• BMW will launch several new cars in 2021.
• The M3 and M4 will headline the product offensive for 2021.
• The new BMW 128ti will go up against the Golf 8 GTI.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
BMW has an exciting 2021 laying before it, as the Bavarian automaker looks to launch several exciting new models.
The biggest news is the arrival of the new M3 and M4 in the first half of the new year. Powered by a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, the car sends 375kW and 600Nm to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Two variants will make up the M3/4 lineup, that being the Competition models and a 'standard' 353kW/550Nm model. The latter will have a six-speed manual gearbox option, but South Africa will only receive the Competition variants of both M3 and M4.
Two more cars scheduled for a first-half launch is the 4 Series Convertible and Gran Coupe. This follows on from the 4 Series Coupé launched in South Africa at the start of December 2020. Like the Coupé, three engines will make up the powerplants: two petrol and one diesel. The 2.0-litre diesel engine will offer 140kW/400Nm, while the 2.0-litre petrol is good for 135kW and 300Nm. A 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine will headline the range until the M4 Competition arrives. This engine will offer 275kW and 500Nm, sent to all four wheels via BMW's xDrive system. All the engines are turbocharged and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
A car we are particularly looking forward to is the new BMW 128ti. According to BMW, this car will be a direct rival to the new Golf 8 GTI and will, like the GTI, be launched in the first quarter of 2021. The SA-bound 128ti will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that offers 180kW and 380Nm - similar to the GTI - while a European version will boast 195kW/400Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, with 0-100km/h said to be cleared 6.3 seconds.
On the electric front, fans of the brand can look forward to the:
- BMW iX
- BMW iX3
- BMW i4
