BMW M3 and M4 Competition arrive with 503bhp

Say hello to the new BMW M3 and M4 range, which is set to land in the UK in early 2021. With more power, more aggressive bodywork and a host of clever new tech, the M3 will cost from £76,755 and the M4 from £76,055.

Here’s everything you need to know.

It’s easy to tell the new M3 and M4 apart from less potent models thanks to a range of external enhancements. Both cars get a stunning new grille design that is split into two pieces unlike the standard 4 Series.

The bonnet also gets indents, while a unique front and rear bumper, widened wings and a larger boot spoiler ensure it can’t be mistaken for a non-M car too.

If you want to set your performance BMW apart even further, you can also opt for one of the unique paint options: Sau Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red and Isle of Man Green. Optional carbon exterior packs will be available too.

Inside both models, you’ll find sports seats and a sports steering wheel, while a host of trim has been replaced with carbon-fibre too. For those wanting to personalise the interior further, a set of M-specific seats can be ordered. Made out of carbon fibre, these shave almost 10kg off the weight of the car.

Infotainment-wise, both models feature BMW’s latest cloud-based software that gets live traffic updates and is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Three-zone climate control, a head-up display and BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional enhance the driving experience further.

And now for the important it – both models feature a 503bhp 3.0-litre two turbo petrol engine, which gets both models from zero to 62mph in 3.9 seconds.

With 59bhp extra compared with the outgoing M3 model, top speed is limited to 155mph. However, plumping for the optional M Pro pack can up this to 180mph.

When it arrives early next year, only rear-wheel drive models will be available. However, an xDrive M model is in the works and is due to arrive by summer 2021. It’s the first time BMW has used the system in its M-performance models and says that it’ll mean drivers can choose different power distribution settings depending on the weather conditions.

All models get an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while adaptive dampers are also standard, as is M Drive Professional – a new computer system that allows you to monitor on-track performance. It even includes a ‘Drift Analyser’ to see how well you can go sideways on track.

We’ll learn more about the M3 and M4 closer to its launch date in early 2021, and bring you leasing plans as soon as they are available.