2021 BMW M3 and M4 will debut in September with up to 510 hp, manual transmission available
BMW has entered the final test phase for the next generation to come M3 sedan and M4 coupe and has published a series of photos of the car that drives on the Sachsenring race track in Germany, where the DTM racing series takes place. In addition to the new images, we’ve learned a number of new details about the cars, which will both debut in September.
The new cars will use a “newly developed” six-cylinder turbo engine, probably just an evolution of the engine the X3 and X4 M.. Like other current BMW M models, the M3 and M4 will be available in both regular and competitive forms. The basic version will have 480 HP and a manual transmission, while the competition will get 510 horses and an eight-speed automatic. BMW is proud of the fact that the M3 and M4 will be the only cars in their segments that are available with a manual, and we’re excited about that too. It is unclear whether the “basic model” will also be available with the automatic of the competition – we cannot imagine that this will not be the case.
BMW also confirmed rumors about it The M3 and M4 receive all-wheel drive. The M-optimized xDrive system will be optional for the competition fairing, and the AWD models will be introduced sometime after the regular rear-wheel drive vehicles. This is the first time that a four-wheel drive M3 has been offered, and alongside the Audi RS4, it will be the only car in this segment that has four driven wheels.
In the photos of camouflaged cars, we see a number of details that BMW has not spoken about. The competition model’s wheels are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S-size 265 / 35ZR-19 tires, and the car appears to have huge carbon-ceramic brakes. Both cars have flared fenders, deep side skirts, four exhaust trims in an aggressive diffuser, M-specific side mirrors and rear lip spoilers.
What is not covered in the interior looks largely the same as the standard 3 series and 4 series, but we can see M-colored stitching, various pedals and driving mode selectors, similar to the M5. You can also expect more grippy bucket seats and unique color and equipment options for the M models. There are large cross struts under the hood and a refreshing lack of plastic covers.
In addition to the camouflaged photos, BMW released a teaser that shows the front end of the M4 and the rear end of the M3. As we already knew from a leaked picture, that’s it M4 will get the same massive grille like the regular 4, and the M3 will have it too. We can also see quad tailpipes built into an aggressive rear diffuser, and both cars seem to be painted in scorching colors.
The M3 sedan and M4 coupe will both hit the market in mid-September this year. The AWD versions and the inevitable M4 convertible will arrive later.