Skip advert
Advertisement

F80 BMW M3 review (2014-2018) - design

The latest updates to this performance car icon have improved it greatly, it now has the composure to match its mighty performance

Evo rating
RRP
from £59,860
  • Tough looks and incredible performance
  • Snappy DCT 'box

The M3’s bumpers are almost as complicated looking as an F1 car’s wing, with multiple intersecting parts, vents and scoops. It means the F80 isn’t as clean or as elegant as previous versions of the M3, but it certainly looks mean and purposeful.

A lot of that aggression comes from the M3’s flared arches, which are more significant than those of its coupe alternative, the M4. Both the M3 and M4 share the same suspension and track width, however the standard 3-series is narrower than the basic 4-series and so the saloon’s arches have been stretched even further to cover the wider M-car track.

Coupled with a low, nose down stance and a set of aerodynamically shaped mirrors the F80 looks appropriately tough and sporty, just like an M-car should.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Differentiating the facelifted, 2018 model-year car from earlier versions of the F80 M3 is a task for dedicated BMW fans. The most obvious changes are limited to the front light clusters that includes LED headlights and light bars for the daytime running lights. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

900 miles in the Maserati MCPura – daily driving Italy’s underrated supercar
Maserati MCPura Cielo
Long term tests

900 miles in the Maserati MCPura – daily driving Italy’s underrated supercar

Maserati’s MCPura is as pricey as it is imperfect, but never let it be said it’s a supercar you can’t enjoy every day
8 Nov 2026
New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power
Lotus Esprit
News

New Lotus Esprit V8 engine details revealed – British Ferrari rival to get twin-turbo hybrid power

Horse Powertrain is providing the new twin-turbo V8 for Lotus’s hotly-anticipated supercar
10 Nov 2026
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?
Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI
News

Volkswagen ID.Polo GTI priced from £35,295 – still want that Alpine A290?

VW’s hot small EV will be more expensive than its rivals from France
9 Nov 2026