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

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars

The VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and Toyota Yaris Aero Performance breath life into what was an ailing hot hatch segment
16 Feb 2026
The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back
Chris Tolman
Features

The man who traded fighter jets for rally cars, and never looked back

From building BTCC engines to crafting the ultimate Peugeot 205 GTI restomods, Chris Tolman’s journey is one defined by automotive passion and precisi…
15 Feb 2026
New BMW M5 2027 facelift spied – the hybrid Audi RS6 won’t have it easy
2027 BMW M5 Touring spied
News

New BMW M5 2027 facelift spied – the hybrid Audi RS6 won’t have it easy

The LCI update for the BMW M5 will being Neue Klasse stylistic sensibility to BMW’s big garish super saloon
16 Feb 2026