Now that BMW has “M-ified” much of its lineup, it’s no surprise that each model year brings new and exciting performance cars from the automaker. The 2021 M4 is one of those cars and has several updates from the previous model year. We’ll sidestep a discussion on that beaver-tooth grille and focus on substantive topics here.

The 2021 M4 line is split into two distinct models, one with more power and performance-oriented components to help it achieve dominance on the track. The standard M4 gets a 473-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, a track-ready cooling system, a six-speed manual gearbox, a special M Sport differential, and a bevy of aerodynamics and handling upgrades over the standard 4-Series cars. The red-hot M4 Competition features a 503-horsepower version of the inline-six that is mated to an eight-speed M transmission, and the same track-ready bodywork that its tamer counterpart carries.

BMW’s M cars typically carry several upgrades over their non-M siblings, and the newest M4 is no exception. The M4 gets adaptive suspension that uses electronic shock absorbers to match driving conditions, and several extra points of bracing on the car’s underside help keep things tight and rigid for the best handling and performance possible. That’s in addition to the 2021 M4’s 1.5-inch widened front track, which provides better stability.

Both models get a specially-configured exhaust system that uses baffles to increase or decrease sound levels. Choosing Sport or Sport+ driving modes cranks up the exhaust sound to match the harder-edged characteristics of those two modes. To keep the neighbors happy, BMW has included an M Sound button, which allows the driver to opt for a quieter exhaust no matter the driving mode.

Later, in Summer 2021, BMW says that it will deliver an additional option for the M4 lineup. Where the initial run of M4 and M4 Competition coupes will achieve their awesome performance with rear-wheel drive (RWD), BMW will offer the choice to equip the M4 Competition with xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD), which should help get all of the car’s power and torque to the ground more effectively.

Inside, the new M4 comes standard with an anthracite-colored headliner and aluminum trim throughout. BMW offers a carbon fiber interior-trim package, which adds carbon inlays in the steering wheel, special paddle shifters, and more. Additionally, the M4 is available with special carbon bucket seats. The design features integrated head restraints and an illuminated M4 badge. BMW says that the move to carbon fiber for much of the seats’ construction saves 21 pounds over the standard M seats.

Elsewhere, the M4 gets BMW’s 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen that runs iDrive 7.0 infotainment software. Navigation, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are all standard, while a head-up display (HUD) can be added. The new software offers the ability to interact with the car through voice commands, with the touchscreen, or via the iDrive controller in the center console.

While both the M4 and M4 Competition are currently configurable on BMW’s website, the cars aren’t due to hit the market until at least March 2021. The standard M4 starts at $72,795 and the M4 Competition starts at $75,695, both of which include a mandatory $995 destination charge.