BMW M3 and M4 get Competition Pack boost

Upgrade package gives performance models more power, new suspension, and some cosmetic tweaks

BMW has revealed a new trim level for its M3 and M4 production models, ramping up the performance and introducing new styling details.

There's no change to torque output - that stays at 405lb ft - but it does shave 0.1 second off the 0.62mph times of the M3 saloon and M4 coupe, now touted to be 4.2 seconds in cars with a manual gearbox and 4.0 in DCT dual-clutch automatic gearbox cars. Fuel economy also remains unchanged while all iterations of the car – saloon, coupe or convertible and with a manual or DCT gearbox – will still get around and above 30mpg.

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BMW's M-Suspension set-up comes as standard, although now with new springs, dampers and roll bars. The driving mode set-ups, allowing driver to choose between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, have been reconfigured and there are new differential and stability control set-ups in the search for more performance.

Looks-wise, there are a few changes to give the competition pack a different image over cars in standard trim. There are 20ins multi-spoke alloy wheels influenced by the set worn on the hardcore 493bhp M4 GTS, as well as gloss-black detailing on much of the exterior trim, such as the distinctive BMW kidney grille. Inside are new lightweight sports seats.

No prices have been announced for the upgraded M-Car, but Auto Express points out that the larger M5 and M6 already have the competition package available and command a £7,000 premium over standard models. They expect a £5,000 increase on the list price of the M3 and M4, making for a price tag "north of £60,000", with Autocar saying that the convertible M4 could cost almost £70,000.

Historically, the M3 has been the recipient of a power-boosting refresher at some point in the model's lifetime, as Top Gear points out in their M3 history lesson.

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