These two cars occupy very different territory—one a sedan with space for five, the other a four-seater coupe. However, both come with BMW M’s new 3.0-liter inline-6. Fitted with M TwinPower Turbo technology, they offer a maximum redline of 7,200 rpm. Before the driver reaches that though, 510 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque are served.

With power routed through an 8-speed automatic, 0 to 100 km/h arrives in just 3.9 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 12.5. Moreover, they carry a model-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps for an emotionally rich soundtrack. The soundtrack itself can be influenced by the engine mode selected of which there are three—Efficient, Sport, and Sport+. The driver can even adjust the intensity via the M Sound Control button on the center console.

Channeling all the power to the pavement, both the M3 Competition and M4 Competition come with an extremely rigid body with additional bracing in the engine compartment, front axle subframe, underfloor elements, and rear axle subframe. Couple this with an Adaptive M suspension and forged M light alloy wheels with mixed tires—19 inches in front (275/35R19) and 20 inches at the back (285/30R20). The M Compound brakes painted in red high-gloss with the M logo add a sporty flourish to the car’s exterior.

Speaking of design, the M3 Competition and M4 Competition come with BMW’s new “kidney lung” grille, aero contoured side mirrors, and a roof made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic. Two pairs of exhaust tailpipes, a customary feature found in M cars, is standard and finished in Black Chrome.

The selection of exterior paint finishes includes the new and exclusive shades M Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, Toronto Red metallic and Isle of Man Green metallic. Model-specific BMW M Performance Parts are also optionally available from launch. Click here to know more.

Inside, the M3 Competition and M4 Competition feature sport seats in fine-grain Merino leather and seatbelts with the tri-colored M stitching. Standard features include Park Distance Control and Parking Assistant, a three-zone automatic climate control, LED interior lighting with ambient lighting, a Harmon Kardon surround sound system, the BMW Live Cockpit Professional system with fully digital instrumentation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

For all of its creature comforts, the focus here is the M Drive Professional system. Standard on both these M models, they’re conceived specifically for track driving. It includes the M Traction Control that allows drivers to adjust wheel slip limitations (through ten stages) to the driver’s personal preferences and needs, the M Drift Analyzer, and the M Laptimer. A Setup button on the center console also provides direct access to setting options for the engine, chassis, steering, and braking system.

The BMW M3 Competition retails for P 9.590 million, while the BMW M4 Competition retails for P 9.690 million. 

And because each M model is made-to-order, SMC Asia Car Distributors Corporation is offering a menu of options for further customization. Click here for more details. This includes the M Race Track Package which swaps the wheels for weight-minimized M forged alloy wheels (with semi-slick tires) and M Carbon bucket seats.