BMW M3 Sedan: Practical Power

Motoring Channel Staff - 26/June/2008

Munich, Germany — The BMW M3 Coupe, launched here in late 2007, has proved to be most successful model thus far in Australia.

Outselling the previous M3 Coupe model by a considerable margin, BMW will build on this success by adding the first ever BMW M3 Sedan to its line-up late this year.

While the exact pricing hasn't been nailed down, it is expected to be priced slightly lower than the M3 Coupe's $157,000.

With four-doors instead of two the BMW M3 Sedan will have more practical applications than the M3 Coupe and will broaden the M3 line-up's appeal.

During 1990s the BMW M3 (E36) sedan was popular in Europe but was not sold in Australia, and this is the first time that a M3 Sedan has been imported into the country.

According to the press release, 'BMW dealers will play Santa Claus this Christmas, presenting a very limited supply of Australia’s first ever BMW M3 Sedans to their very eager new owners'.

However, while it may be a more practical vehicle with four doors instead of two, it still retains the M3 Coupe's fiery character.

Powered by a front-mounted 4.0-litre V8 engine that outputs 309kW of power @ 8300rpm and 400Nm of torque @ 3900rpm, it can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds when coupled to the all-new twin-clutch semi automatic sports transmission.

It will compete with fellow German sports sedans, the Audi RS 4 and Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, and the new Japanese challenger, the Lexus IS-F.

"The arrival of the BMW M3 Sedan in Australia will make Christmas really special for an exclusive band of our enthusiastic customers this year," said Tom Noble, General Manager Marketing at BMW Group Australia.

"The M3 Sedan is a dynamic, muscled and toned machine that sets hearts pumping," said Noble, referring to the F1-inspired V8 engine which has one of the highest revving natures of any V8 on the market, boasting a stunning 8400rpm redline, andrear-wheel drive setup.

While it develops huge amounts of power and has a lofty 250km/h top speed, the BMW M3 Sedan still manages to be relatively efficient,consuming an average of 11.9-litres of fuel per 100km.

BMW has confirmed that the M3 Sedan can be ordered in Australia with either the traditional 6-speed manual gearbox, or the new 7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, which is 'the latest twin clutch arrangement that delivers even faster acceleration in a completely seamless manner'.

The BMW M3 Coupe gets 18-inch alloy wheels, powerful brakes, and shows off many of the design cues that have made the M3 Coupe so popular. 

This includes the power bulge on the engine hood flanked by air intake grilles and the trademark 'M' division side gills. 

It also gets a redesigned front apron, sporty rear diffuser and the highly recognisable 'quad-pack' exhaust pipes.

"We have been asked for some time to bring this car in so we are delighted we are now able to deliver on the wishes of our most ardent supporters," revealed BMW Australia's Tom Noble.

"The refined, engaging performance and handling, the five-seat practicality, and the unique visual appeal of the M3 are sure to make it a winner. Of course the concept of a light-weight V8 engine in the already agile and perfectly balanced 3 Series Sedan guarantees a stimulating drive each time you climb in," said Mr Noble.

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