THE BMW M3 AND ITS coupé sibling the M4 are seriously desirable BMWs and, if your pockets are deep enough, they should be on your performance car shopping list.
The all-new BMW M3 and M4 – the latest high-performance offerings from the legendary BMW M outfit – will arrive in Australia for local deliveries in Q1, 2021 and if you want one, we’d suggest getting in early with your order.
Both models combine segment leading performance backed by four decades of racetrack knowledge and new generation styling packages that provide dominant and unmistakable presence.
The number of powertrain configurations is unusually high and marks a defining characteristic of both new models. The M3 and M4 are both powered by a formidable six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo in two states of tune depending on the transmission offering.
In a move that caters to pure driving enthusiasts, the M3 and M4 will continue to be offered with a six-speed manual transmission, unique in the category. These models will deliver 353kW and 550Nm and achieve standard sprint times of 4.2 seconds.
The M3 and M4 Competition models take power and torque levels to 375kW and 650Nm and feature an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The standard sprint time for these models is just 3.9 seconds.
All variants will be offered in rear-wheel-drive initially before the M3 and M4 Competition debut later next year with the acclaimed BMW M xDrive system. The provision of M xDrive marks a first for BMW in this segment.
The significant dynamic advances made over their predecessors are the product of a typically M development and tuning process conducted in part alongside testing for the new BMW M4 GT3 race car.
Further common ground between the new BMW M cars is the powertrain and chassis, visually expressive design and new, M-specific control and operation system.
Instantaneous power delivery and high-revving characteristics
The engines powering the new M3 and M4 blend high-revving tendencies with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology.
The result is a new high point for six-cylinder in-line petrol units from BMW in the areas of output and torque.
Lightweight design and exceptional rigidity are standout attributes of the performance-maximising components of the base engine.
Two turbochargers with indirect charge air cooling, a flow-optimised air intake system and a petrol direct injection system working with maximum pressure of 350 bar help to generate the engine’s instantaneous power delivery and appetite for revs, which it sustains without interruption into the higher reaches of the engine speed range.
The power unit in the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé serves up peak torque of 550Nm all the way from 2650 to 6130rpm. Its maximum output of 353kW is available at 6250rpm.
The engine fitted to the Competition models likewise maintains peak torque across a wide rev band, with 650Nm on tap between 2750 and 5500rpm. Maximum output of 375kW is developed at 6250rpm, with the engine’s redline arriving at 7200rpm.
The new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé require just 4.1 seconds to power from 0 to 100 km/h while 0 to 200km/h takes 13.7 seconds. The Competition models each accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and from 0 to 200km/h in 12.5 seconds.
A model-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps provides an appropriate soundtrack.
A bespoke cooling system ensures optimal operating temperatures are maintained at all times for all powertrain components – in everyday driving over short distances and through town, but also when pushing to the limits of performance on the track.
A central cooling module is joined by two remote high-temperature radiators in the wheel arches. In the Competition models the system also includes an additional engine oil cooler and separate transmission oil cooler.
The accumulated motorsport expertise of BMW M has also made its presence felt in the development of the oil supply system.
The engine’s oil sump has two separate chambers and an integrated suction channel. An additional suction stage allows the map-controlled oil pump to draw lubricant from the smaller chamber, which steps in when extra capacity is needed.
This ensures a reliable supply of oil at all times, even under extreme lateral and longitudinal acceleration.
Six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed M Steptronic transmission
The combination of a six-cylinder in-line engine and six-speed manual gearbox in the new M3 Sedan and new M4 Coupé delivers a classic performance-driving experience.
The manual gearbox features the Gear Shift Assistant, which uses engagement speed control to ensure slip-free operation when downshifting under braking into corners.
The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic in the Competition models is distinguished by ratio spacing perfectly attuned to the engine’s characteristics and a broad overall ratio spread.
It enables both fully automatic gear changes and manual shifts with the M-specific selector lever or shift paddles on the steering wheel.
The transmission’s shift characteristics are adjusted using the Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever. The driver can access three clearly distinct setups in both automatic and manual mode.
For the first time in the history of the BMW M3 and BMW M4, customers will be able to specify an all-wheel-drive system as an alternative to traditional rear-wheel-drive.
The M xDrive system has a rear-wheel bias and links up with the Active M Differential at the rear axle.
The driver can access the Setup menu to choose between 4WD and 4WD Sport modes, the latter directing a greater proportion of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels.
Switching off DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) brings 2WD mode into the equation. Sending power to the rear wheels only and suspending stabilising interventions from the control systems treats experienced drivers to an uncorrupted, no holds barred driving experience.
BMW will offer the M xDrive system on the M3 and M4 Competition by late 2021.
M-specific chassis with extremely high torsional rigidity
The extremely high torsional rigidity of the body and chassis mounting is a key factor in providing the combination of dynamism, agility and precision for which BMW M models are renowned.
A model-specific package of bracing elements for the engine compartment, a front axle subframe with aluminium shear panel, underfloor bracing elements and a rear axle subframe with a rigid connection to the body all play a part in the cars’ precisely controllable handling in even dynamically intense situations.
Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled shock absorbers and M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics for the front and rear axles are standard features of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé.
They also have M Servotronic steering with a variable ratio and an M-specific version of the integrated braking system, which presents the driver with two different brake response and pedal feel settings.
The introduction of an integrated wheel slip limitation function allows the DSC system to work with increased precision.
In addition, the standard inclusion of M Dynamic Mode opens the door to a particularly sporty driving experience, complete with controlled drifting ability.
Standard specification also features forged M light-alloy wheels – in 19-inch format at the front axle and 20-inch at the rear.
Tyres are 275/35 ZR19 at the front and 285/30 ZR20 at the rear.
Eye-catching design dials up the emotional appeal
The distinctive body design of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé sends out a bolder statement than ever.
Contributors to the visually striking appearance of the two models include the M-specific version of the large, vertical BMW kidney grille with horizontal bars, the powerfully sculpted wheel arches with eye-catching M gills and the prominently extended side sills with attachment parts for the front and rear aprons.
The sedan and coupé also have a roof made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with aerodynamically optimised fins, a rear spoiler and the two pairs of large exhaust tailpipes that are now a customary feature of M cars.
BMW Laserlight is fitted as standard equipment, allowing a high-beam range of more than 500 metres.
The selection of exterior paint finishes includes the new and exclusive shades Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Toronto Red metallic and Isle of Man Green metallic. An optional M Carbon exterior package and model-specific BMW M Performance Parts can be ordered from launch.
Among the interior design highlights are clearly structured surfaces and an ergonomically impeccable cockpit design that ensure the driver’s focus remains one hundred per cent on the intense driving experience.
Newly developed, electrically adjustable M sport seats and fine-grain Merino leather trim with extended features come as standard, with seat ventilation also available for the first time.
A standout highlight of the options list are the new M Carbon bucket seats with a structure-based design, which combine racing functionality with a lightweight construction and sumptuous workmanship.
These innovative seats have integral head restraints which can be dismantled for track driving, an illuminated model badge and electric adjustment. Their race car-inspired structure also enables the use of multi-point racing seat belts.
M-specific control/operation system for a customisable performance
The control and display system of the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé comprises an array of new features which play their role in the cars’ supremely engaging driving experience.
M Drive Professional, which makes its debut on the new models, has been conceived specifically for track driving. It includes the innovative new M Traction Control, which allows the new integrated wheel slip limitation function of the DSC system to be adjusted (through 10 stages) to the driver’s personal preferences and needs.
Other elements of M Drive Professional are the M Drift Analyser, which records and rates driving stats posted in dynamic cornering manoeuvres, and the M Laptimer, which supplies lap times and other information generated during track sessions.
The Setup button on the centre console provides direct access to the settings options for the engine, chassis, steering and braking system, plus – depending on the model and specification – the M xDrive system, Gear Shift Assistant and traction control.
Two individually composed configurations for the overall vehicle setup can then be stored and called up again instantaneously at any time using the M buttons on the steering wheel.
The control panel on the centre console also houses the M Mode button as standard. This can be used to adjust the responses and characteristics of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and Head-Up Display to deliver a driving experience suited to the situation at hand and worthy of the M badge.
The driver can choose from ROAD and SPORT settings, with the TRACK mode developed for outings on race circuits added to the armoury.
Extensive standard specification, high-quality options
An array of new additions to the standard and optional equipment lists ensure the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé raise the bar further not only in terms of racing flair but also comfort and functionality.
Cutting-edge driver assistance systems ease the driver’s workload in monotonous or unclear situations on the road.
Both competition models come standard with Driving Assistant Professional including Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Cruise Control, Cross Traffic Warning for front and rear, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning.
Also standard is Parking Assistant Plus with Parking Assistance, Surround View and Reversing Assistant, the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content and the Speed Limit Info road sign detection system.
Further standard equipment includes Comfort Access System for keyless entry, three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting including ambient lighting, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system to enhance comfort in everyday driving and over longer journeys.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional – with its fully digital display grouping, cloud-based navigation system BMW Maps and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant – is also fitted as standard on the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé.
Additionally, updated wireless smartphone integration enables the use of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via the car’s operating system.
A steel roof with integral glass tilt/sliding sunroof is available as a no-cost option for both models as an alternative to the standard carbon-fibre version.
Optional equipment that allows for further individualisation includes the M Carbon exterior package, Active seat ventilation for the front seats and Remote Engine Start.
Once we have tested and assessed the new BMW M3 and M4, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.