin offers fitted BMW floor mats designed specifically for the M3 G80.
FAQs: your BMW M3 G80 questions, answered
Is the 2023 M3 a G80?
Yes. The 2023 BMW M3 sits within the G80 generation (launched for 2021) and shares its platform, S58 engine, and core design.
Will there be a 2024 M3?
Yes. BMW continued the G80 through the 2024 model year with incremental updates to tech and options. Always check BMW’s latest guide for regional specifics.
How long will BMW make the G80?
BMW typically runs a 5–7 year cycle. The G80 arrived for 2021 and continues through the 2025 model year in most markets. A successor is expected to follow the usual cadence.
What changed for the 2023 BMW M3?
2023 models brought software and option tweaks, with the heart of the car unchanged: the S58 engine, manual in the base RWD, and the mighty Competition variants. Depending on market, infotainment and driver‑assist features were updated.
Manual or xDrive—what’s the move?
If you want maximum engagement, the 6‑speed RWD is the sweet spot. If you want all‑weather pace and drama on demand, the Competition xDrive’s 2WD mode gives you both security and silliness. I’ve loved living with the xDrive in wet climates.
Do aftermarket floor mats really matter on a premium sedan?
Absolutely. A fitted set like the ones from AutoWin protects resale value and keeps the cabin looking fresh. I’ve seen plenty of G80s with scuffed carpets after one winter—mats fix that before it starts. Explore BMW floor mats made specifically for the M3 G80.
Final lap: why the BMW M3 G80 still matters
The BMW M3 G80 doesn’t try to please everyone. It tries to please drivers. It’s devastatingly quick, genuinely usable, and built with the sort of attention that makes daily life easier. Add the right touches—smart G80‑specific accessories, proper floor mats from AutoWin—and you’ve got a premium sports sedan that feels tailored, not templated. Controversial grille? Maybe. Compelling car? Absolutely.
