The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 have been revealed ahead of an Australian debut early next year.
Initially, BMW has confirmed it will offer three powertrain options starting with entry-level rear-wheel drive versions equipped with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six producing 353kW of power and 550Nm of torque, it’s matched with a six-speed manual transmission.
BMW says the rear-drive manual cars can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and hit 200km/h in 13.7 seconds.
The M3 and M4 Competition models will be available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. Power comes from 3.0-litre inline-six developing 375kW and 650Nm, it’s paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
With the additional power, the Competition models can dash to 100km/h from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and to 200km/h in 12.5 seconds.
The all-wheel drive Competition uses the same rear-biased xDrive set-up found on the M5 and M8 models and has the option of a pure rear-wheel drive mode.
Both the M3 and M4 get a stiffer chassis thanks to bracing elements for the engine compartment, a front axle subframe with an aluminium shear panel, underfloor bracing elements and a rear axle subframe with a rigid connection to the body.
The M Drive Professional makes its debut and includes 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.
Also included is 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.
Equipment highlights include adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled dampers, a unique variable-ratio steering system and brakes, BMW Laserlight, a carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic roof, and 19-inch wheels wrapped in 275/35 tyres up front and 20-inch wheels with 285/30 rubber at the rear.
Design-wise, BMW’s controversial new grille gets an M-specific twist, along with sculpted wheel arches, M gills, quad exhaust pipes and extended side sills with attachment parts for the front and rear aprons.
On the inside, newly developed, electrically adjustable M sport seats trimmed in Merino leather come as standard, with seat ventilation also available for the first time.
Buyers will be able to option new M Carbon bucket seats with integral head restraints which can be dismantled for track driving. The race car-inspired seats also enable the use of multi-point racing seat belts.
A full range of active safety equipment will also be offered including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.
At launch, only the rear-wheel drive versions of the M3 and M4 will be available with the all-wheel drive variant to follow late in 2021. Full specs and pricing will be announced closer to the respective launch dates.
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