BMW has officially unveiled the latest iteration of the legendary M3 badge, and it’s coming to South Africa.
This time around, the M3 is being made available in both Sedan and Touring (estate) body types, which will go into production at the company’s Munich facility from July 2024.
The automaker confirmed that the first units are scheduled to arrive in South Africa in the fourth quarter of this year.
Specifications
Now in its sixth generation, the high-performance model can be had as an estate in South Africa for the first time, offering a greater boot space that sits at 500 litres with the rear seats up, and 1,510 litres when they are folded.
Both versions sport a visually striking design with new Matrix LED headlights with blue inlays, arrow-shaped daytime running lights, L-shaped taillights, a large kidney grille with M-signature horizontal double bars, extended side skirts in gloss black, flared wheel arches, and new front and rear aprons.
Making a return on the M3 are forged double-spoke alloy wheels in silver or black that measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back.
Furthermore, the Sedan gets a new carbon fibre roof, while the Touring is fitted with black roof rails and a rear spoiler.
Power in the flagship 3 Series comes courtesy of a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder in-line petrol plant, which is further boosted by M TwinPower Turbo technologies comprising two mono-scroll turbochargers that each supply three cylinders.
The result is an output of 390kW and 650Nm – 15kW more than the outgoing M3 thanks to an optimization of the digital engine control unit – which lets the sedan soar from 0 to 100km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The estate achieves the same feat in just 3.6 seconds despite its higher kerb weight.
Even better is that the South African BMWs will come standard with the M Driver’s Package, which raises the top speed to 290km/h and 280km/h for the Sedan and Touring, respectively.
Both high-octane BMWs use an intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive layout, which connects to an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission.
The rear axle has an active differential, and the driver can cycle between a 4WD setting for Sport and a 2WD setting with the dynamic stability control disabled for a more authentic rear-wheel-drive experience.
Other standard fittings include adaptive M suspension with electronic dampers and M Compound brakes, though the latter can be substituted with M Carbon ceramic brakes with a gold metallic finish.
Additionally, the M3’s standard blue brake calipers can be swapped out for black or red ones on request.
Rounding out the racing portfolio are an M Traction Control function, an M lap timer, and an M Drift Analyzer.
Inside, you’ll find a newly designed three-spoke leather M steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker, paddle shifters, and two M configuration buttons.
Customers can also opt for an Alcantara finish and a heating function should they desire.
Safety equipment found on both M3s includes front and rear park distance control, adaptive cruise control with a Stop & Go function, front collision warning system, lane departure warning with lane return and steering assistance, automatic speed limit assist, traffic light detection, and a new Park Assist Plus feature.
Much of the cabin is the same as before with carbon fibre inserts and red accents for an athletic flair, and the Sports seats are heated and electronically adjustable with a memory function for added convenience.
The climate controls and seat temperature can now be controlled either using the infotainment screen or by voice commands.
As before, the Merino leather upholstery comes in four different colours, and ventilated seats are available as an option.
The centrepiece of the cabin is the returning dual-screen iDrive display with two monitors measuring 12.3 inches and 14.9 inches in size for the infotainment and driver functions, respectively.
Once again, this can be enhanced with an optional multi-coloured heads-up display that can show a rev dial, shift indicator, and M-specific data.
Other equipment includes automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a central storage compartment, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a wireless charger, cloud-based navigation, and a Harmon Kardon stereo.
Finally, buyers can install an M Carbon package with wider front air intakes, a unique rear diffuser and carbon mirror caps; a M Race Track package with M Carbon ceramic brakes and bucket seats that reduce weight by 25kg; and M Performance Parts for items like forged alloy rims to branded floor mats.
BMW M3 Sedan
BMW Me Touring
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