Thirty five years after the debut of the first BMW M3, BMW is presenting the latest generation of its high-performance models that fuse track-focused performance with everyday usability.
The new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé occupy very different territory – one a saloon with space for five occupants, the other a four-seater coupé – but they both achieve their common goal of delivering pure driving pleasure.
Class-leading levels of standard equipment plus options that take individualisation to new heights, especially for racetrack outings, ensure both models will continue the success of their formidable predecessors.
Optional equipment is offered in six main packages – Comfort, Technology Plus, Visibility, M Carbon, M Pro and Ultimate. Beyond these packages, there will be a select number of optional items including M Brakes in red, blue or black, M Carbon exterior, M Carbon seats and Park Assistant Plus with Drive Recorder.
Under the bonnet of the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé lies a 510hp high-revving straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission as it sends its power to the rear wheels.
Both models will also be available (expected from summer 2021) with M xDrive, which offers even greater directional stability and supreme traction without compromising on agility.
The new BMW M3 Competition Saloon will be built at BMW Plant Munich, while the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé will be produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing with the market launch for both models in March 2021.
The engine powering the new high-performance models sets a new high point in terms of output and torque for six-cylinder in-line petrol units from BMW. The power unit offers 60hp more than the maximum output of its predecessor models and increases its peak torque by 100Nm.
The new 3.0-litre straight-six engine combines the hallmark high-revving character of BMW M engines with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. The engine maintains peak torque up to the moment where maximum output is reached: 650Nm is on tap between 2,700 and 5,500rpm, from when maximum output of 510hp is sustained up to the 7,200rpm red line.
The M3 Competition Saloon and M4 Competition Coupé accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 3.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, rising to 180mph if the optional M Pro Package is specified.
The distinctive, aerodynamically optimised exteriors of both new models perfectly convey their motorsport-inspired character. The BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé add 122mm to the length of their predecessors and are 26mm and 17mm wider respectively.
Both models have a deep, frameless and all-black BMW kidney grille. The hallmark M double bars – now horizontally arranged – bear a model badge; either side of the grille are additional cooling intakes with honeycomb mesh covers.
Shadowline LED headlights, with darkened inlays adorning their upper edges are also standard. Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight including BMW Selective Beam non-dazzling high beam assistant are available as the optional Visibility Package.
The most striking design feature alongside the prominently flared wheel arches are the extended side sills. Together with the attachment parts for the front and rear aprons, they form a High-gloss Black band around the whole of the car. The traditional M gills are integrated neatly into the front side panels and the M-specific High-gloss Black exterior mirrors have aerodynamically optimised contouring. The roof of both models is made from high-tech carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).
Two fins running longitudinally over the CFRP roof optimise airflow, as does the rear spoiler, which is painted in High-gloss Black and has a central notch. The rear diffuser, finished in black and with eye-catching fins, frames the exhaust system’s pairs of tailpipes (each measuring 100mm in diameter). Darkened, full-LED rear light clusters with L-shaped taillights complete the rear end.
Customers can now also specify their BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé in the new and exclusive exterior paint shades Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Toronto Red metallic and Isle of Man Green metallic.
A model-specific M Carbon exterior package is also available, comprising of inlays for the newly designed wide front air intakes and a rear diffuser, exterior mirror caps and a rear spoiler all made from CFRP. It is available individually or as part of the optional M Carbon Package, which also includes the M Carbon bucket seats.
The latest interior design language introduced in the new BMW 3 Series and new BMW 4 Series Coupé has been taken to its sporting extreme in these two high-performance models.
Signature M details include red accents for the M buttons on the M leather steering wheel and the start/stop button on the centre console. The selector lever with-Drivelogic switch is leather surfaced with an embedded M logo and stitching in M colours.
An anthracite-coloured BMW Individual headliner and interior trim strips in Carbon Fibre High-gloss are standard. Fine-grain Merino black leather trim is standard as are M sport seats, which are electrically adjustable and heated. These seats have pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and an illuminated model badge.
A highlight of the options list is the new M Carbon bucket seats for the driver and front passenger, which include CFRP in their construction and save 9.6kg over the standard M sport seats. These can be specified on their own or within the M Carbon Package.
An array of new additions to the standard and optional equipment lists ensure that comfort and functionality are also taken to new highs. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital display grouping, the cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant are all standard.
