On a breezy airfield North of Auckland on Monday, BMW NZ revealed their two latest M Performance sports cars in spectacular fashion - the M3 and M4. These are the latest sixth-generation high performance sports sedan and coupé from BMW M and feature all-new motorsport-inspired platforms, power and styling. 

After a quick briefing with MD Karol Abrasowicz-Madej and Product Manager Tim Michaelson, we were introduced to the new machines. Out of nowhere, we suddenly heard the overwhelming noise from a large Black Hawk helicopter and headed outside to see it roaring overhead and hovering over two fantastic looking BMWs. The chopper then proceeded to race them down the runway and, needless to say, the BMWs won and the cars made their way over to us for a closer look. What an introduction.

Skilled drivers were behind the wheel as we all took turns to be passengers as the cars raced each other and performed controlled slalom turns and passing manoeuvres to test the new performance and safety features. 

The cars are fitted with carbon bucket seat upgrades which are incredibly snug to fall into, so much so that you may not want - nor be able to - easily get back out of the car.

Our short sharp blast down the runway was an insight into how these cars perform, and while only a short blast, we certainly got a good impression of what they’re capable of - positive brake feeling, no body roll in slalom turns and rapid acceleration (0-100km/h in 3.9s). Not to mention the stunning staunch looks.

Two or four doors?

M cars are based on the generic BMW models like the Series 3 Series 4, but add an ‘M’ in front and you have a top-spec, track ready, high performance sports machine.

BMW M3 2021 in Isle of Man Green

Both cars are very close in performance and spec, it just comes down to a decision of two or four doors. The M3 four-door is the most popular to date, and BMW NZ expect it to outsell the M4 by two to one in New Zealand, although there may be an initial rush of early adopters in favour of the M4.

These cars are both immediately recognisable from the front due to an M-specific version of the large vertical BMW kidney grille with horizontal bars that complement powerfully sculpted wheel arches, as well as prominently extended side sills and extended front and rear aprons.

Why the fuss?

The sales stats reveal that good old NZ has the highest percentage of M and M Performance badged cars in the world - one in four vehicles sold in NZ feature the M badge. You can bet your life on these cars flying out of the door as they go on sale.

BMW M4 in Sao Paulo Yellow

Both cars receive a carbon fibre roof as standard, but you can opt for a sunroof as a no cost option (NCO). If you want the full monty and go for the ‘M Carbon Package’, which includes carbon bucket seats, an exterior trim and spoiler enhancements, it will set you back an additional $13,500.

Both cars offer a very illustrious suite of features and goodies as standard, like Laser Lights, Active M Differential, Adaptive M Suspension, blue painted brakes and metallic paintwork. On top of this, you get a plush interior adorned with full leather ‘Marino’ upholstery and a Harman/Kardon Surround Sound system. Both cars also come standard with a sports exhaust system with electronically-controlled flaps, adding more aggression to the car’s power package at the touch of a button.

If you have a thirst to stand out and jazz up your new purchase from BMW, there’s even an M Performance parts shop coming. 

 Safety systems

• Eight airbags
• Driving Assist Professional
• Active protection
• Parking Assistance Plus
• Automatic and Dynamic Stability Control
• BMW Laser Lights, High Beam Assistant
• Cornering brake control, dry braking, fading support and pull away assistant
• Intelligent Emergency Call

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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