2015 BMW M3 saloon & M4 Coupe
The new Ms that’ll go on sale summer next year
By Shahzad Sheikh
These are the new generation BMW 3 Series cars we’ve really all been waiting for. Oh wait, I mean of course 3 Series, and now ‘4 Series’ because that’s what the coupe version is now called. As such we can herald the arrival not only of the all-new M3 saloon, but also the M4 coupe.
The the cars will debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January and will go on sale in the summer of next year as 2015 models. They’re lighter, fitter, faster.
Here are the key facts.
We’re back to straight-sixes for the engines which will be 10kg lighter than the outgoing V8s in the previous M3. The M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-litre unit (the first M3 with a Turbocharged engine) revs up to 7600rpm and delivers 425bhp (11bhp more than the V8) between 5500-7300rpm, with a peak torque up 40% to 406lb ft from 1850rpm righ tup to 5500rpm.
This will give the cars a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds (half a second quicker than before) and that’s with a six-speed manual. Yes thankfully, it still comes with a manual transmission, which now has throttle blipping on downshifts, so no need to heel-and-toe yourself.
Of course the Auto does that too, and much more besides. It’s the one probably all the Middle East cars will come with, and the good news is that it’s quicker: 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds. The M-DCT is a 7-speed double-clutch with integrated Launch Control. It also helps the stability control by being able to open the clutch to cut understeer.
There’s an emphasis on better aero for these new M cars, and of course they come with rear-wheel drive and Active M Differential – which uses an electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential and works in tandem with the stability control. The M Dynamic Mode ‘allows greater wheel slip and therefore easy drifting’ – whopee!
It does have electronic power steering, but it’s the latest version with adjustable asistance and comes with three modes.
It has stronger brakes and lighter suspension (also offering three modes) and rear axle with carbon roof and carbon componenets in the engine bay.
M3 Saloon interior
And for those of you who like taking your Ms to track days, there is an enhanced oil-supply system to make sure the engine is never deprived.
Prices will be revealed closer to its time of launch in the Middle East.
M4 Coupe interior
Let us know what you think of the new M3/M4 below
