When BMW introduced the M3 as a sedan in 1997, the reaction was largely positive, with a mix of surprise and enthusiasm. The idea of a high-performance sedan was still relatively new, but since the German automaker had a strong reputation for building sporty sedans, the transition was a natural progression. Today, the BMW M3 is one of BMW's biggest successes, with a huge following even in the current generation that wasn't so appealing at first with the obnoxious kidney grille like the one on the 2021 BMW M3 Competition. Its perfect blend of performance and practicality makes it one of the best to-go-to performance sedans, and being a Competition variant, the 2021 M3 Competitions add a bit more to the performance part. Time to see what it can do.
Make no mistake overlooking the 2021 BMW M3 Competition due to its size and weight, which tips the scales at around 3,700 pounds. From a dig, it can do 0-60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, thanks to the 503 horsepower and 479 lb.ft 3.0-liter inline-six sitting under the hood with two turbochargers strapped onto it. Sure, it might not be the best-sounding engine from BMW, but it gets you up and going quicker than expected, up to a top speed of 155 mph, which is electronically limited. Without the limiter, you'll find yourself reaching speeds of over 180 mph as effortlessly as spreading butter on toast. The 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission makes launches more brutal, and it gives enough engagement to forget that you can't get a manual transmission in a 2021 M3 Competition or any model year for that matter.
It's obvious that with its four doors, the 2021 BMW M3 Competition is practical. However, it offers much more than just practicality. The cabin mirrors the BMW M5 and M8, which are the only two other performance sedans you can get from BMW, offering a familiar upscale environment. Being a higher trim model, leather sports seats were standard in the front and a bench seat in the rear. Going by most examples in the market, many buyers didn't go for the bucket seats, which offer an unforgivable seating experience when driving over long distances. Don't forget that they were a $3,800 option when the car was new. Cabin amenities are plentiful, all covering convenience, comfort, entertainment, performance controls, and everything else you'd need. There's even a drift analyzer, which we'll talk about in a bit.
The 2021 BMW M3 Competition, just like any other BMW with the controversial oversized kidney grille, makes you want to stare at it for a while before you can convince yourself that you need to buy it. Finding a positive angle from which to appreciate it isn't easy. The grille and the front-end design are so radical that they defy the conventional aesthetic expected of a BMW. BMW peaked with the F80 M3's design only to drop the ball with the G80 M3, and, going by their recently unveiled models, they might never recover. Beyond the front end, the design is fairly appealing owing to the aggressive design and sharp lines that wrap around the car. Some of its rivals look better, for example, the Mercedes E53 AMG sedan and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, but it's worth appreciating that the 2021 M3 Competition doesn't look like a regular 3-Series.
Essential to the driving experience of the 2021 BMW M3 Competition is the tech that empowers you to make the most of the car. Remember the Drift Analyzer we mentioned earlier? It's incorporated in the M Drive Professional package and loosens the stability control, thus allowing for a controlled understeer. The M Drive Professional package also offers other customizable driving modes that you can use to tailor your drive to make it more comfort-focused or performance-oriented, depending on the driving situation or personal preferences. In the cabin, you get a BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to the essentials such as Bluetooth connectivity and navigation. For sound, you could find an example with the standard Harman Kardon stereo or the optional Bang & Olufsen audio system.
If you're in the market for a 2021 BMW M3 Competition, expect to shell out around $75,000, which can fluctuate depending on the car's location, optional extras, dealer markups, and mileage, among other factors. It's worth noting that that's almost the same price you'll pay for a standard M3. Deciding between the two is primarily a matter of desired features. Unless a manual transmission is an absolute must, the M3 Competition is worth buying despite being slightly higher priced. For a side-by-side price analysis, check out Exotic Car Trader's BMW M3 listings if you're unsure which one to buy. And if you get swayed to buy another BMW, our BMW listings are all-inclusive, ensuring there's something for every preference.
The 2021 BMW M3 Competition's design might not be for everyone, but there's no denying that everything else about it makes it quite an irresistible option if you're considering a performance sedan. Behind the wheel, it can turn a mundane commute into a thrilling drive, and when you get a chance to explore its limits, it doesn't disappoint. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! So, if you're looking for a car that can do it all without major compromises, the 2021 M3 Competition deserves serious consideration.
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