I was lucky enough to get a press-day ticket for Beijing International Auto Show, and an exclusive permission from BMW to sit inside the all-new M3, M4!
My first impressions:
-Substantial, the car looks planted and easier for a non-car guy to distinguish the difference between M3, M4 and other models.
-Unlike the previous model, which feels like a younger brother to M5 and M8, the new model looks more like a mighty brother of M5 or M8.
-I like the rear view of the M4 and its coupe silhouette, but the big-grill design looks better on the M3's more defined shoulder lines and more static taillights.
-The plastic frame underneath the body is somehow intruding, but it makes the car looks more performance-oriented.
-The exterior difference between the competition model and base model is less significant
-Both cars are not bad looking in person, but they are less elegant than the previous generation.
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Some quirks&features:
-All front vents are real, I suspect there are designated air tunnels for cooling the brake. The side vents are fake, but they are essential for creating the side profile.
-The indentations on the hood are pointless, but not bad looking.
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-The competition model has more carbon fiber, including the rear wing, rear diffuser, mirror caps, steering wheel panel, shifting pedals, CF bucket seats.
-Other than the rear diffuser, the plastic bar remain plastic in the competition model. I am not sure if this M4 has opted any extra CF parts.
-There is no visible CF under the the hood of the M4 competition
-Both models have CF roof as usual.
-The exhaust pipes of the competition model are black, and for base model they are silver.
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-The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 4s
-The front wheels have smaller rim than the rear wheels, like the new 992.
-The M4 competition in the show room has cinematic brake discs
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-For the first time ever, M3 and M4 have power tailgate
-The base M seat feels similar to the 3 and 4 series, but gripper. The M seats are a little bit thicker but the rear space is plenty for me. (I am 170)
-The CF bucket seat looks so cool, it feels as hard as the previous model with ZCP package, but my body is more confined because of the center bulge when sitting inside.
-The shifting pedals of the M4 competition are carbon fabric with rubber insert and longer length. I think it is more effective for shifting on the race track
-The center arm rest in the M3 is missing, I am not sure if it is only for the pre-production model.
-The extended leather makes the car more on par with the more luxurious M5
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Manual transmission pics.
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Some other cars in the car show
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