BMW gets competitive with M3 and M4

BMW's hi-po M3 and M4 Competition variants sprint into showrooms this month with a $5000 premium over the already spicy models on which they are based.

The Competition moniker is added to the four-door M3 sedan for $144,900 excluding on-road costs, the M4 two-door Coupe is priced from $154,900 and the drop-top M4 Convertible is available from $165,900.

Rather than simply being limited-edition models with a small allocation for the Australian market, or a Competition Package option, the tuned-up trio will form a permanent part of the BMW M line-up taking the number of M3/M4 variants to six Down Under.

Under the chunky bonnet of all three models is BMW's TwinPower turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with the wick turned up to 331kW – a 14kW increase over the standard M3/M4 – while torque remains at 550Nm.

A seven-speed 'M' dual-clutch transmission is standard, but keen buyers can opt for a six-speed manual gearbox at no extra cost.

In auto guise the M3 and M4 Coupe can race from 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds, or 0.1s quicker than the standard models, while the Convertible covers the same distance in 4.3s. When matched with the manual, the 0-100km/h dash increases to 4.2s for the M3/M4 Coupe and 4.5s for the drop-top.

Underneath, the Competition models gain new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and a new calibration for the Active M Differential for improved drivability and traction. They also have machine-polished star-spoke 20-inch M light alloy wheels and mixed tyres (265/30 R20 front and 285/30 R20 rear).

BMW has added new settings in the Adaptive M Suspension set-up for each of the three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ – to complement the upgrades, while the Dynamic Stability Control system has been reconfigured.

The Competition is differentiated from its regular M3 and M4 siblings by a Shadow Line trim that is sourced from the BMW Individual collection, a high-gloss black finish for the grille, side airvents, window trims, the model badge at the rear of the car and the quad tailpipes from the M sports exhaust system that 'crackles' on overrun.

Upgrades to the cabin include special M leather sports that feature cut-outs to reduce weight, and woven BMW M stripes on the seatbelts.

All three body styles feature the same standard specification list as the standard M3/M4 models, which includes a head-up display, extended leather trim that carries over to the dash, extended smartphone connectivity and the keyless comfort access system among many others.

The practically innumerable options for the hot Germans include, but is not limited to, special paint and various upholstery and interior trim choices as well as a selection of safety and comfort packages.

BMW Group Australia head of product and market planning Shawn Ticehurst said the BMW M3 and M4 Competition are a strong addition to the M line-up, following the recent launch of the M2 Coupe.

“With more power, enhanced suspension and bespoke settings for the differential and stability control systems, the Competition variants are aptly named,” he said.

“Arriving hot on the heels of the M2, the M3/M4 Competition models prove that BMW M is on a roll in the company’s centenary.”2016 BMW Performance pricing*

M3 Competition Sedan	$144,900
M4 Competition Coupe	$154,900
M4 Competition Convertible	$165,900

*Excludes on-road costs