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

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 review – the best hot Golf in years, and the fastest hot hatch we’ve tested
Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50
Reviews

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 review – the best hot Golf in years, and the fastest hot hatch we’ve tested

With the Edition 50, Volkswagen has produced the most hardcore road-going Golf since the Clubsport S. It’s the best Mk8 yet, and the fastest hot hatch…
24 Jul 2026
New Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo review – Aston Martin DB12 rival gets more intense
Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo front
Reviews

New Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo review – Aston Martin DB12 rival gets more intense

Maserati’s four-seat grand tourer has been updated, with increased power, better software and interior tweaks
24 Jul 2026
Audi Quattro restomod uses RS4 underpinnings, with an optional 10,000rpm V8
Audacious IV Audi Quattro restomod front
News

Audi Quattro restomod uses RS4 underpinnings, with an optional 10,000rpm V8

A modern interpretation of the original Quattro swaps five-cylinder power for high-revving or supercharged V8 power
23 Jul 2026