BMW introduces 2021 M3 Sedan and M3 Coupe to U.S. customers



(March 9, 2021) WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — BMW is introducing the new 2021 M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe to U.S. customers this month. Thirty-five years after the launch of the very first M — the legendary E30 M3 — and 33 years after its arrival on U.S. shores, the 6th generation of M3 and 2nd generation M4 deliver uncompromised street and track capabilities for which the model line has become well-known.


Powered by the latest version of the 3.0-liter, inline-cylinder, BMW TwinPower Turbo S58 motors producing up to 503 hp, the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe also offer the choice of traditional 6-speed manual transmission, something that is rare in the cars’ segment.
 
Pricing starts at $70,895 for the M3 Sedan, $73,795 for the M3 Competition Sedan, $72,795 for the M4 Coupe and $75,695 for the M4 Competition Coupe. All prices include the $995 destination charge.


 
Four models will be offered at the global market launch next March: the RWD, manual-transmission M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe and the RWD, automatic transmission M3 Competition Sedan and M4 Competition Coupe. Summer 2021 will see the addition of M xDrive for the Competition models, further enhancing their traction capabilities.
 
 Through constant development work, BMW M GmbH has boosted power in the new M3 and M4 by 48 horsepower over the previous models and by 59 horsepower and 73 lb-ft of torque in the new Competition models over previous Competition package-equipped cars.
 
The new S58 powerplant delivers 473 hp at 6,250 rpm and 406 lb-ft of torque between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm. This allows the M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds on the way to a top speed of 155 mph or 180 mph when the M Driver’s Package is selected. The Competition models’ S58 engine is further tuned to produce 503 hp at 6,250 rpm and 479 lb-ft of torque between 2,750 and 5,500 rpm and reduce 0 to 60 mph acceleration time to 3.8 seconds and see similar top speeds of 155 mph or 180 mph. Both core and Competition models rev to a redline of 7,200 rpm.
 
The rigid closed-deck engine block features wire-arc sprayed cylinder liners to reduce both friction and weight. A forged, lightweight crankshaft reduces rotating mass to improve high rpm characteristics. The cylinder head features a 3D-printed core which allows for optimized coolant passage routing and weight reduction.
 
Forced induction is provided by two, mono-scroll turbochargers with electronically controlled wastegates and efficient air-to-water intercooling. The quick response of the wastegates allows for quicker turbocharger response and for more efficient function of the catalytic converters which are positioned close to the engine.
 
The High-Precision Injection system operates at over 5,000 psi, ensuring precise and very fine fuel atomization for not only more efficient power production but also improved emissions. BMW VALVETRONIC variable-valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing do their part in the high-revving engines’ smooth and efficient power delivery.
 
 The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 include water and oil cooling systems designed to stand up to the high temperatures of track use. Large front intakes ensure that there is a sufficient flow of air to the low-temperature and high-temperature radiators in the upper part of the grille opening. The lower area air flow is used to support the engine oil cooler, and in Competition models, a separate transmission oil cooler.
 
 The dual-branch exhaust system on the new M3 and M4 has been tuned for performance and sound. Drivers will recognize the pair of chrome twin exhaust tips, which are black chrome on Competition models.
 
Electrically controlled flaps provide comfortable sound levels by reducing intrusive sound frequencies. Selecting SPORT or SPORT+ modes turns up the intensity of the exhaust sound to match the increased dynamic feeling of the vehicle. An M Sound button allows the driver to reduce engine note when desired and works in any drive mode.
 
 In a segment increasingly devoid of delivering on the classic driving experience, the new BMW M3 and M4 core models are delivered with rear-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission. The short and precise gear shifts do their part to increase the connection between driver and car. A Gear Shift Assistant improves directional stability during dynamic driving by matching engine revs during downshifts. This system can be turned off via the iDrive menu by more experienced drivers. A bonus of the manual transmission is the 50 lb. weight reduction over 8-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission and improved front-to rear weight distribution.
 
The greatly increased torque of the M3 and M4 Competition models mean that these models are equipped with a standard M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic. Both automatic and manual modes are offered and can be controlled by the Drivelogic switch on the gear shift lever. Three automatic and three manual modes are available – comfort oriented, sporty and track focused. Each mode features quicker and more intense shifting to match the focus of the driver. Downshifts in automatic mode also feature engine rev-matching. A helpful feature for maximum acceleration in manual mode is the ability to downshift to the lowest gear possible by pulling the left steering wheel mounted-shift lever while simultaneously pressing down on the throttle.


 
Summer of 2021 will see the arrival of optional M xDrive for Competition models, a first for the M3 and M4. The additional traction will enable the 479 lb.-ft. of torque to be used to a greater extent during acceleration and dynamic driving.
 
The rear-biased system will distribute torque between the front and rear axles via an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch. An Active M differential takes care of torque distribution at the rear axle. Torque will be directed to the rear wheels during normal driving, providing the classic rear-wheel drive experience. Only when additional traction is required will torque be sent to the front axle.
 
Both the M xDrive and Active M differential are connected directly to the Dynamic Stability Control System ensuring quicker responses in improving agility and controlling both understeer and oversteer.
 
The M xDrive system will offer the drive a choice of three modes: 4WD – the default setting with rear-wheel biased torque distribution focused on traction and precisely controlled handling. 4WD Sport — directs greater percentage of torque to the rear during dynamic driving and is designed to work particularly well on track environments. 2WD — requires DCS to be turned off and affords experienced drivers a pure rear-wheel drive experience without any system intervention.
 
 Both new M3 and M4 models benefit from body and chassis enhancements over their non-M relatives and from countless hours of intensive testing at BMW Group’s Miramas testing facility in the South of France, at the winter testing center in Arjeplog, Sweden, and from Nurburgring’s Nordschleife.
 
The standard Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers offers precise control with comfort and agility. The M integrated braking system offers two driver-selected settings for brake pedal feel. The M Traction Control system, part of the optional M Drive Professional, introduces a new integrated wheel slip limitation function of the Dynamic Stability Control system which can be adjusted through 10 stages based on the driver’s preferences and needs.
 
An extensive package of bracing enhances vehicle rigidity and agility. At the front of the new M3 and M4, bracing connects the two shock towers together, the shock towers with the bulkhead and with the front end of the vehicle. Vertical bracing connects the engine compartment to the front M aluminum subframe which is also tied to the sills via integrated bracing. The center and rear chassis areas also see added stiffening using crossbar bracing and bracing connecting the rear subframe with the rear cargo area.
 
The standard M Servotronic steering combines speed-sensitive assistance with a variable steering ratio allowing this M-tuned system to deliver precise handling and easer maneuvering at low speeds.  The variable ratio adjusts to changes in steering angle and helps deliver superb straight-line composure and sharp turn-in response with excellent directional accuracy.  

When the wheels are already sharply turned, the steering rack teeth are positioned more closely together, so smaller steering wheel inputs are required. As a result, the car feels nimble on winding roads and can be maneuvered into and out of parking spaces with far less steering effort. The M Setup menu gives access to two steering settings – COMFORT for an easy steering feel with precise feedback and SPORT which increases both the feedback and the amount of steering effort required.  
 
 The electronically controlled shock absorbers of the standard Adaptive M suspension utilize electromagnetically controlled valves which react in milliseconds to generate an infinitely variable damping force for each individual wheel.
 
The damper characteristics can be adjusted via the M Setup menu. The driver can select from three modes - COMFORT which focuses on everyday driving journeys and long trips by smoothing out road imperfections. SPORT which has been tuned for fast road conditions such as the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And SPORT PLUS which optimizes damper control for maximum dampening on closed tracks.