BMW has officially debuted the new for 2021 M3 and M4 models. The new enlarged kidney grille may take some getting used to before some of us start referring to these cars as beautiful. But maybe its performance will help change our opinion. Customers optioning out their new 2021 BMW M3 or M4 will have a choice between a 473 horsepower twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine or a Competition spec version with 503 horsepower. The 2021 BMW M3 and M4 can go from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds fresh off of the lot, and M cars wearing a Competition badge will be able to hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. If you option a 2021 M3 or M4 with the M Driver’s Package, your Bavarian sports saloon will be able to run up to a top speed of 180 mph.
Both the M3 and M4 will be available with a six-speed manual transmission to send tire-smoking power to the rear wheels. According to BMW, the manual transmission weighs 50 pounds less than the eight-speed automatic. This gives driving enthusiasts an extra bullet point in their debate on why three pedals are better than two. Unfortunately, Competition M3 and M4 models are only available with an automatic gearbox to handle the extra torque. It includes a rev-matching downshift function and paddle shifters.
Before you start cringing, you should know that Competition M3 and M4 can be optioned with all-wheel drive. The M xDrive system is biased to the rear wheels and includes an Active M rear differential. The AWD system directs most of the power to the rear wheels during everyday driving and only includes the front wheels when the car needs that extra bit of grip. It features three settings that include 2WD mode when the hoon-mood strikes. BMW fitted the new M3 and M4 with upgraded suspension components and optional M performance packages. The M Drive Professional package features M Traction Control that allows drivers to limit how much wheel-spin the car is allowed to have before TC kicks in.
All this M power comes to a stop using six-piston brake calipers in the front and single-piston in the rear. In addition, customers can option their new M3 or M4 with carbon-ceramic brakes with gold-painted calipers. The interior updates are not as dramatic as the exterior. New features include a sport steering wheel with aluminum tetragon trim as standard. Competition variants receive a unique automatic shifter, and carbon fiber trim is also available. The seats are wrapped in Merino leather and offer ventilation for the first time. M Carbon bucket seats are optional and feature aggressive bolsters with an illuminating model badge.
BMW dealerships expect to see new M3 and M4 models arriving in March 2021.