The newest BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition are now available in South Africa.
The long-awaited sixth generation of the M3 brings more power, more features, and the most polarising look ever on an M car.
The biggest difference between this generation and the previous M3 and M4 Competitions would be the looks.
It’s impossible to confuse one for the other, maybe only when looking from the sides, as the largest grille ever fitted to an M car was opted for in the new line.
The iconic kidney grille has been increased significantly in length, and now resembles a set of “lungs”.
The hood gets detailed power bulges, hexagonal LED headlights are fitted, and large air intakes with air curtains on the sides cool all the right places.
From the sides, 19-inch and 20-inch wheels at the front and rear, respectively, provide a sporty look.
New taillights, a small lip spoiler, four exhaust outlets, and a carbon fibre rear diffuser wrap up the new design for both these vehicles.
On the inside it is properly M.
The cars are fitted with new M Sport Merino leather seats, with carbon bucket seats available as an option, and an extensive list of options are fitted as standard.
These vehicles premiere the new M Drive Professional program, too, which includes M Drift Analyser, M Laptimer, and M Traction Control – for an “intense performance experience on the racetrack.”
They also get the BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which sees the fitment of a digital instrument cluster that shows navigation info and the BMW intelligent personal assistant system, along with vehicle information.
The M-specific control concept allows for direct access to the engine, chassis, steering, and braking systems; and with some specifications, also xDrive, gear shift assistant, and traction control.
The M mode button then lets the driver control the intervention thresholds of assistance systems, as well as the configurations on the instrument cluster and optional heads-up display.
Road and Sport settings are standard, and Track mode will be added if the optional M Race Track package is selected.
This package is now available for the first time, and comprises M Carbon Ceramic brakes, M light alloy wheels, M carbon bucket seats, and a 25kg weight reduction.
In addition, the M3 and M4 Competition get a large infotainment display on the dash along with the newest iDrive system.
This enables Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, and displays and controls most of the vehicle features.
The remote software upgrade functions assures you always have the latest software installed, while music plays through a 10-speaker system as standard.
As the flagship models for their respective ranges, these cars are also fitted with the most advanced safety systems from BMW.
This includes:
- Speed limit info
- Park distance control
- Attentiveness assistant
- Cruise control with brake function
- Front collision warning with brake intervention
- Lane departure warning with lane return steering assistance
A plethora of additional features can then be selected, with a heads-up display and reversing camera among these.
Dynamics
The tuning work on the new M3 and M4 was done alongside the testing programme for the BMW M4 GT3 racing car.
The cars features extremely stiff body structures, dynamic stability control, and – for the first time – integrated wheel slip limitation and M Traction Control that is adjustable through ten stages.
Adaptive M suspension with electronically-controlled shock absorbers assures minimum body roll, and M-specific axle modifications along with a new integrated braking system takes care of stopping power.
At the heart of the new M cars lies a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder, twin-turbocharged engine that generates 375kW and 650Nm of torque.
The motor is mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, and will see the 100km/h acceleration mark hit in 3.9 seconds – with an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.
The transmission setup allows for three drive modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport, and 2WD – and combined fuel consumption comes in at 10.2l/100km for both.
Price
The South African market will only receive the Competition variants of the new M3 and M4.
Local customers have already started taking delivery of their vehicles from 13 March.
Pricing for the cars is as follows:
- BMW M3 Competition Sedan – R1,860,000
- BMW M4 Competition Coupé – R1,940,000
With this you get a 5-year/100,000km motorplan, 24/7 BMW on-call services, and BMW accident management.
BMW M3 Competition – Photos
BMW M4 Competition – Photos
Keyword: New BMW M3 and M4 Competition now available in South Africa