Thirty five years after the debut of the first BMW M3, BMW has presented the latest generation of its high-performance models that fuse track-focused performance with everyday usability.

The new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé occupy very different territory - one a saloon with space for five occupants, the other a four-seater coupé - but they both achieve their common goal of delivering pure driving pleasure.

Class-leading levels of standard equipment plus options that take individualisation to new heights, especially for racetrack outings, ensure both models will continue the success of their formidable predecessors.

Optional equipment is offered in six main packages - Comfort, Technology Plus, Visibility, M Carbon, M Pro and Ultimate. Beyond these packages, there will be a select number of optional items including M Brakes in red, blue or black, M Carbon exterior, M Carbon seats and Park Assistant Plus with Drive Recorder.

Under the bonnet of the new BMW M3 Competition Saloon and new BMW M4 Competition Coupé lies a 510hp high-revving straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which teams up with an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission as it sends its power to the rear wheels.

Both models will also be available (from summer 2021) with M xDrive, which offers even greater directional stability and supreme traction without compromising on agility.

The new BMW M3 Competition Saloon is built at BMW Plant Munich, while the new BMW M4 Competition Coupé is produced at BMW Plant Dingolfing. The market launch in the UK for both models is Saturday 13 March, 2021.

More performance, more driven wheels, more inimitable M feeling. Just a few months after the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé went on sale, BMW M GmbH has added another two variants to the model line-up by offering the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the high-performance sports cars in the premium midsize segment for the first time. Precisely channelling the engine's power to all four wheels brings supreme dynamic prowess to the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.

The power from the 375 kW/510 hp straight-six engine fitted in the new models is directed via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. The M-specific all-wheel-drive system then divides it between the front and rear wheels as required to enhance agility, directional stability, traction and track-focused dynamics at all times. This allows the driver to experience an intoxicating interpretation of the hallmark M performance characteristics reflected, among other things, in even quicker acceleration. The launch of the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive will get underway in July 2021.

M xDrive and Active M Differential for superior handling dynamics

The M xDrive system's specially tuned power transmission control already provides a smile-inducing alternative to classical rear-wheel drive for a host of high-performance models from BMW M GmbH. Teaming up with the all-wheel-drive system is the Active M Differential, which also ensures fully variable distribution of drive torque between the rear wheels as the situation demands. This helps to transfer the drive torque to the road without any loss of power, especially when the car is being pushed hard or has less grip on one side. The M xDrive system and the Active M Differential - complete with its integrated M-specific traction control - link up with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system to ensure precisely judged interaction for the driving situation at hand. The clear aim here is to produce a supremely dynamic driving experience blending the customary M feeling with noticeably enhanced traction and directional stability.

The M xDrive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case for smoothly adjustable, fully variable distribution of drive torque between the front and rear wheels. The multi-plate clutch's oil supply has been optimised to keep the variable power splitting mechanism performing effectively even under hard driving on the track. The task of transmitting power to the front and rear differentials is handled by driveshafts engineered specifically for the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. The output shafts that relay the drive torque to the wheels are likewise bespoke items. The all-wheel-drive system has a rear-biased setup in classic M style. Normally, the drive power is channelled entirely rearwards, with the front wheels only being brought into play when the rears cannot feed any more power to the road.

The transfer case features a bespoke control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This enables it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels exceptionally quickly without having to involve the central DSC management. This results in enhanced all-wheel-drive performance whose principal effect is to further intensify the sense of unshakable poise for which M models are renowned in highly dynamic driving situations, such as powering through corners in a controlled drift.

The improvements in traction, handling stability, agility and dynamism brought about by the combination of M xDrive and Active M Differential also translate into superior sprinting ability. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive both need just 3.5 seconds to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark from standstill, making them 0.4 seconds quicker here than their rear-wheel-drive equivalents.

The dynamic transmission of power to the road in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive takes place via standard M light-alloy wheels measuring 19 inches in diameter at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear. The forged wheels in twin-spoke design with a Jet Black finish are fitted with tyres measuring 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear. Specially designed track tyres with the same dimensions are also available as an option.

Major technical modifications optimise performance characteristics

The all-wheel-drive technology in the new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive is complemented by a double-joint spring strut front axle redesigned for these models and featuring specially adapted front axle geometry and an individually tuned steering ratio. These extensive bespoke modifications for the all-wheel-drive system ensure that both the existing pure rear-wheel-drive variants and their new M xDrive siblings stand out with their engineered-without-compromise, signature M steering characteristics. The all-wheel-drive models additionally benefit from a specially adapted version of the engine oil supply system designed to handle extremely dynamic performance.

Three M xDrive modes enable a customised M feeling

M xDrive also allows the driver to tailor the all-wheel-drive system's characteristics and performance to the driving situation and their individual preferences. The desired setting can be selected directly from the Setup menu of the M-specific operating system, where there is a choice of three different power transmission modes. In the default 4WD setting, the all-wheel-drive system offers maximum traction and precisely controllable handling while maintaining a distinctly rear-biased power split at all times. Activating 4WD Sport mode directs an even greater proportion of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, even in extremely dynamic driving situations, resulting in sharper agility. The linear build-up of lateral forces so characteristic of M models now also makes it possible to execute controlled drifts. Drivers can also switch off the DSC system altogether and engage 2WD mode, where drive power is relayed solely to the rear wheels. If the optional M Traction Control is fitted, traction can be finely adjusted through ten stages in this setting in the same way as on the rear-wheel-drive models. This form of power transmission without any intervention from the chassis control systems to stabilise the vehicle allows seasoned drivers to enjoy a driving experience of remarkable purity and hone their skills with the help of the optional M Drift Analyser.

Drivers can set and store their preferred M xDrive mode as part of the two individual M1 and M2 configurations, together with the settings for engine characteristics, damper response, steering characteristics, braking system and other parameters. Either configuration can then be called up instantly at any time by pressing one of the two M buttons on the steering wheel.

Individual M feeling: six models each with their own character

By adding two all-wheel-drive model variants to the range, BMW M GmbH now offers an unrivalled variety of high-performance midsize models. The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé offer a unique selling point over their rivals in their combination of rear-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox. Drive power in the BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé is likewise directed to the rear wheels, here via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.

This quartet is joined by the newly arrived BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive and BMW M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive. This means the latest model generation already spans six vehicles with distinct characters, each providing their own individual recipe for a sublime high-performance sports car offering unrestricted everyday usability. And customers will soon find even greater scope for matching M's distinctive approach to high-performance driving with their personal style when the new edition of the BMW M4 Convertible joins the model range in late in 2021.

BMW is finally taking the wraps off the 2022 M4 Convertible, which sidles up alongside the previously unveiled new M4 coupe. The droptop version will be offered exclusively in the M4's more extreme, higher-horsepower Competition form with standard all-wheel drive, so its full name is the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible with M xDrive.

Skipping over the base M4's 473-hp twin-turbo straight-six, the new convertible instead gets the full-fat 503-hp version of the S58 engine, which also makes 479 lb-ft of torque, unchanged from the M4 Competition coupe. They represent increases of 59 hp and 79 lb-ft over the previous M4 convertible with the Competition package. BMW says the new convertible will rocket from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and, with the higher speed limiter that comes with the optional M Driver's Package, it will top out at 174 mph. You may want to strap your ball cap to your head.

Because the convertible comes only in Competition form, it will not be available with a manual transmission, which is offered only with the standard version of that engine. Instead, all 2022 M4 convertibles come with an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission. The convertible also comes standard with xDrive all-wheel drive, which is optional in the M4 Competition coupe. The system incorporates an Active M electronically-controlled limited-slip rear differential and offers three drivetrain modes: 4WD (rear-biased all-wheel drive), 4WD Sport (further-rear-biased all-wheel drive) and 2WD (true rear-drive that requires the DSC to be switched off).

Compared to its predecessor, the new M4 Convertible is 4.6 inches longer and rides on a 1.8-inch longer wheelbase. The M4 Convertible shares the 1.4-inch wider body design of the M4 coupe, relative to the standard 4 Series.

It also comes with an Adaptive M suspension and staggered, 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels. M Compound brakes with blue calipers are standard, while black or red calipers are optional. So, too, are Carbon Ceramic brakes (with gold calipers). In addition to the usual BMW Comfort, Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus modes for various elements, there are configurable Road, Sport and Track modes accessed via the M Mode button.

Like the already-introduced 430i and M440i convertibles, the new M4 cabrio ditches the previous generation's retractable hardtop in favor of a soft top. BMW refers to the roof design as a "panel bow soft top", as it uses wider panel-like support elements rather than traditional metal top bows, creating a smoother appearance. The top can be opened or closed when driving at speeds up to 31 mph or remotely via the key fob. Of course, the soft top is lighter than the previous retractable hardtop (by 40 percent) and stows more compactly, allowing for 9 cubic feet of luggage space versus 7.8 in the previous M4 convertible.

The cabin features aluminum Tetragon trim or option carbon fiber. Merino leather-upholstered M Sport seats are standard, while lighter-weight (but still power-adjustable) M Carbon bucket seats are optional. Both include illuminated M logos. A digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central display are standard, and a head-up display is optional.

Pricing for the 2022 M4 convertible opens at $87,295, a roughly $12k premium over the M4 Competition coupe (although part of that is the standard xDrive). Buyers will likely spend more, however, depending on how deeply they delve into the options sheet. Among the temptations are the M Driver's Package, the Driving Assistance Professional Package, the Executive Package and the Parking Assistance Package. Individual options include: M Drive Professional, M Carbon Ceramic brakes, M Carbon bucket seats, ventilated seats, and various trim elements. The 2022 M4 Competition Convertible launches this October.

The new BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé is a car that delivers on so many fronts, combining sporting elegance with driving pleasure and, with five full-size seats, a roomy cabin and a versatile luggage area, it also represents modern functionality that is hard to emulate.

BMW has raised the bar even higher with the new BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé, building on the success of its predecessor. The latest version offers even sharper looks, improved driving dynamics, a superior engine line-up and even more interior space.

Like its recently updated BMW 4-Series siblings, the third body variant in the range adopts the brand's new design language, along with a refined premium ambience in the cabin and a wide array of innovations in the areas of control/operation and connectivity.

Four doors, five full-size seats, a large wide-opening boot and a versatile luggage compartment also ensures the new BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé retains its characteristic strengths in both everyday driving and on longer trips.

The new edition of the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé will be built at BMW Group Plant Munich together with the all-electric BMW i4. Assembly of both at the company's home plant will be almost entirely integrated into the manufacturing process developed for the BMW 3-Series Saloon and BMW 3-Series Touring models.

The UK market launch of the new BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé will get underway in November 2021. The new BMW 4-Series Gran Coupé is available to order and is priced from £40,465 OTR.

With its next-level power and intelligent lightweight design, two-seater configuration, model-specific chassis upgrades and equipment features selected specially for the job at hand, the new BMW M4 CSL has track driving as its raison d'être. The genes the M4 CSL shares with its competition-spec sibling, the BMW M4 GT3, are also reflected in its performance attributes. In test runs on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit, the BMW M4 CSL posted the fastest lap times ever for a series-produced BMW car. On the version of the track traditionally used for comparison purposes - which is 20.600 kilometres / 12.8 miles in length and doesn't include the straight at section T13 - it stopped the clock at 7 min. 15.677 sec. Its official and notarised lap time for the 20.832-kilometres / 12.943-mile circuit (the complete lap) was 7 min. 20.207 sec. Acceleration figures of 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 10.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) are similarly impressive.

"Competition, Sport, Lightweight": a recipe with a rich tradition.

The stripped-back racing character of the BMW M4 CSL is underpinned by a time-honoured concept that harnesses cutting-edge development expertise and the latest technology to create an enthralling end result. "CSL" stands for "Competition, Sport, Lightweight", referencing the critical role of weight-minimised design in achieving success in motor sport. The BMW 3.0 CSL developed by BMW Motorsport GmbH according to this same principle won the European Touring Car Championship at the first attempt in 1973. And the M4 CSL is also following in the tyre tracks of successful special-edition models from earlier generations of the BMW M3/M4, most notably the legendary BMW M3 CSL from 2003 and the BMW M4 GTS unveiled in 2016.

For BMW M GmbH, the world premiere of the new BMW M4 CSL at the 2022 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este will be one of the highlights of its 50th anniversary year. Production of the special-edition model will begin - in a limited run of exactly 1,000 examples - at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing in July 2022.

Present and correct in the fundamentals and the details: intelligent lightweight design in the BMW M4 CSL.

Its talent for innovation and racing-car know-how enabled BMW M GmbH to restrict the special edition's DIN kerb weight to 1,625 kilograms. A standout power-to-weight ratio of 2.95 kilograms per hp (4.01 kg/kW) provides the ideal platform for a dynamically sublime driving experience.

Fitting M Carbon full bucket seats reduced weight by around 24 kilograms on its own compared with the standard seats fitted in the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. 21 kilograms were saved by removing the rear seats and seat belts, integrating a partition and making the associated modifications to the luggage compartment. And chassis changes, including the addition of extra-lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes and special light-alloy wheels, springs and struts, lowered the figure by around another 21 kilograms. Paring back the amount of soundproofing plus switching to ultra-lightweight sound insulation saved around 15 kilograms, while the use of components made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) deducted some eleven kilograms. For example, in addition to its CFRP roof, the bonnet and boot lid of the BMW M4 CSL are also hewn from this lightweight high-tech material, as is its centre console. And a titanium rear silencer cuts more than four kilograms from the weight of the exhaust system. Detail modifications to areas such as the BMW kidney grille, rear lights, floor mats and automatic climate control shave off another four kilograms.

Exclusive exterior paint finish, model-specific design features

The body of the BMW M4 CSL is painted in the exclusive Frozen Brooklyn Grey metallic as standard. This exterior shade teams up with exposed carbon-fibre surfaces and red accents to create a visually expressive appearance of sporting purity. Alternatively, customers can specify their new M4 CSL in Alpine White solid or Sapphire Black metallic.

The carbon-fibre structure of the body components is visible in various areas, including the two chiselled indents in the bonnet. The surfaces of the indents - which are not painted in body colour - are highlighted additionally by red outlines. Red accent lines also bring extra emphasis to the two fins on the CFRP roof of the new BMW M4 CSL, the contours of its side sills, the black model badges, and the model-specific CFRP splitters and air curtain inserts in the front apron.

BMW Laserlight: yellow headlights and innovative rear lights

The optionally available BMW Laserlight headlights bring another head-turning accent to the front end of the new BMW M4 CSL. Both in the welcome effect triggered when unlocking the doors and when the low and high beam are switched on, these headlights illuminate in yellow rather than white, bringing to mind the look of successful GT racing cars.

The LED rear lights of the new BMW M4 CSL are equipped as standard with technology making its debut in a series-produced car. Their glass covers have intricate light threads woven into them which are illuminated using laser technology, bringing a vibrant structure to the surface of the lights. This creates a highly distinctive light signature that is recognisable from a long distance during the hours of darkness.

Six-cylinder in-line engine with race-focused character

The model-specific power unit of the BMW M4 CSL is based on the same high-revving, six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology found in the BMW M4 GT3 racing car. Its substantial performance reserves enabled a major hike in power without having to make any concessions in terms of stability or durability. Key to this power boost was an increase in the maximum charge pressure of the two mono-scroll turbochargers from 1.7 bar to 2.1 bar and model-specific tweaks to the engine management. The BMW M4 CSL's engine develops peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) between 2,750 and 5,950 rpm. Its maximum output of 405 kW/550 hp is produced at 6,250 rpm.

The race-derived design of the 3.0-litre engine is focused squarely on high revs and maximum power development. The crankcase's sleeve-free, closed-deck construction helps to make it extremely rigid, while the forged lightweight crankshaft allows it to handle extremely high levels of torque. Another special M-specific feature is the cylinder head core made using 3D printing techniques.

Both the cooling and oil supply systems are designed to handle the particular challenges presented by track driving. The twin-tailpipe exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps and weight-minimised titanium rear silencer additionally generates a racing-car-inspired, emotionally engaging engine note created especially for the new BMW M4 CSL.

The drive torque produced by the engine is relayed to the rear wheels of the new BMW M4 CSL via an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Model-specific mountings for the engine and transmission ensure the engine's power is translated into dynamic performance in exceptionally rapid and direct fashion. The firmer connection of the engine and transmission to the car's structure is clearly perceptible, especially under hard driving.

Optimised body rigidity, model-specific chassis technology

Like the engine in the new BMW M4 CSL, its chassis technology benefits from a wealth of detail upgrades - which have been tailored to the power unit's performance characteristics. These modifications also factor in the substantial reduction in vehicle weight at play here and the model-specific improvements to body rigidity, allowing the blend of handling agility, dynamism and precision for which BMW M cars are renowned to be taken to new heights.

In the engine compartment, a composition of front-end strut braces developed entirely from scratch raises the body rigidity of the new BMW M4 CSL up another level. Using numerical models, the geometry of the cast aluminium elements between the spring strut towers and the front end has been adapted precisely to the forces exerted in different driving situations.

The individually tuned axle kinematics and model-specific wheel camber settings, dampers, auxiliary springs and anti-roll bars optimise steering precision, transmission of lateral control forces when cornering, spring and damping response, and wheel location. The model-specific wheel suspension is accompanied by a drop in ride height of eight millimetres compared with the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. Also to be found on the standard equipment list for the special-edition model are adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio and M Carbon ceramic brakes. An M-specific version of the integrated braking system offers the driver excellent pedal feel even when pushing the dynamic limits and in adverse road conditions.

M Traction Control optimised for the track

The standard-fitted M Traction Control function with model-specific track tuning lets the driver set individual intervention thresholds for wheel slip limitation. On dry surfaces, stages 1 to 5 of M Traction Control help the driver to execute controlled drifts. Stages 6 to 10 are based on the application developed for touring car racers and make allowance for both surface conditions and tyre temperature to maximise traction and directional stability.

Also specified as standard are forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive cross-spoke design (19 inches at the front axle and 20 inches at the rear). These are fitted with high-performance tyres specially developed for the special-edition model in size 275/35 ZR19 (front) and 285/30 ZR20 (rear).

Equipment designed to provide a race-car feeling and everyday usability

Model-specific equipment features give the BMW M4 CSL a distinctive balance between sports car purism, unrestricted everyday usability and exclusive premium substance. The M Carbon full bucket seats for the driver and co-driver are marked out by their self-supporting CFRP structure and purposeful rejection of comfort-enhancing features. They have a fixed backrest angle, forward/back adjustments can be made manually, and the seat height can only be adjusted in a workshop using a three-stage screw linkage. The M Carbon full bucket seats also have detachable head restraints and allow the integration of a six-point belt system.

The M Alcantara steering wheel, anthracite-coloured headliner, Carbon Fibre interior trim strips, "CSL" badges on the seats, centre console and rear panel, plus M-specific displays also help to create the perfect on-board setting for concentrated driving pleasure. Merino leather trim with extended features and M seat belts are also standard. Two helmet storage units can be found in the rear compartment.

The M-specific control/operation system includes the M Setup button for direct access to numerous vehicle settings and two M buttons on the steering wheel for storing preferred configurations. Standard equipment also features the M Drive Professional system including M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer, plus the M Mode button for activating the ROAD, SPORT and TRACK settings.

The likewise standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional comprises a fully digital screen grouping made up of an instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch screen diagonal behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch control display. Among its functions are the navigation system BMW Maps, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, smartphone integration, telephony with wireless charging and a Wi-Fi interface. The BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific elements and the BMW Drive Recorder can be ordered from the options list.

The range of comfort-enhancing features and driver assistance systems fitted in the BMW M4 CSL are focused on the essentials, in keeping with its intelligent lightweight design approach and puristic vehicle concept. Standard specification includes automatic climate control, Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info. Two-zone automatic climate control, an alarm, and the Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant systems are available as options.

• Power boosted by 40 hp to 543, weight reduced by 240 pounds, unique chassis enhancements
• Exclusive seating for two, with track-ready M Carbon full bucket seats
• Fastest lap around the Nordschleife of any production BMW: 7:20.2
• Global production limited to 1,000 units
• 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds
• 0 to 120 mph in 10.5 seconds
• Carbon fiber roof, hood, and trunk lid
• Available colors: Frozen Brooklyn Grey, Alpine White, Black Sapphire Metallic
• Production at Plant Dingolfing starting July 2022
• Base MSRP $139,900 plus $995 destination