The BMW M twins land in Mzansi. More M Power to the M people

Image credit: Naresh Maharaj

Very fast on the straights, powerful deceleration as the corners are approached as the cars swing around the corners with a more than fast exit, dropping the hammer to top speeds. These are fast cars and they have to be driven fast.

Allure

These are high-performance cars with an authentic allure that boast cutting-edge racing-car technology and a character profile in the tradition of the original BMW M3 presented 35 years ago. Familiar M blend of dynamism, agility and precision that meets everyday usability and long-distance capability in need.

There is extra variety in the powertrain offering. The BMW M3 Competition Sedan and BMW M4 Competition Coupé are equipped with eight-speed M Steptronic transmissions. The Competition models also available with M xDrive all-wheel-drive system for the first time but we have to wait till later in the year for that.

Six of the best

These beauts have a six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, a high‑revving character with a maximum of 375kW and up to 650Nm.

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Two turbochargers, optimised direct injection, cooling and oil supply adapted for track use, model-specific exhaust system with electrically operated flaps for an emotionally stirring engine soundtrack. The turbo blips are gear-changes that also bring out the best exhaust sounds.

It’s all about the M

It’s simple really. M stands for Motorsport and the M has been around since the 1970s. Today, M produces high-performance variants of nearly every single vehicle in BMW’s line-up.

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Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers and M Servotronic steering with the variable ratio is fitted as standard.

A new integrated braking system with two settings for pedal feel and response. M Compound brakes come standard whilst M carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. These cars are very fast so the braking has to be dynamic when deceleration is needed.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including M Dynamic Mode and, for the first time, integrated wheel slip limitation and M Traction Control adjustable through ten stages.

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Competition models come with M xDrive – front: 19-inch, rear 20-inch wheels. Remember, performance tyres optional.

Cockpit

Ergonomically optimised sports-car cockpit with M-specific displays and controls. Newly developed M sport seats and fine-grain Merino leather trim with extended features fitted as standard; optionally with seat ventilation. New M Carbon bucket seats with structure-based design available as an option.

M-specific control/operating concept with Setup button for direct access to the settings for the engine, chassis, steering and braking system – and, depending on the model and specification, also M xDrive, Gear Shift Assistant and traction control.

Two individually composed overall setups can be activated using M buttons on the steering wheel. BMW Live Cockpit Professional with fully digital display grouping, BMW Maps navigation system and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is standard.

M Mode button enables the intervention thresholds of the driver assistance systems and the displays in the instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display to be configured individually. Road and Sport settings are available as standard; additional Track mode for track driving added when M Drive Professional is specified.

Driver-assist

There is a whole array of a significantly expanded selection of driver assistance systems. Park Distance Control, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Speed Limit Info fitted as standard.

Options include: Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Active Navigation, Emergency Lane Assistant, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant, BMW Drive Recorder and BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific displays.

Hang on to your M Hats, here is the pricing

• BMW M3 Competition sedan - R1,860,000
• BMW M4 Competition coupé - R1,940,000