35 years after the launch of the first BMW M3, 2021 will see the arrival of the sixth generation M3 sedan and M4 coupe. Four models will be offered at the global launch in March 2021: the rear-wheel drive 6-speed manual-transmission M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe, and the rear-wheel drive 8-speed automatic transmission M3 Competition Sedan and M4 Competition Coupe. In the summer of 2021, BMW will add the all-wheel drive M xDrive to the Competition lineup, a first for the M3 and M4.

BMW has increased the power by 48 hp over the previous M3 and M4, and by 59 hp in the new Competition models. The new S58 engine generates 473 hp at 6,250 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm. The M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h or 290 km/h when the M Driver’s Package is selected. The Competition models produce 503 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque between 2,750 and 5,500 rpm reducing 0-100 km/h sprints to just 3.9 seconds, with similar top speeds. Redline is 7,200 rpm.

The dual-branch exhaust system on the new M3 and M4 has been tuned for performance and sound. Electrically controlled flaps provide quieter sound levels by reducing intrusive sound frequencies. The SPORT or SPORT+ modes amp up the intensity of the exhaust sound to match the increased dynamic feeling of the car. An M Sound button allows the driver to reduce engine note and works in any drive mode.

The standard M Compound brakes have been newly developed for the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 and feature front six-piston fixed-caliper brakes with 380 mm discs and rear single-piston floating-calipers with 370 mm disks. The calipers are painted in blue metallic but may be ordered in black or red; all with the M logo. The optional M Carbon ceramic brakes deliver even stronger braking power with greater fade resistance, enhanced thermal stability and extremely high resistance to wear. Their gold painted calipers are complemented by front 400 mm discs and rear 380 mm disks.

The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 include water and oil cooling systems designed to handle the high temperatures of track use. Large front intakes ensure that there is a sufficient flow of air to the low-temperature and high-temperature radiators in the upper part of the grille opening. The lower area air flow is used to support the engine oil cooler, and in Competition models, a separate transmission oil cooler.

For the first time, a new optional M Drive Professional is available which has been developed specifically for track driving. It is designed to help the driver to make consistent progress in pursuit of the ideal line and the perfect lap. Features include the M Drift Analyzer which records the duration, distance covered, line and angle of a drift. Other functions include the M Laptimer, which provides a comprehensive amount of performance information, shown on both the optional Head-Up display and in the instrument cluster. As well as checking their current lap time, the driver can also keep a constant eye on how much quicker or slower they are than their fastest lap of the current session. The Control Display shows the number of laps completed so far, the distance covered and the duration of the driver’s current stint. The driver can also analyze the data recorded during their track time in detail using the BMW M Laptimer app on their Apple iPhone, which they car share on social media. Among the resources available are a bird’s-eye map view of the track, a lap time comparison, data from the car’s sensors such as speed, engine revs and accelerator position, and graphics showing the lateral and longitudinal acceleration values attained.

The 2021 M3 and M4 are equipped with newly designed forged M light-alloy wheels, 19-inches in front and 20-inches in rear. Non-runflat performance tires sized 275/35ZR19 front and 285/30ZR20 rear complete the standard package. Competition models feature a different standard wheel design, however these wheels can also be equipped on core models. A total of two wheel designs and four finishes can be optioned on both core and Competition models. Available as an option on both models are 19-inch front and 20-inch rear light-alloy wheels with Michelin Cup 2 tires designed specifically for track use.

The new M3 and M4 are the most focused M3 and M4 models ever, according to BMW. The M-specific design features differentiate the two new cars from their non-M versions more than ever. Exclusive exterior paint colours, forged M light-alloy wheels, a carbon fibre roof and the optional M Carbon exterior package emphasise both form and function of the new BMW M3 and M4.

“The design is resoundingly function-driven, pure and reduced without compromise,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “At the same time, it provides an emotionally engaging window into the vehicle character.”

The new M3 Sedan is 117 mm (4.6-inches) longer, 10 mm (0.4-inches) wider, 9 mm (0.4-inches) higher and with a 45 mm (1.8-inch) longer wheelbase than the previous generation car. The new M4 Coupe is 117 mm (4.6-inches) longer, 17 mm (0.7-inches) wider, 10 mm (0.4-inches) higher and with a 45 mm (1.8-inch) longer wheelbase than the M4 that it replaces.

The front end of the new M3 displays the most aggressive differentiation from its non-M sibling. Like the new M4, the front end is highlighted by the large and deep frameless BMW kidney grille designed to feed the massive amounts of air needed for fulfilling the cooling requirements under the most rigorous conditions. Cooling for the engine and brakes is provided by large additional intakes on either side of the kidney grille. These two-section apertures feature brake air ducts on the inside and air supply for the remote coolant radiators to the outside. At the outer edges of the front bumper, the vertical intakes for the Air Curtains with integrated, aerodynamically effective “flics” accentuate the width of the car.

The most noticeable design feature, alongside the prominently flared fenders of the new M3 and M4, are the extended side sills. Together with the aerodynamic components of the front and rear bumpers, which also jut out significantly, they form a High-gloss Black band around the whole of the car. This racing car-inspired design element, also adopted on the first-generation BMW M3, increases downforce in the underbody area and helps to optimize aerodynamic balance of the new cars. The front fenders and rear wheel arches of both models have a flared M-specific design which creates room for the wider tracks and wheels that help to give the cars their cornering ability. The M gills familiar from past and present cars are integrated neatly into the distinctive surfacing of the front side fenders. The M-specific exterior mirrors have been aerodynamically optimized and are painted in High-gloss Black.

The roof of both the new BMW M3 and M4 is made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP). This extremely lightweight material lowers the cars’ centre of gravity, enhancing their agility. Two fins running longitudinally over the CFRP roof optimize airflow, as does the rear spoiler, which is painted in High-gloss Black. The rear diffuser is finished in black and frames the familiar exhaust system’s twin pairs of 100 mm exhaust tips. The slim, darkened rear light clusters with L-shaped LED taillights extend into the fenders, further accentuating the width of the two new models.

Canadian MSRP pricing starts at $84,300 for the M3 Sedan, $88,300 for the M3 Competition Sedan, $85,100 for the M4 Coupe and $89,100 for the M4 Competition Coupe.

BMW M4 Interior

BMW M3 Interior