2021 BMW M3 Proves It Can Drift in Nurburgring Spy Video

Even though it doesn't change the formula by that much, the new M3 for the 2021 model year, codenamed the G80, already has its fair share of hate because people don't want to accept one thing: it's supposed to be a brilliant all-round package, not a race car.

Now that the hybrid stuff is looking less and less likely, the thing that's going to bug people the most is the all-wheel-drive. Frankly, we find that crazy, since BMW xDrive cars are so much fun, and you can't seriously expect a compact car to put down over 500 horsepower though just though the rear tires.

So it's going to have a giant grille. What's wrong with that? Look closely enough at this M3 spy video and you will notice how the double kidneys are about as tall as on the Concept 4, shown in Frankfurt. But I'd like somebody to explain to me which M3 is understated and refined. The one with the 4-liter V8 and the hood scoop?

The more we look at it, the better we understand that the M3 can be anything. Heck, when electric car technology gets sufficiently advanced, the M3 EV might as well show that a plugged-in vehicle can outrun a Ferrari. But this generation will still be very convenient if you look past the oversized grille.

"Compared to the F80 series, this is so much faster," is the way the 2020 model will be described. But it has some pretty outspoken styling too. These spyshots seem to show much wider fenders over an enlarged track, as well as bold new creases. Could it be possible that the M3 doesn't even share its doors with the 3 Series? That's pretty extreme.