In 2021, BMW released the refreshed versions of the Series 3 and 4. On paper, these twins were huge improvements over their predecessors. Let’s start off with the specifications of the performance models.
The F80 M3 the performance model of the F80 Series 3, which was produced from 2014-2020. From a twin turbo I6, it produced 425 horsepower with 406 Ib-ft of torque going to the rear wheels. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, this can make the car go from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and ultimately reach a top speed of 155 mph. Now, let’s compare that with a new and shiny G80. The new M3 produces 480 horsepower, roughly a 50 hp jump, but the torque remains similar at 406 Ib-ft. Reportedly, it can do a 0-60 mph time in just 3.1 seconds, which is an insane jump from the F80’s 4.1 seconds.
Now, lets take a look at the M4. BMW put a 450 horsepower twin turbo inline 6 in the F82. With that, the F82 reached 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds, which a top speed of 155 mph, similar to the M3. The newer G82 jumps the 450 to 473 horsepower with a similar I6. Just like the M3, the torque remains the same in the 2021 model. From a standing point, the G82 can reach 60 mph in just about 3.0 seconds. That’s an entire 1.2 second difference! For all models here, the torque remains the same at 406 Ib ft.
Moving on from the performance aspect, let’s focus on the main point of this article, the design choices BMW made. BMW has a long history of their “kidney grille” design across all their lines. It’s what makes a BMW identifiable as a BMW. Throughout it’s years, the twin grilles have gotten larger, and wider as time progressed.
But the 2021 models include radical changes. The grilles not have only gotten bigger, but they’ve gotten taller as well. In the past, they haven’t extended too far from the bottom of the headlights. Now, the grilles of the twin models extend all the way to the bottom bumper of the chassis. Such liberal changes to a beloved car among enthusiasts have sparked outrage in the community. Many critics have stated that they no longer look like a BMW, and I somewhat agree to that. In my opinion, the new kidney grilles look very questionable. So, why has BMW adopted these changes?
According to a popular automotive content brand, Donut Media, one of the explanations behind these changes is to direct more airflow into the radiator, which is a crucial part of the engine’s cooling. The radiator sits right in front of the grilles. In order to achieve better cooling to the car, bigger grilles are needed, which is why BMW made them so immense.
Here is a video by Donut Media which goes further into explaining why BMW has made the grilles so large on the new models:
Thanks for reading!
