The Powerful Two: BMW M3 & BMW M4 Competition Review

One of the hottest letters in the car world is M, more specifically BMW M. The flagship of the performance division at BMW has always been the M3 - once available in sedan, coupé and convertible form. But since the last two generations the two-door model has been badged M4, and now also get a slightly different styling. The BMW Competition models also add horsepower though. My M3 test car in this special-order Verde Mantis colour is a knockout, and a perfect foil to the more understated though equally stunning Skyscraper Grey metallic on the M4 xDrive Competition. Both cars are available in three variants - the regular M3 or M4, the Competition variant of each, and both have the xDrive option on top of that. As we have seen over the past few years, BMW gives us not just the M model, but amps it up further to create an M Competition model. On some models, things go mental with a lower chassis and even more powerful version called CS.

Both the M3 and the M4 are available in 3 variants - the regular, the Competition, and both have the xDrive option on top of that

Design

The difference really comes from the 3 and 4 series families of vehicles - which have also been separated in design terms this generation. So the M3 is more in-line with the BMW 3 series sedan, while the M4 (and in this case the M4 Competition model I have) is more like the BMW 4 Series. And yes, both have a monstrous grille that BMW design has received much criticism for. On the M4 the size is similar to the regular 4 Series. But on the M3 it is way bigger than on the standard 3 Series sedan. Way way bigger! Honestly, it grows on you. Literally.

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While the M4 is similar in size to the regular 4 Series, the M3 it is way bigger than on the standard 3 Series sedan

But it is not just the grille, the roofline, fenders and lights on the BMW M4 are very different from the M3 sedan. Classic coupé but very muscular - and the LED taillights in particular are really sporty and sexy. The M3 still looks the part of the sports sedan, with more mucle in its flanks and bumpers than the 3 Series sedan. Then there are a lot of blacked out elements on the M4 that I really like. That comes from the fact that the exaggeration on the sporty side increases, because this is the Competition variant.

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Cabin and Tech

Both cars get a well appointed cabin, with enough carbon fibre, leather, and metal inserts to keep the sports enthusiast happy

Mechanically the M3 and M4 are no doubt very similar, and both have the option of buyers choosing that Competition variant. Inside, the cars are well appointed, with the latest connectivity, interface and safety features you can expect - all more or less standard. A virtual cluster with the anti-clockwise tacho, and optional head-up display with M mode displays. The latest iDrive and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are to be expected on a Bimmer. The steering gets the M1 and M2 shortcut preset mode buttons. And yes, both cabins have enough carbon fibre, leather, and metal inserts to keep the sports enthusiast happy. The sports seats with their carbon-fibre insert and in-lit model name logo are so cool. On safety the two cars come fully loaded with the passive and active features that go well beyond market regulations. The same is true of the ADAS on board.

The sports seats with their carbon-fibre insert and in-lit model name logo add a cool touch

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Engine

On the M3 and M4 you get the 3-litre twin power turbo straight-six engine which makes 464 bhp and a juicy 550 Nm of peak torque. The standard transmission is also the delicious 6-Speed manual. Same engine on the Competition models but with 650 Nm of torque. And the power moves up by about 30 bhp. The gearbox option here is only the 8-Speed M Steptronic. And the Competition model has the option of xDrive or All Wheel Drive - a first for the M3.

Both, the M3 and M4 get the same 3-litre twin power turbo straight-six engine which makes 464 bhp and a juicy 550 Nm of peak torque

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Performance

The M3 and M4 get from 0-100 kmph in 4.2 seconds. On the xDrive Competition variant that moves to just 3.5 seconds. Fast, right? The thing that really blows your mind is how with each generation, the engineers at the BMW M division, just make the car even racier, even edgier. I drove the M3 first, and the car does what you know it will, and then some. Yes, everything you expect the name M3 to stand for, you get by the truckload! The dynamics are just unbelievably good. No, make that great. The M3 is a beast - and will go where you want it to, with the poise and manic energy to make you smile ear to ear.

The M3 offers great driving dynamics, and the car can go where you want it to, with the poise and manic energy to make you smile ear to ear

The M3 and M4 have the M Sport differential, M Driving Dynamics control, adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers, and the M steering. The thing that's made my grin even wider today, is something you don't typically get these days with a lot of performance cars, sports sedans, or even sports cars. And that is a manual gearbox. What a delight! I am so pleased that this 6-speed manual is standard here in the US. It gives you a great sense of control, even though I know fully well that it cannot match the shifts you get from the brilliant 8-Speed automatic on the Competition.

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We drove the M4 xDrive Competition, the model that will come to India, and compared to the M3, it feels even more athletic, and more alert

On to the M4 xDrive Competition now. And instantly the car feels even more athletic, and more alert. The all-wheel system helps give you even better cornering and agility. Interestingly it also has a 2WD mode! Steering on this car is just such a delight, that I could literally do this all week, all month. On the high-speed freeway, it goes without saying, the M4 really takes off. It also takes to winding or twisty roads with the ease I had hoped. And what's staggering is - that despite all of the semiconductors and electronics that today make the car what it is, you still get this raw mechanical feel from it, which is absolutely terrific. These two cars epitomise everything we know and love about BMW's M Division. Performance is simply stunning, and the body style means that this can very well double up as your daily driver. Even more practical for family use as a 4-door as in the case of the M3 family. And that it also sounds terrific, well that's the cherry on top. Given I had ample time on both cars - I no doubt enjoyed that performance - and sound! After all, well when you have a whole orchestra at your disposal (with the full pipes section in attendance!), you've simply got to play the symphony!

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Both the BMW M3 and M4 epitomise everything we know and love about BMW's M Division

Verdict

We will get only the M4 Competition xDrive in India around February 2022. The reason is simple - with the 3 Series family already getting a petrol and diesel, as well as the 3 GL (long wheelbase) and the M 340i performance version - introducing the 4 makes more sense. Given that it is going to be a pricey import, offering the full package with the Competition spec and xDrive also makes sense. I only know I will look forward to driving the car when it gets here, since it is one I could drive again and again and again if I can help it!