BMW is launching a major product onslaught this year. Just this week, the Bavarian automaker presented the 2021 BMW 5 Series facelift with some significant improvements. On June 2, the all-new BMW 4 Series will also be unveiled, meaning we'll finally get to see how the controversial 4 Series Concept has been adapted for production. And now we finally have official confirmation of when the much-anticipated next-generation BMW M3 and M4will break cover.

In a video posted on his Instagram story, BMW M CEO Markus Flasch answers some commonly asked questions. When asked when the G80 BMW M3 and M4 will debut, Flasch confirmed the covers will come off this September, so the wait is nearly over. Production is expected to start in November before sales begin next spring.

The BMW M boss added that final testing of M3 prototypes has begun. A camouflaged prototype shown in the video had only just returned from a workout at the Nurburgring. Flasch also reaffirmed that the M3 and M4 will be available with rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox and a dual-clutch automatic.

Reports have claimed the 'Pure' base version will have RWD and a six-speed manual, whereas the Competition variant will have an automatic transmission and, for the first time in an M3, an AWD setup.

Powering the new BMW M3 and M4 will be a 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six engine shared with the X3 M and X4 M. Flasch has confirmed this engine will produce up to 510 PS (503 hp), matching the output of the X3 M Competition and X4 M Competition. This means the base model will have an output of 473 hp.

After the new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupe debut in September, the M3 and M4 range will be expanded with new convertible models and even more powerful and lighter variants, including an M3 CS that was recently spied undergoing testing for the first time.