So, do you like the kidney grille on the 2021 BMW M3 and M4?

MANILA: German auto maker BMW recently revealed the new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe. And, yes, the grille may be a polarizing feature. But more on that later.

Thirty-three years after the arrival of the iconic E30 M3 in US and 35 years after the debut of the first M, the second generation of M4 and the sixth generation of M3 bring are said to bring relentless track and road capabilities for which the model line has been recognized.

Currently, the new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 are considered among the most aggressive models of the brand. This is due to the M-specific design capabilities that distinguish these two new vehicles from their non-M versions.

An optional M Carbon exterior package, a carbon fiber roof, newly designed forged M light-alloy wheels (18 inches for the front, 19 inches for the rear), and exceptional exterior paint colors highlight the function and form of the new BMW M3 and M4.

Other exterior features that are emphasized in these new BMW M models include the deep and massive frameless BMW kidney grille, which the hood and front bumper lines converge into. These vehicles boast full LED headlights with U-shaped fiber-optic light guides for daytime driving lights as standard, BMW Individual shadow line lights, and the adaptive headlights with BMW Laserlight (available as an option).

The most remarkable design feature along the conspicuously flared fenders of the new M3 and M4 are its extended side sills. The rear wheel arches and front fenders of both models have a flared M-specific design that provides space for wider wheels and tracks that aid in providing vehicles their cornering capacity.

The roof of these two new BMW models is constructed from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). Slender, darkened rear light clusters with L-shaped LED taillights are extended into the fenders and further enhance the width of the new M3 and M4.

The new M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe are both powered by the newest version of the 3.0-liter, inline-cylinder, BMW Twin Power Turbo S58 motors that generate up to 503hp. The engine also provides an option of the traditional six-speed manual transmission, which is something unique to the models’ category.

By the middle part of 2021, the M xDrive will be added to the Competition models of the the M3 and M4, which is expected to further improve traction abilities.

Through continuous work, BMW M GmbH has improved power in the new M3 and M4 by 48hp over the earlier models and by 59hp and 99Nm of torque in the new Competition models over previous Competition package-fitted vehicles.

The new S58 powerplant produces 473hp of output and 550 Nm of torque. As for the the S58 engine of the Competition models, it is tuned further to generate 503hp and 649Nm of torque.

The significantly improved torque of the M3 and M4 Competition models mean that such models are fitted with a standard M Steptronic automatic transmission with Drivelogic.

Choosing the optional M Drive Professional delivers the new M Traction Control function. Moreover, as it is first introduced in the new BMW M3 and M4,the new traction control enables the driver to establish the intervention thresholds for wheel slip.

New optional interior features introduced in the M3 and M4 are the electric front M Carbon bucket seats, which blend racing functionality with comfort and lightweight design for long distances.

The newly developed seats also have an illuminated model emblem and incorporated head restraints.

Taking into account the brakes of the new BMW M3 and M4 are the cornering brake control (CBC) and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with M-specific configuration to aid in the optimization of accuracy, the integrated braking system for stability control to lessen understeering and oversteering, and a complete range of supporting system that includes start-off assistant, dry braking, brake assist, and automatic differential brake (ADB-X) functions.

The new 2021 BMW M3 and M4 feature standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 10.25-inch digital, high-resolution touch screen center display and fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display.

The newest iDrive 7.0 operating system features navigation with wireless connectivity for mobile devices, which include BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and M-specific displays for the optional head-up display and instrument cluster, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility as well as the new cloud-based BMW Maps.

The standard driver assistance systems of the new M3 and M4 include the automatic high beam assistant, park distance control, active driving assistant, and active protection.

The optional driving assistance professional package for the Competition models feature the surround view with 3D view, BMW Drive recorder, emergency stop assistant, evasion aid, active blind spot detection, active lane keeping assistant, extended traffic jam assistant for restricted access highways, and active cruise control with stop and go.

By March 2021, four models will be rolled out in the global market debut of the new BMW M3 and M4, namely, the rear-wheel drive (RWD), automatic transmission M3 Competition Sedan and M4 Competition Coupe, as well as the RWD, manual-transmission M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe.

So, do you like the grille?

Photos from  BMW

Also read: Yes, BMW is working its first-ever M3 Touring model