BMW launches M3 and M4

BMW has unveiled the M3 Saloon and the M4 Coupe which both get a new 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 431PS replacing the V8 from the outgoing M3 range. They go on sale in the UK in June 2014 with the M3 priced at £56,176 and the M4 costing £56,653.

The new twin-turbocharged engine has been specially developed for these new M models with 550Nm of torque that peaks from just 1850rpm. In comparison the previous V8-powered M3 has 400Nm of torque and 420PS. That gives both models a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds while choosing the optional M DCT automatic drops this to just 4.1 seconds.

That's a significant improvement over the 4.8 seconds of the outgoing M3 Coupe yet the new engine is also more efficient with claimed economy of 32.1mpg on manual models with CO2 of 204g/km. That's helped by the fact the new models are more than 80kg lighter thanks to more lightweight materials and a carbonfibre reinforced plastic roof.

The standard six-speed manual uses new carbon friction linings for better shifts and now automatically blips the throttle on downshifts, previously a feature only available on the M DCT gearbox. The double clutch M DCT has a launch control function which helps reduce the 0-62mph time along with various Drivelogic modes which give the driver the option of changing the driving characteristics from a comfort and economy to an even sportier set-up.

Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on all models and has Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes so you can alter the stiffness depending on the road conditions. Alongside the standard brakes, carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option and come with gold callipers.

Inside there are plenty of BMW M details including M branded door sill trims, gear lever, instruments, leather steering wheel and metallic shift paddles on M DCT models. There is also Anthracite headlining and bespoke front seats based on bucket seats with width adjustable side bolsters. They are also heated and electrically adjustable.

Standard equipment on both includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and the full BMW Professional Media package with upgraded Bluetooth system.