BMW Australia has announced full pricing and specifications for its 2021 M3 and M4 launch range ahead of the two models arriving locally at some point during Q1 next year.
The controversially-styled new models which feature a notably oversized kidney grille up front are each set to launch down under in both regular and Competition guises, with two distinct drivetrains on offer.
Enthusiasts and #savethemanuals believers will find it encouraging to hear that the base M3 and M4 will be offered exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, with the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six engine fitted to both producing a healthy 353kW and 550Nm – marking more power but the same torque output as in the outgoing M3 and M4 Pure models.
However, stepping up to the Competition models makes for an entirely different story. Not only is the wick turned up on the straight-six donk to 375kW and a whopping 650Nm, but the manual ‘box is swapped out for an eight-speed torque converter automatic and BMW’s ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive system is added into the mix as well – which, like in the M5, can be selectively switched to rear-drive only to still allow for some big smokey drifts and burnouts.
The added power and automatic transmission also helps cut the Competition models’ 0-100km/h time down to a mere 3.9 seconds, compared to the standard models’ 4.2 second sprint.
Standard on all models to help boost their performance credentials is the new BMW M Drive Professional system – which integrates M Track Mode, M Laptimer, 10-stage M Traction Control, and an unbelievably cool M Drift Analyser – along with a motorsport-derived oil cooling system for its 3.0-litre engine, a valved quad-exhaust setup with 100mm tips, and an extensive array of chassis stiffening and bracing measures.
A range of four wheel designs are set to be offered for both the M3 and M4, with a staggered setup of 19-inch front and 20-inch rears shod in performance tyres.
Also standard on the base M3 and M4 is a carbon fibre roof, M Compound brakes, an Active M Differential, Adaptive M Suspension, heated and power-adjustable M Sport Seats, partial Merino leather upholstery, BMW Laserlight headlights, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and metallic paintwork – including Black Sapphire, Portimao Blue, Toronto Red, Brooklyn Grey, and the new Isle of Man Green, along with two non-metallic colours, Alpine white and the new Sao Paulo Yellow.
Stepping up to the Competition models also adds Comfort Access with a BMW Digital Key, Driving Assistant Professional, carbon fibre shift paddles, and full Merino leather upholstery into the mix.
An extensive range of options is also set to be offered for both the M3 and M4. Most expensive of all is the $26,000 M Carbon Package which adds M Carbon bucket seats, an M Carbon exterior package, and M Carbon ceramic brakes. Each component of the pack can be had individually as well, with the brakes charging $16,500, the exterior pack $9500, and the bucket seats $7500.
The standard blue brake calipers can also be had in red or black, while Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 or Pirelli P Zero Corsa track tyres can be fitted for $2000.
A number of BMW Individual paint finishes can also be had, including Dravit Grey, Tanzanite Blue, and Oxide Grey metallic finishes for $2500, a Frozen Brilliant White finish for $7000, and other Frozen finishes of the standard metallic colour range available for $5000.
Interior upholstery options including the all-new Yas Marina Blue with Black, and Kyalami Orange with Black that were featured on the launch vehicles are also available at no extra cost.
The new M3 and M4 are set to touch down in Australia in Q1 2021, with an exact launch date still set to be announced closer to then. Pricing for the hotly-anticipated M3 Touring is also yet to be revealed at this stage.
2021 BMW M3 and M4 Australian pricing
- M3 6MT RWD – $144,900
- M4 6MT RWD – $149,900
- M3 Competition 8AT AWD – $154,900
- M4 Competition 8AT AWD – $159,900
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