BMW New Zealand has revealed the new high performance M3 and M4 that will arrive here as top-spec Competition only variants early next year.

New Zealand ranks in the number 2 globally for BMW M and M Performance sales penetration; one in four BMWs sold in the country carry these high performance badges and credentials.

“The new BMW M3 and M4 are deeply rooted in motorsport, prime examples of the technology transfer from racing to series production. M fans in New Zealand have been looking forward to these cars, and I am delighted to say we will deliver only the highest levels of equipment and performance with these Competition variants,” said BMW NZ’s managing director, Karol Abrasowicz-Madej.

Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to launch date. But what we do know is that the two performance models sport BMW’s new controversial front with vertical kidney grilles, nicknamed the coffins. 

Specified for New Zealand in Competition trim only, the new BMW M3 and M4 are both powered by a 3-litre, six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. 

Both cars develop 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, paired to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

They will be offered in rear-wheel-drive initially, before the BMW M xDrive system becomes available later next year. The provision of M xDrive marks a first for BMW in this segment. 

The engines powering the new M3 and M4 Competition blend the high-revving tendencies for which M models are renowned with the latest version of M TwinPower Turbo technology. 

Lightweight design and exceptional rigidity are standout attributes of the performance-maximising components of the base engine. 

The engine fitted to M3 and M4 Competition maintains peak torque across a wide rev band, with 650Nm on tap between 2750 and 5500rpm. Maximum output of 375kW is developed at 6250rpm, with the engine’s redline arriving at 7200 rpm.

These performance characteristics deliver an impressive driving experience. The new M3 Competition sedan and new M4 Competition coupé each accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

A model-specific M Performance exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps provides an emotionally rich soundtrack.

The extremely high torsional rigidity of the body and chassis mounting is a key factor in providing the combination of dynamism, agility and precision.

Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and M-specific kinematics and elastokinematics for the front and rear axles are standard features of the cars. 

They also have M Servotronic steering with a variable ratio and an M-specific version of the integrated braking system, which presents the driver with two different brake response and pedal feel settings. 

The sedan and coupé also have a roof made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) with aerodynamically optimised fins, a rear spoiler and the two pairs of large exhaust tailpipes that are now a customary feature of M cars. 

They have an ergonomically cockpit design that ensure the driver’s focus remains one hundred per cent on the intense driving experience.

A standout highlight of the options list are the new M Carbon bucket seats with a structure-based design, which combine racing functionality with a lightweight construction, comfort over long distances. 

These innovative seats have integral head restraints which can be dismantled for track driving, an illuminated model badge and electric adjustment. Their race car-inspired structure also enables the use of multi-point racing seat belts.

The optional M Drive Professional, which makes its debut on the new models, has been conceived specifically for track driving. It includes the innovative new M Traction Control, which allows the new integrated wheel slip limitation function of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to be adjusted (through 10 stages) to the driver’s personal preferences and needs. 

Both models come as standard with Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear, Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning, plus the Speed Limit Info road sign detection system. 

Options include the Driving Assistant Professional, complete with the Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Navigation function, Emergency Lane Assistant, BMW Drive Recorder and the latest generation of the BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific content.