The new BMW M3 and M4 are faster than the old M5

Everyone but BMW that is. The first mention of the different new look comes on page nine of the press kit, and then it is dismissed in just nine words: “a deep, frameless and all-black BMW kidney grille.” Fact is making the grille tall and thin rather than the short and squat that we have become used to in the M3 for the past 35 years changes the look of the cars substantially.

You can understand BMW’s nervousness over such a styling departure for such a well-loved enthusiast machine with so loyal a following. We were prepared for it after what BMW did to the new 4 Series, but even so many will be shocked, as lively debate on social media forums is already showing.

Everyone will make up their own mind about the styling; for what it’s worth we reckon it looks good and BMW has been at its bold best. It might take a while for all to come round, but remember, BMW styling controversies of the past (and there have been a few) generally turn into triumphs. In a year’s time we’ll wonder what the fuss was all about.

In any case there’s plenty more to get excited about here than just the design. It’s a comprehensive revamp of the outgoing models, based on the all-new platform of the latest 3 Series and, as mentioned, with a long list of enhancements that reflect just what a changed and, claims BMW, improved machine this is.

So, from the top then: More power. Sixty horses more than before in fact. In the Competition versions of both M3 and M4 (the only ones we will get in the UK), a new twin turbo 3.0-litre straight-six develops 510PS (375kW) from 5,500rpm to the redline at 7,200rpm. There’s 100Nm more torque as well, now 650Nm from 2,700rpm.

An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission (with new carbon gearshift paddles) delivers power to the rear wheels and can be optimised for comfort, sports, or track driving. It all means more performance, with 0-62mph now over in 3.9 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155mph but specify the optional M Pro Package and 180mph is available for dedicated autobahn stormers.

BMW is also promising us a better sounding M3/M4, with the song of the straight-six enhanced by electrically controlled flaps in the dual-branch exhaust system to deliver what BMW says is a fantastic soundtrack when Sport+ is selected.

More grip is courtesy of a more rigid new bodyshell, wider tracks, a new 19-inch front, 20-inch rear wheel setup, a low centre of gravity and close to 50:50 weight distribution. New to the M3 and M4 is M Traction Control with 10 stages of driver-selected wheel-slip intervention.

Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers is standard and configurable for road or track driving. Even brake pedal feel has comfort and sport settings. The brakes themselves use six-piston fixed-callipers which for the first time you can have in either black or red as well as the usual blue.

Carbon ceramic brakes (spot them by gold painted callipers) are optional and one way the new models are more attuned to track driving. The engine gets a bespoke cooling system to optimise operating temperatures of intercooler, engine block and turbochargers, while the oil supply uses a twin-chamber sump to ensure sufficient oil during the most dynamic track driving. For maximum drift action you can select M Dynamic mode (a button on the centre console) – or turn stability control off altogether.

Does it have more downforce? There’s no data on that. But with plenty of aero optimisation – the extended side sills, shapely mirrors, traditional M gills, rear spoiler, diffuser and fins – BMW says airflow is improved. The rails that run down the carbon-reinforced plastic roof (standard on both models) also help airflow.

M aficionados who know their M options and drive modes have plenty to savour thanks to what BMW says are more ways to customise the cars. Option packs comprise Comfort, M Carbon, Visibility, Technology Plus, M Pro and Ultimate. The M Pro focuses on track driving with its carbon-ceramic brakes and M Driver goodies. It’s the ideal accompaniment for the equally new M Drive Professional control system which includes a lap-timer and data recorder along with the M Drift Analyser so you can see just how good you are when going sideways. A new standalone option is carbon-reinforced composite bucket seats that save almost 10kg over the standard offering.

And, yes, for the first time in the history of the M3 you can get either saloon or coupe versions with all-wheel-drive. The xDrive system is aimed at endowing the car with more traction and directional stability, while switching off the DSC will disconnect the multi-plate clutch so all power goes to the rear wheels only. The M3 and M4 Competition xDrive models arrive later, from summer 2021.

Also coming later will be the first M3 Touring estate – with all-wheel-drive, quite the Audi RS4 quattro rival – along with a convertible, Gran Coupe and likely new CS versions.

For now though we have the four door, five-seat M3 saloon (from £74,755) and the two-door, four-seat M4 coupe (from £76,055) and both are due to hit UK roads next March. Look out for the new colours – Sao Paulo Yellow, Toronto Red and Isle of Man Green. They might even make you forget that new grille…