The highly-anticipated, all-new BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé have landed in New Zealand in spectacular style. 

The Isle of Man Green M3 Competition Sedan and Sao Paulo Yellow M4 Competition Coupé emerged from matching decorated containers carried in via Black Hawk helicopters, and showcased their dynamic abilities on closed runways at the North Shore Aerodrome to a small group of invited guests. 

The M3 Competition Sedan is priced from $168,900 and the M4 Competition Coupé will cost $172,900.

Available exclusively in New Zealand as top-spec Competition variants, both vehicles are powered by a 3-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology producing 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, paired with a 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission

Both cars feature impressive performance, accelerating from 0 – 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and from 0-200kms/h in 12.5 seconds. 

Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, Managing Director of BMW New Zealand said, “BMW M fans in New Zealand have been waiting with eager anticipation for these models to reach our shores.  Deeply rooted in motorsport, the BMW M3 and M4 Competition are prime examples of the technology transfer from racing to series production and the Competition variant will deliver the highest levels of performance.”

AutoMuse will be testing the vehicles soon, but in the meantime here are comments from international motoring writers who have had the chance to drive the M3 and M4 Competition.

Top Gear UK says: “This is the sixth generation M3, continuing a lineage that dates back to 1986. It started as a naturally aspirated four-cylinder and apart from one foray into V8 power, it’s used a straight-six ever since. Once again, it’s launched at the same time as the two-door M4 Competition (internally designated the G82, while this is the G80) and once again, hopes are high that this most iconic of sports saloons has got what it takes to reignite the class.

“It’s the steering that strikes you first. You can’t believe how accurate it is. It’s electric, so there’s little feedback and yet within a few yards you know exactly what it’s up to, exactly what inputs are needed, can place the car with utter precision.

“And as you go faster, you sense exactly where the limits are and have the confidence to approach them. It’s uncanny, one of the very best steering systems available on any car today.

As for the M4, Top Gear UK says: “On the road, the M4 exhibits a maturity that pervaded its predecessor. Left in its lowliest setting, the automatic transmission shuffles politely up to eighth and sits at 2,000rpm on the motorway, newly acoustic windows blocking out everything but the roar from its tyres (larger than ever, with staggered wheels measuring 19in front, 20in rear).

“The damping is excellent, making a bit of fuss over broken urban roads but really knuckling down with a bit of speed. Sport Plus is palatable on some roads, Sport palatable on most and Comfort finally a title befitting of what’s on offer.”

Top Gear UK gives the M3 and M4 Competition 9/10.

To sum up the M4, Top Gear UK says: “Ignore the grille, what lies behind makes the M3 the most complete sports saloon on sale today.”

And the M4? “Not an instant hitter like the cars that came before it, but a considerably greater all-rounder awaits those willing to give it time.”