BMW: M3 and M4 for the real fans 🎥

You can see the most important elements of the design of the new M3 and M4 models in the short video.

There's bad news for critics of the vertical kidney on the new 4 Series: The front end of the sporty M4 variant features it in an even more conspicuous form - and it also appears on the front of the sister model, the M3.

And the good news is that BMW has retained the classic successful formula of the model series and refined the approach even further.

Crisp six-speed manual transmission
The engineers at M GmbH have listened very carefully to the purists among their customers. One of the results: Unlike the competition, you can get the M3 and M4 with a crisp six-speed manual transmission.

And it is possible to switch off the automatic rev matching, which tends to spoil the joy of intermediate throttle for the ambitious driver.

Entry-level variants with 480 hp each
The entry-level variants of the M3 and M4 are powered by a 480-hp version of the enhanced 3.0-liter inline six. Above that, the sister models M3 Competition and M4 Competition are powered by a 510 hp version with a lightning-fast eight-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive only for Competition variant
Both versions transfer their torque to the rear wheels, but BMW is already announcing an all-wheel-drive variant, which will only be available for the Competition variant.

The all-wheel-drive system will be rear-focused, and it will be possible to completely disengage the front axle for unfiltered drift interludes, as in the top M models.

Maximum torque for the base models is 550 Nm, while the Competition models, which are somewhat more pointed, reach 650 Nm.

Speed 290 km/h is available as an option
Torque at the rear axle is distributed on all models via an active, electronically controlled differential. With the optional M Drive Professional package, wheel slip can be adjusted in ten stages.

All models stop at 250 km/h; the value can be raised to 290 km/h as an option. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds in the regular models and is reduced by three tenths of a second in the Competition variant.

Compared with the regular 3-series and 4-series, the M3 and M4 get electromechanical power steering whose variable ratio becomes more direct when the steering angle is high; the body and chassis are significantly stiffened.

Special graphics and buttons
The interior features M-specific graphics and buttons that can be used to preconfigure preferred functions. The steering wheel has a good grip, and the seats offer plenty of lateral support in fast corners. Probably because the duo sees itself as a driver's car, the rear seat has to do without an armrest.

You can see more details in the gallery of the M3 Competition Sedan (yellow car) and the M4 Competition Coupé (green car). Look forward to the first test drive.

Swiss launch of the models is in April next year. Prices start at 113,700 Swiss francs (M3) and 115,100 Swiss francs (M4).

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