2014 BMW M3 and M4 pricing and specification

BMW Group Australia has announced the pricing and specification of the all-new BMW M3 sedan, along with its sibling, the M4 Coupé. Both models will arrive in local showrooms from June.

While prices have increased slightly over the outgoing model, with the M3 sedan starting at $156,900 and $166,900 for the M4 Coupé, BMW claims both models have received more than $8,500 of extra equipment and features over the previous models.

At the heart of the new M3 and M4 is BMW’s high-revving 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged in-line engine producing 317kW of power and 550Nm of torque. It propels both cars from 0 to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds while consuming a claimed 25 per cent less fuel.

Thanks to the increased use of lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium for a number of chassis and body components, including a carbon roof, both models are around 60kg lighter over the outgoing M3.

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 is also said to represent 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.

The full suite of Dynamic Stability Control systems is also on hand to ensure optimum traction in all driving conditions. Optimal braking performance is 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.

Both M3 and M4 are equipped as standard with the third generation of the seven-speed M double clutch transmission with integrated launch control.

Outside, both models are 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 sun blinds for the rear side window and electric roller sun blind for the rear windscreen.

Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlights with Anti-Glare High Beam Assist and rear LED lights with dynamic braking light function that provides instant and clear visibility for other road users are standard. 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.

Accompanying the 16 speaker, 600 watt harman/kardon audio system is the DAB+ digital radio tuner, auxiliary-in connection and USB interface.

Also standard is cruise control with braking function and speed limit device andthe navigation system professional which includes a 20 Gb hard drive storage for audio files, a high-resolution 8.8” colour display and the iDrive touch controller.

The BMW M3 Sedan and 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, 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.