This generation of the M3 has been around for just over five years. We’ve all had plenty of time to analyze its design and express either love or hate towards the polarizing grille. But the vertical kidneys aren’t the only detail that has sparked debate. A closer look at the G80’s profile shows that the rear doors do not flow seamlessly into the fenders.
Why is that? No, it’s not about cutting costs. Reusing the same door panels as the regular 3 Series does save money, but that’s not why BMW kept the G20’s rear doors. In an interview with Auto ExpressM CEO Frank van Meel explained his reasoning. He declined to enlarge the rear doors, even though designers pushed for wider panels.
“The thing about keeping the rear doors is that if your bodyshell is 25mm wider and you have such a difference in the door, that’s what it gives [look] like a racing car. That’s what makes an M3 so cool. It’s not that smooth – you can see the power.”
The situation is similar with the M5 G90, where BMW deliberately emphasizes the wider hips of the sports sedan and retains the rear doors of the G60. Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how the Neue Klasse design shapes the next M3 (G84) and electric M3 (ZA0).
Some might argue that critics love to make fun of such details, while others don’t see a problem with it. Personally, I don’t mind how the rear fenders stick out. It’s not like these are the first M cars to feature a clear distinction between the two panels. This design choice actually makes the M3 and M5 appear wider than they are, so I can understand BMW’s thinking.
Interestingly, Frank van Meel mentioned that internal research had found customers do not want The rear doors fit perfectly with the fenders. We’ll likely never know whether cost-cutting played a role in the decision, but the controversy seems overblown. I find it hard to believe that such a small detail would really turn anyone off. I certainly wouldn’t be.
Source: Auto Express
