The all-new M3 and M4 are, reportedly, scheduled to
launch in mid-2020 as 2021 models. Car and Driver notes that the two
models will be powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six
engine announced with the new BMW X3 M and X4 M.
This means they will offer up the same 473 HP in
standard guise, a full 48 HP more than their predecessors. The new models
should also be available in Competition guise from launch with a hearty 503 hp,
which is identical to what the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 of the
Mercedes-AMG C63 delivers.
One key difference between how the M3/M4 and X3 M/X4
M perform is set to be how they send their power to the pavement. The new
high-performance SUV models come with an all-wheel drive system just like the
current M5 but cannot be driven in rear-wheel drive mode like they the M5.
According to some reports, the M3 and M4 will be sold in base form with
rear-wheel drive but, should customers wish to send power to the ground in an
easier-to-control manner, all-wheel drive will be offered as an option.
The M3 and M4 should also differ from most other
current BMW M models as they will arrive as standard with six-speed manual
transmissions and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic as an optional extra. A key change is also set to be
made for the new M4 Convertible: according to Car and Driver. it will ditch the
heavy retractable hardtop in favor of a simpler, and much lighter,
power-operated soft top.
