The BMW M3 and M4 will be launched simultaneously. Not literally, because that would be an undecided battle, because from a standstill they are just as fast. 35 years after the first M3, the brand-new power-M will again draw impressive stripes.
In 1986 BMW came up with a super-fast version of the then 3-series, the E30. This M3 was intended as homologation for the DTM, but especially became extremely popular, even pure cult. No wonder then that every subsequent 3-series also came an M3 (and later also M4), and it will no longer surprise anyone that also the seventh generation 3-series, and of course the 4, also has to be on the M. After the necessary spy images, we can now finally show the end result of both the M3 Sedan and the M4 Coupe.
Kidneys
This time too, the M3 appears to be a very thick 3-series, with flared wheel arches, spoilers, powerful wheels and that characteristic 2×2 exhaust. Yet this time it is more than ever different from the regular 3-series, because the gigantic kidneys of the new 4-series also come on the M3. With some cutting and pasting in your 320d pretending to have an M3, mission almost impossible. That nose is not only distinctive, the engine can use these large air intakes well.
At the heart of the M3 and M4 is a high-revving three-liter six-in-line with M Twin Turbo and comes with two different power delivery options. The lightest one delivers 480 hp (353 kW) and 550 Nm (2,050 – 6,130 rpm) and takes both from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds. In Competition trim, it delivers 510 hp (375 kW) and 650 Nm (2,750 – 5,500 rpm) and both the M3 and M4 go from a standstill to 100 km / h in 3.9 seconds. From 0-200 km / h, the 480 hp takes 13.7 s, the 510 hp takes 12.5 s. All versions are set at 250 km / h, but with the M Driver’s Package you can (from BMW M GmbH at least, don’t forget to check your local regulations).
Transmission
The 480 hp version has a six-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, while the 510 hp Competition serves its power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission. From summer 2021, the Competition will also be optionally available with M xDrive all-wheel drive.
High revs means that the tachometer needle only turns red at 7,200 rpm. One of the special features of the engine is that the cylinder head is partly made with 3D printing. This allows curves in the channels that would not have been possible with old-fashioned casting, which optimizes the flows. Furthermore, the low sump pan consists of two compartments, the smallest of which jumps in when the main reservoir threatens to keep up with it in extremely fast corners, when braking or accelerating.
The six-speed manual gearbox is quite special in this segment nowadays, but is of course a feast for the real purists. In addition, it is 25 kg lighter than the machine. Still, you’re not completely at the mercy of yourself, as Gear Shift Assistant regulates the speed during gear changes to prevent clutch slippage when braking for a corner.
The eight-speed M Steptronic can be operated electronically as well as by the driver via the paddles on the steering wheel. When you suddenly want to accelerate very quickly from a constant speed, it is a matter of pulling the left flipper towards you and pressing the accelerator. The box then switches back to the optimum gear for that speed in one go.
Driving mode
The number of setting options is endless. Adaptive M Suspension with variable damping is standard. You choose between Comfort, Sport and Sport +. The DSC has no less than ten settings, the brakes can be set in Comfort or Sport, the exhaust sound can of course be adjusted and the same applies to the steering, which works both speed-dependent and result-dependent. With the M Dynamic Mode button you can adjust the degree of allowed wheel spin to your own skills via M Drive Professional. Then Professional also keeps an eye on your drift skills, both the length and the angle, where it even awards stars. You can also have lap times recorded by M Drive Professional. The limited slip differential helps you cross over.
The X Drive +, which will later be available on the Competition, works basically as a 100 percent rear-wheel drive, with imminent loss of grip of the rear wheels, the front axle is dosed via a multi-disc clutch. You can also put it in 4WD yourself. In 4WD Sport the emphasis is a bit more on the rear axle, but BMW promises that nice powerslides can still be made fine.
Blue
The M3 and M4 are standard on 275 / 40ZR18 at the front and 285 / 35ZR19 at the rear. The Competition with M xDrive has 275 / 35ZR19 at the front and 285 / 30ZR20 at the rear. The brake calipers are standard blue metallic with M logos, red or black are options. If you opt for the optional ceramic brakes, the discs are larger and the claws are gold-colored.
Speaking of colors, BMW has mixed three new shades exclusive to the M: Sao Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red Metallic and Isle of Man Green Metallic. The new BMW M3 and M4 will be launched next March, the M xDrive will arrive in the summer of that year. Then they will compete against deadly arch rivals such as the C63 AMG (476 hp and as S 510 hp) and the Audi RS Avant (450 hp). For the latter, it is ‘nice’ to know that from this M3 to four-wheel drive there is also a Touring in the barrel. That will be a blood-curdling competition field.