Let’s Talk About the 2021 BMW M3 Grille
BMW fans are some of the most loyal patrons on the road. When drivers get behind the wheel of one of the fastest growing luxury brands, they understand the phenomenon. But with loyalty comes expectation. And when expectations fall short, a BMW driver will let you know. Cue the BMW M3 grille situation.
Just last year we were introduced to an eccentric front-end grille design on the BMW 4 series and later M3 model. To say it was detested by most viewers would be an understatement. After years of the sleek and sophisticated front-end look, BMW made a bold change — one that was not warmly welcomed nor understood by consumers.
With the official release of 2021 BMW M3 arriving this March in dealerships across the world, the question at hand is whether consumers will finally accept its new design or snub it as the worst manufacturing mishap in automotive history.
Take a look at how the M3 grille caused commotion in the automotive industry, including insight into BMW’s functional intent behind this updated look.
Elephant in the room
Grille aside, this is a major upgrade for the M3. The 2021 BMW M3 is, along with a lot of tire noise and harshness, a highly engaging high-performance sedan. https://t.co/Bgyzm4f6GX pic.twitter.com/GxVUBc3dSi
— Edmunds (@edmunds) March 10, 2021
When BMW introduced the 2021 4 series, there was an initial influx of mixed reviews. Instead of gushing over its turbocharged engines, most of the comments were directed to the front-end grille and its vertical transformation. To many, it was a bizarre and unorthodox choice for BMW to toss out the polished, front-end characteristics that have widely defined the brand over the years.
Many BMW enthusiasts took to social media to express their outrage:
The BMW M3 grille looks like Cells face pic.twitter.com/UTfXNvjpzw
— Ghouliette (@EwMpho) September 24, 2020
The backlash against the redesigned vertical grille on the new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 has been so brutal you’d be forgiven for thinking a familiar household face had undergone disastrous plastic surgery.
— Vuuzle.TV (@vuuzle_tv) September 23, 2020
Though BMW confidently chose to forgo its original grille for a new design, known as a kidney grille, its response from consumers was alarming enough to require a response. It’s a true testament to how much BMW fans love the brand, not just for its renowned performance but because of its style and essence.
BMW M3 presents a grille with meaning
Once the outcries subsided, BMW took the chance to provide some reasoning behind their latest design change. The German automaker confirmed the switch to a kidney grille served a beneficiary purpose, not just an aesthetic one. Take a look at BMW’s direct response in the video below:
BMW recognizes the kidney grille shape might not be for everyone, but drivers will have to embrace it. The cooling benefits of the M3’s new grille only brings value to the performance of the 2021 BMW M3 and other models. In a way, it’s given the M3’s LED headlights even more reason to shine on this sports sedan.
No looking back
What better time to look ahead then now. In this case, drivers either get with the times or get left behind. While the September 2020 reveal caused much hysteria around the world, let’s be honest — what wasn’t crazy about 2020? BMW drivers will soon get behind the wheel of the infamous M3 and remember why this high-powered sedan with up to 503 horsepower is a monster in its own right. It still delivers the comfort, handling, and luxury that BMW enthusiasts adore.
Maybe the kidney grille is just a way to break the mold or make a statement of sophistication with nuanced engineering. Just as BMW has done in past generations, we will continue to see them introduce transformative designs whether we like it or not. Right now, the only way to get on board is to accept the M3 grille for what it is and keep enjoying this iconic ride for years to come.
What do you think of BMW integration of a new grille? Tell us your thoughts below.
What is your reaction?
Well, I think the grille looks neat! Surprised at all the outrage, but really not surprised because people will be outraged by calling a boulder a rock. Yet, at the same time, you couldn’t catch me in a BMW anyways so my opinion is mute.🤷🏾♀️
I personally like the redesign.
What is the outrage? I don’t get it! That thang is smexy! And that emerald green feels very luxe!
Its different, but I love it. It gives the car a much tougher look.
it’s nice if you want to spend 70k+ on a car
This is like taking the nike logo .. and adding a second LARGER logo next to it… Its absolutely horrible .. annnnd into the trash it goes. Whoever makes a body kit for this car will be rich and will save us from this disaster .. Price go up for the F80 M3.
I am going to go wash my eyes now.
I think it looks great!