New BMW M3 and M4 Competition Packages revealed

BMW has ramped up the performance of the BMW M3 saloon, BMW M4 coupé and M4 Cabriolet with the introduction of a new competition package, providing the M-car trio with greater power and enhanced acceleration as well altered suspension and a series of subtle styling changes.   

Set to be included on a limited run of 30th anniversary models planned for sale in the UK, the new competition package endows the M3 saloon, M4 coupé and M4 Cabriolet with an added 19bhp through unspecified tweaks to their twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol engines, raising output from a standard 425bhp to a new peak of 444bhp. Torque remains the same at 405lb ft.

We ruin a set of tyres putting the BMW M4 through its paces

BMW claims the mild increase in power contributes to a 0.1sec lowering of the 0-62mph time of its various M3 and M4 models. 

This gives the competition package-equipped M3 saloon and M4 coupé a 0-62mph time of 4.2sec in manual form and 4.0sec in combination with the optional seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with the M4 Cabriolet recording respective figures of 4.5sec and 4.2sec.   

Fuel economy remains unaffected by the hike in power, with the enhanced M3 saloon and M4 coupé recording the same combined figures of 32.1mpg and 34.0mpg in manual and dual-clutch guises as their standard siblings. The M4 Cabriolet returns figures of 31.0mpg and 32.5mpg. 

Accompanying the lift in power are modifications to the suspension used by the M3 saloon, M4 coupé and M4 Cabriolet. Included are new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars together with reconfigured drive modes. The settings of the electronic M differential and stability control system have also been reworked to better match the added performance potential. 

Underpinning the new M-car trio are uniquely styled 20-inch wheels shod with 265/30 tyres up front and wider 285/30 tyres at the rear.

Among the styling changes brought to the M3 saloon, M4 coupé and M4 Cabriolet with the new competition package are a series of Shadow Line exterior enhancements featuring a high-gloss black finish for the kidney grille, side air vents, side window trim, window recess finishers, exterior mirror bases and the model designation adorning the boot lid.  

Inside, there are lightweight sports seats up front and seatbelts with woven stripes. No pricing details have yet been released, but given that the price rise for the M5 and BMW M6 Competition Package is around £7000 over that of the standard cars, expect prices for the go-faster M3 to start from around £62,000, rising to around £69,000 for the M4 Cabriolet.