Unravel the heated debate surrounding the 2021 BMW M3's design. Dive into the evolution of its iconic grills and discover why opinions differ on whether it's the ugliest car globally. Join the conversation now!

The new BMW M3 and M4 are both being updated for 2021. The new models are dramatically different from the previous M3 and have stirred up controversy amongst BMW lovers who were looking forward the updated sixth generation model.

The main issue with fans is the changes to the front of the car. Although the bumpers, bonnet and led lights are looking more aggressive than ever, BMW have replaced the usual horizontal grills from previous M models with a new ‘in your face’ vertical grill.

Previously, M3 grills looked to be progressing into wider horizontal grills as the models were updated.

The BMW M3 E36 and E46 were both presented with similar sized square grills which looked excellent, although not very aggressive. At the time this front look with the ‘angel eye’ halo lights were signature styling for M cars.

It wasn’t until 2008 where the E92 model M3 was released with a slightly wider front grill. This wasn’t noticed as an eyesore but embraced as the increase in width was not dramatic but instead subtle. Coupled with the signature ‘angel eye’ halo lights and the more aggressive bumper this version of the M3 looked to be an excellent update due to its wider stance paired with the wider front grills and lower air venting.

BMW M3 F80 – This model of M3 arrived in 2013 and yet again BMW slightly increased the width of the front grills. The change was again not dramatic but compared to the E36/E46 models they were definitely noticeable. At this point horizontal grills had become the norm as they were nicknamed kidney grills, presumably because of their shape.

Come mid-2020, early renders are released of the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 with the what were described as ‘hideous’ vertical grills. Many fans are in disbelief and in denial as early renders can sometimes be unreliable depictions of soon to be released models. Renders can often be fan made and based on rumours or hearsay. Though this was not the case in this instance as it has now been confirmed the vertical grilled beast is to be unleashed in 2021.

With the progression of width for so many years in these M models, it’s no wonder so many fans were shocked to see a sudden shift in the grills from horizontal to vertical.

So, where exactly did these grills come from that have caused the 2021 BMW M3 to be branded the ugliest car in the world? Look below at the original BMW M3 E30.

A side by side comparison reveals all as it is evident the original M3 E30 was presented with vertical grills. It looks like the 2021 BMW M3 is looking to pay homage or go back to its roots by including the vertical grill as part of its updated appearance.

Many new and young BMW M fans may not remember the legendary E30 M3 and therefore may not realise where or why this idea was implemented. However, die hard BMW fans will instantly realise the resemblance and will most likely enjoy the hit of nostalgia.

When comparing 2021 BMW M3 with the legendary E30 M3, the beauty of the updated model becomes very apparent. Its menacing face makes the M3 all the more intimidating for the driver in front.

Has the 2021 BMW M3 improved?

The sixth generation M3 will come with xDrive (four-wheel drive) and boast a straight six 3.0 litre engine with a fire breathing 503bhp. A blistering fast 0-60 time of 3.9 will blow you away in the competition pack version of the M3.

Are the kidney grills ugly or useful?

Although this sixth-generation version of the BMW M3 is being called the ugliest car in the world by some, its dramatic changes in appearance may soon become accustomed to as more manufacturers are incorporating larger grills and air vents in their designs. Once example of larger grills being incorporating is the upcoming 2021 Mercedes E63s. This is due to vehicles becoming more powerful every year thus the need for further venting and air flow to ensure powerful engines remain cool, reliable and efficient.

Is the BMW M3 2021 the ugliest car in the world?

Definitely not! While some will argue it’s ugly, we are happy to give the 2021 BMW M3 design a thumbs up and feel once it’s on the road it won’t be as noticeable.

What do you think of the upcoming 2021 BMW M3? Is this updated version really the ugliest car in the world?

Is the BMW M3 2021 truly the ugliest car in the world? The automotive community is divided. Let's explore the design evolution and compare it to other contenders in the realm of peculiar aesthetics.

The Evolution of BMW M3 Grills

From E30 to 2021: A Grill Transformation

The journey of BMW M3 grills spans generations. From the classic E30 to the controversial 2021 model, each iteration tells a story of design evolution and adaptation.

Iconic M3 Models Through the Years

BMW M3 E36: A Glimpse at Subtle Elegance

The E36 model brought subtle elegance to the M3 series. While not aggressive, its square grills were a signature of the time. Some critics found the E36's design too reserved, lacking the boldness expected from an M3.

BMW M3 E46: Squaring Up to the Grills

The E46 continued the trend, squaring up the grills while maintaining a balance between aesthetics and aggression. Critics, however, noted that the squared grills on the E46 appeared disconnected from the rest of the car's design, creating a jarring visual effect.

BMW M3 E92: Embracing a Wider Stance

In 2008, the M3 E92 embraced a wider stance, subtly increasing the width of the front grills, setting the stage for future design changes. Some enthusiasts found the E92's design to be too evolutionary, lacking the groundbreaking appeal expected in a new generation.

BMW M3 F80: The Norm of Horizontal Grills

Horizontal grills became the norm with the F80 model. The wider front grills, coupled with the aggressive bumper, created a distinctive look. While generally well-received, some critics argued that the F80's design played it safe, deviating little from the established M3 visual language.

BMW M3 2021: A Shift to Vertical Grills

The unveiling of the 2021 BMW M3 brought a radical change with vertical grills, causing a stir among enthusiasts and sparking the debate on whether it's the ugliest car in the world. Critics honed in on the abrupt shift from horizontal to vertical grills, deeming it a departure from the established M3 design language.

A Nostalgic Nod to the Past

BMW M3 E30: The Original Vertical Grill

Comparing the 2021 BMW M3 to its ancestor, the E30, reveals a nod to the past. The vertical grill, once a signature of the original M3, is making a comeback. Enthusiasts appreciated this homage to the E30 but argued that the execution on the 2021 model lacked the finesse of the original.

Side-by-Side Comparison: E30 vs. 2021

A visual journey comparing the 2021 BMW M3 with the legendary E30 M3. The updated model's menacing face draws inspiration from its iconic predecessor, but some critics argue that the modern interpretation doesn't capture the essence of the E30's timeless design.

The Controversial Facade: Aesthetics vs. Performance

Beauty or Beast: Analyzing the 2021 BMW M3

The controversy surrounding the 2021 BMW M3 isn't just about looks. Dive into the performance upgrades and advancements beyond the grills.

Performance Upgrades: Beyond the Grills

The Power Under the Hood: 503bhp Unleashed

The sixth-generation M3 boasts a straight six 3.0-liter engine with a roaring 503bhp, promising a thrilling driving experience. Critics acknowledge the impressive power but argue that the design shouldn't compromise the iconic M3 visual appeal.

0-60 in 3.9 Seconds: The Need for Speed

In the competition pack version, the M3 accelerates from 0 to 60 in a blistering 3.9 seconds, challenging the perception that beauty compromises performance. Enthusiasts applaud the speed but question whether it justifies the divisive design.

The Role of Design in Performance Cars

Design isn't just about aesthetics. Explore how manufacturers balance aesthetics and functionality in high-performance vehicles.

Larger Grills Trend: BMW vs. Audi vs. Mercedes

As cars become more powerful, manufacturers like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes incorporate larger grills and air vents for enhanced engine cooling and efficiency. Critics argue that the pursuit of performance shouldn't overshadow the importance of cohesive and visually appealing design.

Comparisons with Other 'Ugly' Cars

The Hall of Shame: Ugly Cars Through the Decades

Discover other contenders in the realm of peculiar car designs. The BMW M3 2021 isn't the only one to have faced criticism.

The Pontiac Aztek: A Lesson in Unconventionality

The Pontiac Aztek, often considered one of the ugliest cars in history, offers a lesson in unconventional design choices. Analyze the factors that contributed to its notorious reputation.

The AMC Pacer: Quirky Design in the '70s

In the 1970s, the AMC Pacer stood out with its quirky design, challenging traditional norms. Explore how the Pacer's unusual proportions and large glass area divided opinions.

The Fiat Multipla: Love It or Hate It

Fiat Multipla, with its distinct appearance, divided opinions and became a symbol of design experimentation. Delve into the unconventional features that contributed to its polarizing reputation.

The Nissan Cube: A Box on Wheels

Nissan Cube embraced a boxy design, presenting an alternative to conventional car shapes. Explore the reactions to its unique form and how it challenged the notion of aesthetic norms.

Comparisons with Other BMW Models

BMW 7 Series: Grille Controversy

The BMW 7 Series, particularly recent models, faced criticism for its oversized kidney grills. Explore how BMW's flagship luxury sedan stirred controversy with its bold design choices.

BMW X7: The Sibling with a Bold Front

The BMW X7, an SUV in the BMW lineup, didn't escape the debate on oversized grills. Delve into how the X7's front design contributed to the ongoing discussion about BMW's design direction.

Comparisons with Audi Models

Audi A8: A Grille Evolution

The Audi A8, Audi's flagship sedan, underwent a grille evolution over the years. Compare its grille changes to the M3's transformation and explore how Audi navigated design controversies.

Audi Q8: Balancing Elegance and Aggression

The Audi Q8, an SUV in Audi's lineup, features a bold front grille. Examine how Audi balanced elegance and aggression in the design of the Q8 and its impact on public perception.

Comparisons with Mercedes Models

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Timeless Elegance?

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is often praised for its timeless elegance. Explore how Mercedes-Benz has maintained a balance between classic design elements and modern aesthetics, contrasting with the M3's bold approach.

Mercedes-AMG GT: A Performance Rival

The Mercedes-AMG GT, a high-performance sports car, boasts a distinctive front design. Compare the AMG GT's design choices with the M3 and analyze how each manufacturer approaches performance-oriented aesthetics.

BMW M3 2021 Design Critique: The BMW M3 2021 faced extensive design critique, with automotive enthusiasts and critics closely examining its aesthetics. The prominent feature that drew attention was the oversized kidney grille, a departure from the traditional BMW design. The sleek and aggressive lines, coupled with distinctive LED headlights, contributed to a dynamic appearance, but the grille design became a focal point of discussion.

Unpopular Features of BMW M3 2021: While the BMW M3 2021 boasted high-performance attributes, certain features were deemed unpopular among consumers and critics. The oversized kidney grille, unconventional for BMW, received mixed reviews. Additionally, the angular and sharp lines of the exterior design, though contributing to a sporty look, were considered by some as divisive and not in line with the expectations associated with the M3 series.

BMW M3 2021 Aesthetics Discussion: Discussions about the aesthetics of the BMW M3 2021 were multifaceted, covering various design elements. Enthusiasts engaged in debates about the integration of aerodynamic features, the choice of materials, and the overall visual harmony. The car's sleek profile and bold character lines prompted an in-depth exploration of its aesthetic appeal within the context of BMW's design language.

Public Perception of BMW M3 2021 Looks: The public perception of the BMW M3 2021 looks was diverse, reflecting the polarizing nature of its design. While some embraced the modern and daring aesthetic, others were critical of the departure from the classic BMW styling. Public opinion played a significant role in shaping the ongoing discourse surrounding the M3's visual identity and its reception among different demographics.

Is BMW M3 2021 the Ugliest Car?: The question of whether the BMW M3 2021 is the ugliest car became a point of contention in the automotive community. While beauty is subjective, the design choices, particularly the distinctive grille, sparked debates on whether it enhanced or detracted from the overall appeal. Opinions varied widely, reinforcing the subjective nature of aesthetic preferences in the automotive world.

BMW M3 2021 Exterior Analysis: An in-depth analysis of the BMW M3 2021 exterior revealed a meticulous approach to performance-driven design. The aerodynamic features, sculpted lines, and bold contours were examined for their impact on the car's speed and handling. The exterior analysis provided enthusiasts with insights into the engineering choices made to optimize both form and function.

Critics' Take on BMW M3 2021 Appearance: Automotive critics offered their perspectives on the BMW M3 2021 appearance, dissecting its design language, innovation, and adherence to brand identity. The consensus among critics played a role in shaping public perception, influencing potential buyers and contributing to the broader discourse on BMW's approach to visual aesthetics.

Exploring BMW M3 2021 Design Evolution: Exploring the design evolution of the BMW M3 2021 involved tracing its lineage and understanding how it departed from or retained elements of its predecessors. Enthusiasts and historians delved into the design evolution to contextualize the M3's visual identity within the broader history of BMW's iconic models.

BMW M3 2021 Styling Choices Debate: The debate over BMW M3 2021 styling choices revolved around the decisions made by the design team. Enthusiasts and critics scrutinized the choices related to the grille design, body lines, and overall aesthetics. The debate highlighted the balance between pushing design boundaries and maintaining the essence of the renowned M3 series.

Analyzing the Styling of BMW M3 2021: Analyzing the styling of the BMW M3 2021 involved a detailed examination of its visual elements. Enthusiasts and design enthusiasts delved into the symmetry, proportion, and unique features to evaluate the overall cohesiveness of the design. The analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the visual language employed in crafting the M3.

BMW M3 2021 vs. Other Controversial Designs: Comparisons between the BMW M3 2021 and other controversial car designs became a common point of discussion. Enthusiasts explored how the M3 stacked up against vehicles with similarly polarizing aesthetics, discussing the impact of design choices on brand identity, market reception, and long-term legacy.

Community Responses to BMW M3 2021 Looks: Community responses to the BMW M3 2021 looks varied widely, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the automotive enthusiast community. Forums, social media, and car gatherings became platforms for enthusiasts to share their thoughts, fostering a collective dialogue about the M3's visual appeal and its place within the broader automotive landscape.

BMW M3 2021 Visual Impressions: The visual impressions left by the BMW M3 2021 were a key aspect of discussions within the automotive community. Enthusiasts and reviewers shared their firsthand experiences and visual impressions of the car, contributing to a broader narrative about the immediate impact and visual allure of the M3.

Ugly or Unique? BMW M3 2021 Analysis: The analysis of whether the BMW M3 2021 fell into the category of ugly or unique was a subjective exploration. Enthusiasts, designers, and critics offered diverse perspectives on whether the unconventional design choices represented a bold uniqueness or deviated into unappealing territory, sparking nuanced discussions about individual preferences.

BMW M3 2021 Exterior Review: The BMW M3 2021 exterior review encompassed a comprehensive evaluation of its external features, including the grille design, headlights, and overall body structure. Reviews provided insights into the visual aspects of the M3, offering potential buyers and enthusiasts a detailed understanding of what to expect from the car's exterior aesthetics.

Is BMW M3 2021 Design a Turnoff?: The question of whether the design of the BMW M3 2021 was a turnoff for potential buyers became a central theme in discussions. Enthusiasts and industry experts explored how the design choices might impact the car's market reception, sales, and the overall perception of the M3 as a desirable sports sedan.

BMW M3 2021 Aesthetic Controversies: Aesthetic controversies surrounding the BMW M3 2021 were numerous, with specific design elements causing a stir within the automotive community. The controversies ranged from the interpretation of brand identity to the balance between modern aesthetics and traditional expectations, shaping a narrative of debate and discussion.

Critics' Perspective on BMW M3 2021: The perspective of critics on the BMW M3 2021 delved into the broader context of automotive design, brand evolution, and market trends. Critics provided valuable insights into how the M3 aligned with or challenged established norms, contributing to a nuanced understanding of its role in the automotive landscape.

BMW M3 2021 Design Flaws and Strengths: An exploration of the design flaws and strengths of the BMW M3 2021 involved a balanced assessment of its visual elements. Enthusiasts and critics scrutinized potential design flaws while acknowledging the strengths, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the M3's aesthetic characteristics.

BMW M3 2021 Controversial Design Choices: Controversial design choices made by BMW in the M3 2021 were at the forefront of discussions. Enthusiasts and critics dissected decisions such as the grille design and body lines, exploring how these choices aligned with or deviated from established design expectations within the automotive industry. The controversies surrounding these choices became integral to the broader narrative of the BMW M3 2021.

In conclusion, the debate over the BMW M3's aesthetics extends beyond grills, drawing comparisons with other 'ugly' cars and exploring the evolution of design choices. The automotive industry's pursuit of beauty involves navigating a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, form and function, creating a tapestry of diverse perspectives in the automotive world. As enthusiasts and critics engage in ongoing dialogues, the future promises a fascinating exploration of what lies ahead in the pursuit of automotive beauty.

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