This is it. Our first impressions of the 2021 BMW M3 and M4

BMW has finally pulled the wraps off the new generation of M3 and M4 performance cars for 2021. The core M3 and M4 models made their Mzansi debut earlier in March and we were invited to experience them first hand.

I must forewarn you, for these new high-performance vehicles, it can either go two ways; Its either you love them or not and that’s attributed to the controversial frameless and elongated kidney grills. I have spoken to a number of people and I can safely say that more people dislike the front appearance of these cars compared to a lot who are just indifferent. Personally, I love the new design and even more so on these new M performance cars.

Starting with the exterior

The aforementioned elongated kidney grills have their fair share of fans and I’m definitely one person that’s in favour. But less on that debate. From a first impressions standpoint alone, Both these vehicles look very aggressive and ready take on the fastlane with relative ease.

They come standard with a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer) roof with two fins running longitudinally along it. Unlike the M4 Competition, the M3 Competition has wider wheel arches which is one of the random features I like as it adds that sexy width on the car making it look even more track ready. The four tailpipes are electronically controlled enabling that beautiful sound as the cars pull off. Each tailpipe measures 100mm in diameter and just styles that rear to look even more fierce especially when coupled with a glossy diffuser.

The driver cockpits in these models are very similar to the M8 competition. However, updates have been made to suit the new vehicles. For one there’s a wider range of driver assistance systems along with BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Included as standard is the Powertrain and chassis settings allowing for individual configuration and included is a drift analyser.

The M3 & M4 Competition also come standard with M Sport seats with integrated height-adjustable head restraints. However, there is an optional M Carbon bucket seat with structure-based design and I believe these are the best option when out on the track. Don’t get me wrong, they are quite comfortable for daily driving, too, but time in time has to be restricted to shorter distances.

Both cars come with an 8 speed M Steptronic gearbox with Drivelogic. This replaces the DCT 7-speed we loved from yesteryear. The ergonomically optimized carbon shift paddles make for a better experience when driving the cars “manually”. Furthermore, Competition models will also become available with M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the first time from Q4 2021.

Like it or not, it’s what behind the grille that counts

Overall the cars are incredibly quick and very enjoyable to drive. The suspension is not too stiff either, therefore delivering on the comfort front both on and off the track. Both Competition models come in a six-cylinder in-line engine with M Twin Power Turbo technology helping the cars churn out 375kW and up to 650Nm. In adding, the M Race Track Package is available which reduces vehicle weight by 25kg thanks to the M Carbon ceramic brakes, special M light-alloy wheels and M carbon bucket seats.

These are phenomenal cars and based on performance, comfort and overall grins these cars will satisfy the petrol head in you. Prices begin at R 1,860,000 for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan and the BMW M4 Competition coupé will be R1,940,000.

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