BMW M3 and M4 pricing announced

BMW has announced pricing for its M3 and M4 performance twins, with the four-door M3 sedan kicking off from $156,900 before on-road costs when its sprints into showrooms in June.

The 4 Series-based M4 coupe will join the M3 in the range at the same time, priced from $166,900 before the likely arrival of the M4 convertible early next year.

Pricing for the M3 sedan marks an $11,900 increase over the launch price of the previous-generation four-door which retailed for $145,000 when it debuted in Australia in late 2008, while the M4 is just shy of $4000 dearer than the previous M3 coupe.

BMW says the price increase is justified by an additional $8500 worth of standard equipment when compared with the previous models.

Rivals including the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan – set to be replaced by an all-new version early next year – currently retails for $156,545 and the C63 coupe starts at $157,545, while Audi's RS4 Avant starts from $149,400 and the RS5 coupe is priced at $155,900.

As reported, BMW has ditched the naturally aspirated V8 engines of the previous generation 3 Series-based M cars in favour of a TwinPower turbo 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder unit pumping out 317kW and 550Nm of torque which is available across a wide rev band and is 40 per cent higher than the outgoing M3.

Both models come standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated launch control, however buyers keen on a manual gearbox can request a six-speed unit as a no-cost option.

The M twins have an identical zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds when matched with the dual-clutch, marking an 0.6 seconds improvement over the previous M3's 4.7-seconds dash.

BMW has not released performance figures for the manual gearbox, but the 4.1-second time for the dual-clutch undercuts its nearest competitors, such as the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Edition 507 (4.2 seconds), Audi A4 Avant (4.7 seconds) and Lexus IS F (4.8 seconds).

An Active M Differential that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip differential improves traction, while the Adaptive M suspension offers Comfort, Sport and Sport + modes allowing the driver to alter damper settings depending on driving conditions.

Lightweight materials have helped BMW engineers cut fuel use and CO2 emissions by 25 per cent with an official European cycle figure of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres, however Australian cycle figures are yet to be announced.

Some of these lightweight materials include carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminium for several body panels and chassis components with the roof of both models made from CFRP. The Bavarian marque claims a weight saving of 60kg over the previous M3.

As mentioned, BMW has upped the standard equipment for the new-generation models with dual-zone climate control, a contactless boot opening, heated and power adjustable front M sports seats, bi-Xenon headlights with a high-beam assist, auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and reversing camera with surround view, adaptive cruise control and 19-inch double spoke alloy wheels all included.

The brutal performance twins also get a 16-speaker 600-watt Harmon Kardon audio system, DAB+ digital radio USB and auxiliary jack, Bluetooth phone and audio, sat-nat “Professional” with a 20gb hard-drive, a high-resolution 8.8-inch colour display and BMW's ConnectedDrive mobile application platform.

The German brand is offering a number of options including head-up display, an electric sunroof and an interior lighting package that features LED reading lights and and ambient lighting throughout. M branding features throughout the cabin, including on the gearshift lever, door sills, leather steering wheel and gearshift paddles, while a BMW Individual roof-liner and black chrome and carbon-fibre accents also feature.

Safety wise, the M cars features six airbags, a high-performance braking system and an optional active protection safety package that closes the windows and sunroof, tensions the seat-belts and applies brakes after a collision to ensure the vehicle does not roll into the path of more vehicles.

BMW Group Australia managing director Phil Horton said the M3 has a solid reputation in Australia and that the new iteration of the brand's mid-size performance hero is likely to be just as successful as previous generation M cars.

“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.” 2014 BMW M3 and M4 pricing*

M3 Sedan $156,900
M4 Coupe $166,900

*Excludes on-road costs