BMW has taken the covers off its new M3 saloon and M4 coupe sports cars, which gain more power and a divisive new look.
After months of being teased, the two models have now been unveiled in full. They’re only available in top-spec Competition form in the UK, which means they feature a new 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine producing 503bhp and 650Nm of torque. That’s an increase of 59bhp and 100Nm on the outgoing model, and makes the new M3 and M4 the most powerful versions to date.
Enquire on a new BMW M3BMW remains true to the rear-wheel-drive formula, though an all-wheel-drive variant will be introduced next year. While a manual gearbox will continue to be available on the stock M3 in other markets, in the UK all Competition versions come mated to an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox.
Both the M3 and M4 can sprint to 60mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph, or 180mph with the optional M Pro Package specified. Adaptive sports suspension is included as standard, with the ride configurable thanks to several driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.
BMW’s latest infotainment system, as seen on the standard 3 Series and 4 Series models, debuts on these M cars, while a new page known as ‘M Drive Professional’ is introduced – this being targeted towards track driving thanks to equipment such as a lap time recorder and even a feature that can analyse how much the car drifts. A 12.3-inch digital dial system and large 10.25-inch touchscreen are both included as standard, too.
But the divisive part of the new M3 and M4 is its front end, adopting the same large black kidney grille seen on the new 4 Series, along with darkened LED headlights and the more muscular styling expected from an ‘M car’ – the flared wheel arches being the best example of this. A carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic roof also comes on both cars.
The new M3 and M4 have both noticeably grown in size – being 12cm longer and 2cm wider than their predecessors – while a range of new colours have been introduced. These notably include the bold Sao Paulo Yellow and Isle of Man Green metallic, both pictured.
First deliveries of the new M3 and M4 Competition are likely to arrive in showrooms at the start of next year, with prices starting from £74,455 on the M3 and £76,055 on the M4. The first ever M3 estate is also due by 2022, while a drop-top M4 is also expected next year.
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