BMW Australia has detailed pricing and specification for the controversial M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe ahead of their debut Downunder in the first quarter of 2021.
The standard M3 will start from $144,900, with the sleeker M4 commanding a little more money at $149,900 when they launch.
The brand has also confirmed the arrival of the all-wheel-drive Competition models for later in 2021. Pricing of the more focused M cars starts at $154,900 for the M3 and $159,900 for the M4 Competition.
We’re still not convinced by the front end.
Compared to current competitors on the market like the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, Audi RS4 and RS5, and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, the new BMW M products are priced competitively.
Starting off the range, the regular M3 and M4 are powered by a slightly detuned ‘S55’ twin-turbo straight-six producing 353kW and 550Nm. That equates to a power jump of 36kW over the F80/F82 M cars, though torque is identical, likely limited by the gearbox.
Which, incidentally, is a six-speed manual – if you weren’t already aware – which should go some way to offsetting those controversial looks, as will the claimed standard sprint of 4.2 seconds, rear-wheel-drive and a mechanical limited-slip differential.
Like all true M Cars – they get their own mirror design.
Also included for the asking price is a carbon fibre roof, staggered 19-inch front, 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels, heated Merino leather-appointed seats with electric adjustment, premium Harman Kardon sound system, keyless entry with push-button start and power tailgate.
Naturally, there are some pretty tasty performance upgrades, too, including larger brakes with specific pad compound, an Active M differential, M Drive Professional including drift analyser, and adaptive M fettled suspension.
BMW colours are always exciting, and the M3 and M4 are no different, offering Alpine white and pictured Sao Paulo metallic as no-cost options. Portimao Blue, Toronto Red, Black Sapphire, Brooklyn Grey and pictured Isle of Man Metallic are optional metallic finishes.
There are a good choice of colours offered – we like this one.
Individual colours are available too – Dravit Grey metallic, Tanzanite Blue metallic and Oxide Grey metallic will be on offer for an extra $2,500.
Additional customisations are available including track-friendly Pilot Sport Cup 2 Tyres for $2,000, M carbon bucket seats which save 9.6 kilograms ($7,500), Carbon Ceramic brakes for $16,500 and M Carbon exterior package $9,500. Apart from the tyres, the carbon additions can be added together in the M Carbon Package for a whopping $26,000.
The more powerful M3 and M4 Competition models add extra power and torque – 375kW and 650Nm to be exact – as well as M all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. This drops the 0-100km/h time to just 3.9 seconds.
These carbon buckets add $7,500, but the blue interior is a no cost option.
Competition models will also get the extra convenience of a BMW digital key and carbon fibre wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Inside, buyers will be able to specify some wild interior colour combinations at no extra cost, and yes, that does include the Yas Marina Blue/Black combination seen on this launch M4.
More details on the Competition vehicles’ option packs will be revealed closer to their launch in 2021.
2021 BMW M3 and M4 Pricing
All prices are before on-road costs.
BMW M3 Manual – $144,900
BMW M4 Manual – $149,900
BMW M3 Competition Auto – $154,900
BMW M4 Competition Auto – $159,900