The new BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition have officially hit the market in South Africa. Here’s what you need to know.
As we pointed out when the Munich-based firm revealed its new midsize performance twins in September 2020, only the 375 kW Competition derivatives will be offered locally. That means SA buyers again won’t have the option of a manual gearbox.
So, how much are you looking at here? Well, the new G80-generation M3 Competition sedan starts at R1 860 000, while the G82-generation M4 Competition coupé is priced from R1 940 000. BMW SA’s online configurator wasn’t yet live at the time of writing but we’re sure there will be a number of tasty options to specify should your wallet allow.
While these initial variants ship standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, BMW says Competition models featuring the brand’s “M xDrive” (rear-biased) all-wheel-drive system will be available from the final quarter of 2021.
As a reminder, the new M3 Competition and M4 Competition each employ the S58 twin-turbo 3,0-litre inline-six engine, which generates 375 kW and 650 N.m (peak twisting force is on offer between 2 750 and 5 500 r/min). Both the rear-driven Competition-badged sedan and its coupé sibling will blast from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 3,9 seconds (and reach 200 km/h from standstill in 12,5 seconds, says BMW).
The Munich-based firm says the model-specific exhaust system (complete with electrically controlled flaps) provides an “emotionally rich soundtrack”. Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, meanwhile, is standard, along with variable-ratio steering and an M-specific version of the braking system, with two different brake response and pedal feel settings.
Standard specification furthermore includes forged M light-alloy wheels, with 18-inch items wrapped in 275/40 ZR18 tyres up front and 19-inch wheels shod in 285/35 ZR19 tyres at the rear. The roof, meanwhile, is fashioned from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.
Inside, you’ll find “newly developed” electrically adjustable M sport seats and fine-grain Merino leather trim, although BMW also offers optional M Carbon bucket seats enabling the use of multi-point seat belts. Standard equipment inside includes three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting and BMW Live Cockpit Professional (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality).
Pricing:
BMW M3 Competition: R1 860 000
BMW M4 Competition: R1 940 000
