BMW Group Australia has announced pricing and specification details for the latest version of the company’s iconic mid-sized performance sedan, the M3, along with its stunning sibling, the M4 Coupé.
The new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé showcase the absolute latest in technology and performance know-how and represent a new interpretation of the high-performance sports car under the formidable BMW M philosophy.
Phil Horton, managing director of BMW Group Australia, confirmed the new BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé are the quintessential ‘ultimate driving machines.’
“The M3 has always been synonymous with high-performance sports cars and is revered for delivering refined, razor sharp dynamics and performance,” he said.
“In 2014 the BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé will reset the standard in terms of high-performance precision and agility – and true to form, they are guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of any performance driving enthusiast.”
Pricing on the new vehicles clearly demonstrates BMW Group Australia’s current policy of offering high vehicle content at increasingly attractive price points. In a move designed to comprehensively increase the value equation for customers, both the BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé have received more than $8,500 of extra specifications and features over the previous models. Pricing for the M3 Sedan begins at $156,900 and $166,900 for the M4 Coupé, a small increase over the predecessor which is more than offset by the generous inclusion of standard features.
One of the primary objectives in the development of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé was to ensure the new cars offered impressive race track capability. Naturally, BMW M GmbH turned to the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife – the world’s most exacting race track – as the testing and development ground to ensure the new models comprehensively deliver on that objective. In order to accentuate the racing character of the two models in terms of both their technical composition and the fine-tuning of the cars, engineers worked closely with BMW Motorsport’s professional racing drivers – such as DTM drivers Bruno Spengler and Timo Glock – during the development phase.
The engine is the heart of every M model, and the new turbocharged six-cylinder unit fitted in the two new cars combines the virtues of a high-revving naturally aspirated unit with the strengths of turbocharger technology.
The high-revving six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology newly developed for the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé produces a maximum output of 317 kW. Its peak torque of 550 Nm is available across a wide rev band and outstrips the figure recorded by the outgoing BMW M3 by nearly 40 per cent. At the same time, the engine achieves a reduction in fuel consumption and emissions of around 25 per cent. Both the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé cover the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
During the design process of the new vehicles, a committed lightweight design concept produced a weight saving of around 60 kilograms over the outgoing M3, thanks to the rigorous application of intelligent lightweight design measures. These include the increased use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium for a number of chassis and body components. Both models feature a carbon roof.
Adding to the dynamic repertoire of the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé is the Active M Differential which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential to optimise traction and directional stability. The multi-plate limited-slip differential works with extremely high precision and speed, varying the degree of lock – which may be anywhere between 0 and 100 per cent –as required within a fraction of a second, preventing wheel spin and optimising traction without interruption to the delivery of power.
The electromechanical steering system in the new BMW M3 Sedan and new BMW M4 Coupé represents a new development from BMW M GmbH and the critical component in the link between driver and car. The integrated Servotronic function electronically adjusts the level of steering assistance according to the car’s speed, providing optimum steering characteristics and direct feedback at all speeds. The steering for the BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé also offers the driver three settings as standard, which can be selected at the touch of a button. COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes allow the level of steering assistance to be adapted to suit the situation at hand and the driver’s personal tastes.
The standard Adaptive M suspension likewise comes with COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, enabling the driver to choose between, for example, a more comfortable damper setting for urban driving, a stiffer set-up for dynamic driving on country roads, and a third option that minimises body movements and maximises dynamic performance for use on the track.
As with all BMW products, occupant safety is a high priority and the new M3 and M4 are shining examples of this with six airbags covering driver and front passenger front, side and head curtain airbags that extend to provide protection for the rear seat passengers. The full suite of Dynamic Stability Control systems is also on hand to ensure optimum traction in all driving conditions. Optimal braking performance is also provided by a high-performance braking system boasting four-piston fixed calliper at the front and two-piston fixed calliper for the rear. Additionally the active protection safety package initiates protective measures if an accident is imminent by tensioning the seat belts, closing windows and sunroof (if fitted) as well as applying brakes after a collision to ensure the vehicle doesn’t roll into the path of other vehicles.
The new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé not only deliver head turning styling as well as blistering performance and agility, but are also heavily laden with a nearly identical high level of standard equipment.
Both vehicles are equipped as standard with the third generation of the seven-speed M double clutch transmission with integrated launch control.
The exclusive exterior of both of these new models is defined by the 19” M double spoke alloy wheels in forged Ferric Grey, BMW Individual high-gloss shadow line, M specific front kidney grille and the option of eight exterior colours – including the exclusive Yas Marina Blue and Austin Yellow – all included in the price. Other standard-fitted and exclusive exterior details include a lightweight bonnet with eye-catching power dome, front side panels made from aluminium, sculpted front apron with three large air intakes, hallmark M exterior mirror casings, rear apron with integrated diffuser, exhaust system with four tailpipes, and boot lid with fitted Gurney on the BMW M3 or the aerodynamically shaped lightweight boot lid with integrated spoiler of the BMW M4. In addition the M3 and M4 both come with a carbon fibre roof as standard or – at no additional cost – a glass electric sunroof can be optioned, which deletes the carbon roof.
The interior exudes pure M character with BMW Individual roof liner, M designated door entry sills and gearshift lever, carbon fibre interior trim with black chrome accents, the double spoke M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles and extended leather ‘merino’ upholstery.
Comfort of the occupants is well served with a two-zone automatic climate control system, keyless comfort access system including contactless opening of the tailgate and full electric adjustment including lumbar support and seat heating for the front M sports seats. The standard inclusion of heat/sun protection glazing reduces the heat inside the vehicle on hot sunny days which is further enhanced on the M3 sedan by the addition of roller sunblinds for the rear side window and electric roller sunblind for the rear windscreen.
Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights with Anti-Glare High Beam Assist provide optimal visibility to the driver in low-light or night time driving and rear LED lights with dynamic braking light function provide instant and clear visibility for other road users. Both the interior and exterior rear view mirrors also feature anti-dazzle functionality to eliminate the driver being blinded by other road users coming up from behind. Additional lighting elements are added with the inclusion of the interior lighting package which includes LED front and rear reading lights, LED illuminated vanity mirrors, front and rear ambience lighting as well as lighting in the front footwells, interior and exterior door handles and LED lighting in the boot.
Slow speed and parking manoeuvres are made easy with the standard fitment of front and rear park distance control and a rear view camera and surround view which provides a birds-eye perspective of the vehicle. Responsible highway driving or cruising in the M3 and M4 is also enhanced with cruise control with braking function and speed limit device.
Accompanying the 16 speaker, 600 watt harman/kardon audio system is the DAB+ digital radio tuner, auxiliary-in connection and USB interface providing comprehensive audio possibilities and high-end clarity.
Also standard is the navigation system professional which includes a 20 Gb hard drive storage for audio files to further enhance the entertainment capabilities, a high-resolution 8.8” colour display and the iDrive touch controller. In addition the convenience telephony with extended functionality adds further entertainment versatility with audio streaming as well as Bluetooth functionality and pairing of multiple devices.
The BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupé benefit from the recently launched mobility services introduced under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner. This means both models will come equipped with a permanent SIM card installed with BMW Teleservices and Intelligent emergency call activated. Optionally available is the ConnectedDrive Lifestyle package which includes ConnectedDrive services (BMW Online and apps) and Remote services or the ConnectedDrive Freedom package which adds Real Time Traffic Information and Concierge services as well as ConnectedDrive services and remote services.
Also on the options list is Head-Up Display in the BMW M3 and BMW M4 which comes with additional M-specific functions such as a gear display, rev counter and Optimum Shift Indicator.
A six-speed manual transmission is also available as a no cost option. This newly developed unit is considerably more compact than its predecessor, being 12 kg lighter and also featuring innovative new carbon friction linings in its synchroniser rings, dry sump lubrication and engagement speed control function which blips the throttle on downshift to improve the smoothness of the transmission.
All new BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé models’ maintenance requirements are controlled by BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) program which identifies the condition of a vehicle based on actual use, realising the full potential of a vehicle and minimising costs.
Under the CBS system, sensors and advanced algorithms monitor and calculate the conditions in which the vehicle is used including mileage, time elapsed since the last service, fuel consumption and how the vehicle is driven. The information captured is used to determine the vehicle’s maintenance requirements, indentifying that either an annual vehicle inspection or an oil service is due.
In addition, BMW service and selected maintenance costs can now be covered by a single, one-off advance payment with BMW Service Inclusive (BSI). BSI offers two packages; BMW Service Inclusive Basic provides scheduled servicing cover, while BMW Service Inclusive Plus combines scheduled servicing and selected maintenance items. Based on individual lifestyle needs, a year range and kilometre option is selected, starting from 3 years/60,000kms. The BSI plan provides a long-term solution enabling cover to be extended and transferred to future vehicles owners before expiry.
BMW M3 Sedan and M4 Coupé Australian Pricing:
Australian MRLP*
| BMW M3 Sedan | $156,900 |
| BMW M4 Coupe | $166,900 |
*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) – if applicable, but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.
