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New BMW M3, M4 for SA: Details, prices

BMW's fifth generation M3 sedan and coupe, now called the M4, will arrive in South Africa later in 2014, July. Ahead of the local launch we preview details, specifications and features of the latest-generation M-badged 3 Series. The M4 Convertible will go on sale in October.

The new models mark a shift from the automaker's M-cars naturally aspirated engines to a new turbocharged era, as the M3 and M4 will be powered by a twin-turbo inline six.

The BMW M3 will set you back R955 592 and the M4 R997 500.

GALLERY: 2014 BMW M3
GALLERY: 2014 BMW M4

The turbo engine, mated to a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT), is capable of 317kW/550Nm, which is an increase of 8kW/150Nm compared to the previous E90 M3 (309kW/400Nm).

POWER INCREASE

The power increase translates to a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3sec (4.1sec in auto guise) for either car with top speed limited to 250km/h.

Despite the turbos, the engine’s fuel consumption (over the EU cycle) is rated at a claimed 8.8 litres/100km for the manual (8.3 for the DCT), emissions as low as 194g/km – each an improvement of more than 25% over the previous V8.

Selectable drive modes, programmable through an MDrive manager and activated via the iconic steering-wheel 'M' buttons, offer drivers a choice of pre-configured and balanced vehicle set-ups which also feature different engine sounds.

DESIGN

The new M3 sedan and M4 Coupe – essentially the same car with rear-wheel drive but the latter with a coupe shell - are formed, BMW says, “from a host of finely blended elements, all working in perfect harmony to deliver outstanding performance, precision and agility on road and track”.

The design, the automaker adds, “sought to channel air around the car in the quest for ultimate performance while also ensuring the engine, powertrain and brakes received the requisite cooling, even on a track”.

INSIDE

The cabin has an emphasis on sporty ambiance with traditional M-specific details: M-door sill finishers, M-gearshift lever, M-design circular instruments with white graphics, leather steering-wheel (with M logo, chromed trim and iconic triple-colour contrast stitching) and metallic shift paddles.

Both cars come with an extensive list of standard equipment; adaptive M-suspension, 19”  alloys, heatable and powered M-badged seats, folding exterior mirrors, gloss exterior trim and the BMW Professional audio package with upgraded Bluetooth.

PRICES
BMW M3 Sedan - R955 592
BMW M4 Coupe - R997 500

Click here for full specifications for the new BMW M3 and M4

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