All-new BMW M3 sedan and M4 Coupé to thunder down under in Q1 2021 in top-spec Competition variants.

• Latest generation high performance sports sedan and coupé from BMW M feature all-new motorsport-inspired platforms, powertrains and dynamic designs
• Six-cylinder in-line powerplant with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology at the heart of both models with a storming 375kW and 650Nm in Competition specification
• Rear-wheel-drive configuration to be offered on M3 and M4 initially with M xDrive all-wheel-drive system available for both vehicles in late 2021
• Availability of M xDrive marks a first for BMW in the segment
• Competition models to be offered with eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic for ultra-fast, precise shifts
• Standard sprint time achieved in just 3.9 seconds for M3 and M4 Competition
• Aggressive styling packages, wide track and flared body elements provide commanding stance and focused performance potential
• Adaptive M suspension now standard across all models  
• New BMW M Drive Professional system includes features such as M Traction Control and M Drift Analyser
• Raft of options available to customise driving style and individual preferences
• Available M Carbon bucket seats feature structure-based design, lightweight construction and integral head restraints that can be dismantled for track driving

The all-new BMW M3 and M4 – the latest high performance offerings from the legendary BMW M outfit – will arrive in New Zealand as top-spec Competition only variants when local deliveries take place in Q1 2021.

Both models, which were unveiled today, combine segment leading performance, backed by four decades of racing know-how and new-generation styling packages that provide dominant and unmistakable presence. 

Specified for New Zealand in Competition trim only, the new BMW M3 and M4 Competition are both powered by a formidable six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology.

Both cars develop 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

Both variants will be offered in rear-wheel-drive initially, before the acclaimed BMW M xDrive system becomes available later next year. 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 rigorous M development and tuning processes conducted in part alongside testing for the new BMW M4 GT3 race car.

Further common ground between the new BMW M cars is the spectrum of emotions sparked by their powertrain and chassis, the visually expressive design and the new, M-specific control and operation system.

These range from the joy of driving a car luxuriously over long distances, comfortably adapting settings for dynamic everyday use, and switching over instantly to the thrill of a sporting machine let off the leash on race circuits.

Mighty six-cylinder engine with instantaneous power delivery and signature BMW M high-revving characteristics

The engines powering the new M3 and M4 Competition blend the high-revving tendencies for which M models are renowned 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 engine fitted to M3 and M4 Competition maintains peak torque across a wide rev band, with 650Nm on tap between 2,750 and 5,500rpm. Maximum output of 375kW is developed at 6,250rpm, with the engine’s redline arriving at 7,200 rpm.

These performance characteristics deliver a deeply impressive driving experience. The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé 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 M Performance exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps provides an emotionally rich 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. 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.

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, rear-wheel-drive and M xDrive

The eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic in the Competition models is distinguished by ratio spacing perfectly tuned 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 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 Competition Sedan and new BMW M4 Competition 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 18-inch format at the front axle and 19-inch at the rear.

Tyres are 275/40 ZR18 at the front and 285/35 ZR19 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 of the performance supremacy and emotionally engaging driving experience on offer.

M-specific design features firmly invested in the functional requirements of high-performance sports cars are integrated harmoniously into the modern design language.

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, 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.

Full-LED headlights are fitted as standard, while Adaptive LED Headlights with BMW Laserlight can be specified as an option.

The selection of exterior paint finishes includes 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, comfort over long distances 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 experience

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.

The optional 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 when M Drive Professional is specified.

Extensive standard specification and high-quality options deliver elevated levels of comfort, safety and performance

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 models come as standard with Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, plus the Speed Limit Info road sign detection system.

Options include the Driving Assistant Professional, complete with the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Navigation function, Emergency Lane Assistant, BMW Drive Recorder and the latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content.

The optional Parking Assistant comprises functions such as the Reversing Assistant.

Standard equipment including three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting including ambient lighting, and a hi-fi speaker system enhances 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 – also comes as standard for the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé.

Additionally, updated 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.

The new M Race Track Package, meanwhile, brings about a targeted reduction in vehicle weight.

This package includes M Carbon ceramic brakes, weight-minimised M light-alloy wheels (available as an option with semi-slick tyres) and the M Carbon bucket seats.

BMW M in New Zealand – one of the strongest M markets in the world

The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé redefine performance benchmarks, set themselves apart via visually-expressive design and provide that signature M dual-personality on road and track.

These ingredients make the pair highly-anticipated in one of the most performance-focused markets in the world. New Zealand ranks in the #2 globally for BMW M and M Performance sales penetration; one in four BMWs sold in the country carry these high performance badges and credentials.

“The new BMW M3 and M4 are deeply rooted in motorsport, prime examples of the technology transfer from racing to series production. M fans in New Zealand have been looking forward to these cars, and I am delighted to say we will deliver only the highest levels of equipment and performance with these Competition variants,” commented Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, Managing Director of BMW New Zealand. 

- Ends -

The BMW Group

With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2019, the BMW Group sold over 2.5 million passenger vehicles and more than 175,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2019 was € 7.118 billion on revenues amounting to € 104.210 billion. As of 31 December 2019, the BMW Group had a workforce of 126,016 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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