Meet the 2020 BMW M3
After a long period of speculation, we can now confirm that BMW will be offering a manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive version of its new M3, as well as automatic, all-wheel-drive versions of this G20-generation vehicle.
Its twin-turbo, six-cylinder S58 engine, with brake horsepower of either 480 (standard version) or 510 (Competition version), will be the same one used in BMW’s high-performance SUVs, the X3 M and the X4 M. For the sake of comparison, 480 BHP is 30 BHP more than the Audi RS4/5, and 510 BHP makes the Competition equal to the Mercedes-AMG C63 saloon.
Prototypes of the M3 have been undergoing testing in Scandinavia. Although the spy shots captured during this testing show the M3 under a cover of camouflage to hide its exterior’s details, we can still make out features such as:
- Quad exhaust pipes - a trademark of the M3
- Large alloy wheels
- Brakes that are more powerful than previous models
- Rear spoiler that keeps the rear axle low, part of an overall improvement of aerodynamics by means of targeted downforce distribution
We can also tell you that the 2020 M3 will weigh about 140 pounds less than its predecessor, with a suspension that’s undergone some tweaking and bodywork that’s stiffer than it was previously.
The M3, along with the two-door M4, will be making their official debuts at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
“Pure” Variants
BMW M division head Markus Flasch stated in a recent interview that BMW was planning to introduce entry-level variants of the M3 and M4, under the tentative names of M3 and M4 “Pure.” For a reduced price, buyers would be forgoing the eight-speed automatic transmission, instead getting a six-speed manual transmission. Instead of the M xDrive system, the Pure line will have a six-speed manual transmission. These versions will also have slightly less power: 454 BHP.
Additionally, the M3 and M4 Pure will be somewhat different in appearance, with restyled wheels, and a different front and rear on the outside and different upholstery and instrument graphics on the inside.
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