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

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week
Audi RS3 and BMW M240
Features

Can BMW’s £50k sports coupe beat the Audi RS3? – car pictures of the week

In the current issue of evo, we test BMW’s updated M240 against the Audi RS3 – these are our favourite shots
18 Jul 2026
Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence
Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II
Reviews

Rolls-Royce Phantom review – the epitome of excess and British engineering excellence

Despite its age, the eighth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom remains in a class of its own as the most luxurious way to travel by road by a significant …
20 Jul 2026
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – one of the best hot hatches just got better
Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance – front
Reviews

Toyota GR Yaris Aero Performance review – one of the best hot hatches just got better

The winged GR Yaris Aero Performance has arrived, with more aggressive looks and incremental mechanical upgrades making it the best version yet
17 Jul 2026