Thirty-five years after BMW M GmbH introduced the first BMW M3 to the world, we have the latest generation of four high-performance models at the premium end of the midsize class – M3 Sedan, M3 Competition Sedan, M4 Coupé and M4 Competition Coupé.
All four cars incorporate cutting-edge racing-car technology while delivering the M badge’s signature blend of dynamism, agility, precision, everyday usability and long-distance capability. They also incorporate some of the design features that pay homage to the original BMW M3 presented 35 years ago. Market launch of the models is scheduled for March 2021.
Here are some of the key performance figures for each of the four models.
BMW M3 Sedan:
Power 353 kW/480 hp; acceleration 0–100 kmph: 4.2 seconds; fuel consumption combined: 10.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 248 g/km.
BMW M3 Competition Sedan:
Power 375 kW/510 hp; acceleration 0–100 kmph: 3.9 seconds; fuel consumption combined:10.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 234 g/km.
BMW M4 Coupé:
Power 353 kW/480 hp; acceleration 0–100 kmph: 4.2 seconds; fuel consumption combined: 10.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 248 g/km.
BMW M4 Competition Coupé:
Power 375 kW/510 hp; acceleration 0–100 kmph: 3.9 seconds; fuel consumption combined: 10.2 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 234 g/km.
All four models are powered by the same six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. Its high-revving character produces a maximum 375 kW/510 hp in the competition variants and up to 650 Nm. The two turbochargers are complemented by optimised direct injection. It has a cooling and oil supply adapted for track use. In fact, the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé were tuned alongside the testing programme for the BMW M4 GT3 racing car. The Model-specific exhaust systems come with electrically operated flaps for an emotionally stirring engine soundtrack.
The M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé have the six-speed manual gearbox, with Gear Shift Assistant for dynamic driving situations. The two Competition variants have the latest generation of the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and three shift programs. The two Competition models will also offer the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the first time from summer 2021 onwards. The M xDrive links up with Active M Differential to offer three selectable modes: 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD for pure rear-wheel driving experience.
In addition to M-specific front- and rear-axle modifications, the quartet have Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and M Servotronic steering with variable ratio as standard. They also feature a new integrated braking system with two settings for pedal feel and response. The M Compound brakes are offered as standard, while the M Carbon ceramic brakes are optional. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) package includes M Dynamic Mode and, for the first time, integrated wheel slip limitation and M Traction Control, adjustable through ten stages.
All four models feature forged M light-alloy wheels – 18-inch front and 19-inch rear – as standard. The Competition models with M xDrive have 19-inch wheels in the front and 20-inch rear. Performance tyres are offered as optional.
To handle the power and deliver a confident, dynamic performance, the new M models have an incredibly stiff body structure and chassis mounting thanks to measures such as model-specific bracing elements for the engine compartment, a front axle subframe with the aluminium shear panel, underfloor bracing elements and a rear axle subframe with a rigid connection to the body.
The exterior designs of the M3 Sedan, M4 Coupé and their Competition variants have, as expected, performance-oriented body features, such as the M-specific version of the large, vertical kidney grille; powerfully sculpted wheel arches with eye-catching M gills; prominent side sill extensions with attachments to the front and rear aprons; carbon-fibre roof with aerodynamically optimised fins; rear spoiler and M tailpipe pairs. BMW also offers new and exclusive exterior paint finishes, M Carbon exterior package and M Performance Parts as options.
The interior of the new M models feature ergonomically optimised sports-car cockpit design with M-specific displays and controls. The cockpit experience is enhanced by the newly developed M sport seats with fine-grain Merino leather trim with extended features fitted as standard. Seat ventilation and the new M Carbon bucket seats with structure-based design are available as options.
Live Cockpit Professional now offers fully digital display grouping, Maps navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant as standard. The M-specific control concept with Setup button allows direct access to the settings of the engine, chassis, steering and braking system, Gear Shift Assistant, traction control and M xDrive when available. Two individually composed overall setups can be activated using M buttons on the steering wheel.
The M Mode button enables the intervention thresholds of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display to be configured individually. ROAD and SPORT settings are available as standard, while the additional TRACK mode for track driving can be added when M Drive Professional is specified. The M Drive Professional package – including M Drift Analyser, M Laptimer and M Traction Control – is designed to offer a particularly intense performance experience on the race track.
The new M models offer a significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems, including Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info fitted as standard. Options include Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Navigation, Emergency Lane Assistant, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, Drive Recorder and Head-Up Display with M-specific displays. For the extreme enthusiast, the M Race Track Package, available for the first time, reduces vehicle weight by around 25 kilograms thanks to features including M Carbon ceramic brakes, special M light-alloy wheels and M Carbon bucket seats.
