So how much of a lump is the new M car, really? Time to get it on the scales…
By Matt Bird / Monday, January 11, 2021 / Loading comments
We all know that the upcoming BMW M3 and M4 are not without their issues. One that perhaps hasn't received as much attention as most is weight. See, it's not exactly light: BMW's official figures put the M4 Competition at 1,725kg without driver, which doesn't compare all that well with the 1,540kg quoted for the old M4 Competition when optioned with the DCT by the same measure.
So, what's BMW done? Well, made a video of course. It shows off the specific lightweighting measures for the new M3/M4, including the forged wheels, the "good weight investment" in stiffening under the bonnet, the carbon bonnet, the new crank (saving 1.5kg) and the new bucket seats. Yellow and blue upholstery not mandatory, thank goodness. Apparently, the sound insulation has been reduced, too.
All of which means the gap isn't quite as large as we were initially led to believe; BMW's F82-era DCT M4 Competition in the vid weighs 1,640kg with a full tank. Which is some gain in four years. And the new car, as a manual, 480hp, non-Competition – "a very lightweight configuration", according to the vid – is 1,674kg. And 34kg really isn't all that much when kerbweights are already well over a tonne and half.
What does this mean for the car? Well, it's obviously still heavier, but then it's also a larger M4 than last time around. Although, let's be realistic: nobody is going to be buying the manual, rear-wheel drive, less powerful M4. They're going to have the four-wheel drive, automatic Competition. And there's got to be 100kg in that equipment. Whether all the work elsewhere will offset that remains to be seen; let's not forget that a C63 is an 1,800kg car, and that's a long way from disappointing. Expect more from the 'M3 and M3 – explained' series very soon…
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