2021 BMW M3, M4 feature a bold new face and bolder performance

BMW has taken the wraps off its M3 and M4 performance nameplates for the 2021 model year, revealing a striking pair of machines that point at a brave new direction for both cars.  

These are the latest tarmac-tearing machines from BMW

The least subtle of these changes can be found on the fascia, where a huge pair of kidney grilles takes pride of place between full-LED headlamps, nestled on top of a large lower vent that almost spans the body’s width. This is all to meet the new engine’s more demanding cooling requirements.

BMW’s next-generation 4 Series coupe served as the inspiration for the aesthetic, which is bound to be a polarizing conversation piece among fans and critics of the brand.

Both M models come standard with a carbon-fiber roof

>>> Related: 2020 BMW 4 Series Coupe debuts the biggest kidney grille we've seen so far

Front and side splitters highlight the racing aesthetic, while a carbon fiber top comes standard, or customers can have a moonroof installed at no extra cost. The M3 packs an aggressive rear diffuser outback, in contrast with the more elegant layout of the M4.

Base M variants sport 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels, while Competition trims wear 19-inch front and 20-inch rear alloys. Both cars are slightly larger than their respective outgoing models while sharing the same 2,857 mm wheelbase. 

A redesigned interior features M-specific styling cues and controls that bring the user immediately to preferred and customizable configurations. Adjusting engine settings, suspension, and steering is just one press of the M Mode button away.

The 12.3-inch BMW Live Cockpit Professional and iDrive 7.0 are standard equipment, while the 12.25 high-resolution touchscreen display now offers Android Auto alongside Apple CarPlay.

Users get to enjoy these features on redesigned Merino leather sport seats that have generous bolsters, or optional M Carbon thrones rendered in carbon fiber and Alcantara leather. 

The updated interior makes it easier for drivers to tap into the cars' sporty character

Both the BMW M3 and BMW M4 share a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six power plant in standard guise, allowing them to kick up 473 hp and 550 Nm of torque that’s channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.

Competition versions throw you to the back of the seat even harder with 503 hp and 650 Nm of twist, spinning all four wheels with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic gearbox.

The cylinder head features a 3D-printed core that improves coolant flow and reduces weight, while the all-wheel drivetrain will be the same rear-biased setup derived from the M5, switchable to rear-wheel operation by disengaging Dynamic Stability Control.

Competition variants burn rubber with a 3.0L inline-six that makes 503 hp

A BMW Active Driving Assistant Package is standard on both the M3 and M4, comprising features such as lane departure warning, speed limit information, rear cross-traffic alert, and active blind-spot detection.

Competition variants get an even more sophisticated driver-assist package including full-speed adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist, and high-speed automatic emergency braking.

The regular 2021 BMW M3 and BMW M4 2021 start at US$69,900 (around Php 3,393,994) and US$71,800 (Php 3,486,249) respectively.

Meanwhile, the M3 Competition comes in at US$72,800 (Php 3,534,804), while the M4 Competition will carry a US$74,700 (Php 3,627,058)  sticker price, both available a little later in 2021. Here’s hoping that we catch even a glimpse of these new M performance models on our streets sooner than later.

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